Mana Wahine goes to Parliament

MPs Louisa Wall, Adrian Ruwahe and Meka Whaitiri were among those who heard about the PSA Runanga’s claim highlighting disadvantages experienced by wāhine Māori in the workplace.

MP Adrian Ruwahe, claimants Georgina Kerr and Paula Davis, and MP Louisa Wall

Te Rūnanga’s claim is part of the Waitangi Tribunal’s Mana Wahine Kaupapa Inquiry.

JUDICIAL CONFERENCE

At a judicial conference in May, the Tribunal indicated it wants the Mana Wahine Inquiry to begin with contextual hearings later this year.

The PSA supports the Tribunal’s intention to take a chronological approach to the inquiry, recognising the issues affecting wāhine Māori in employment involve both historical and contemporary breaches.

The Crown also expressed a desire to hold hui with claimants in parallel with the inquiry, on issues which are a priority for the Government, including inequity facing wāhine Māori in work.

The PSA is in the process of appointing a researcher to analyse the findings of our Mana Wahine survey, which asked our wāhine Māori members about their employment experiences.

MĀORI DELEGATES ACKNOWLEDGED

Also during the hui with Labour Māori MPs at Parliament, MP Meka Whaitiri acknowledged the submissions PSA Māori delegates present to select committees.

Delegate Rireana Kirkwood with MP Meka Whaitiri

She has a responsibility for encouraging Māori into leadership roles across all government agencies, DHBs, councils and the private sector. She emphasised the importance of nurturing the talents of our rangatahi because they are our future.

Meka said it was also important for Māori to be involved in designing core competencies for the recruitment and monitoring the performance of new public sector executives. The PSA is key to these developments and should be seeking these opportunities when they meet with the State Services Commissioner, chief executives and MPs.

She discussed developing a centralised approach for Māori recruitment, appointment and training.