17 November 2006

PACIFIC PEOPLES & THE TREATY OF WAITANGI


Va’aomanu Pasifika – Pacific & Samoan Studies, Victoria University &
Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs
In association with the Human Rights Commission
Cordially invites you to a Symposium on
“  PACIFIC PEOPLES & THE TREATY OF WAITANGI 
To be held on Friday 17th November 2006
From 12.15pm – 4pm
At Lecture Theatre 1,  Rutherford House, Lambton Quay, Wellington
Chaired by Sai Lealea
(Director Monitoring, Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs)
*  Lunch provided  *
Human Rights and the Treaty of Waitangi
The Treaty is our nation’s principal founding document. It is regarded as a framework for relations between the Crown and Rangatira, both as to matters of process and as to expected outcomes.  In New Zealand we also have a Bill of Rights, and a Human Rights Act protecting the rights of all people.
Some questions for Pacific people include:
    • What is the relationship between the Treaty and human rights?
    • How does the Treaty influence the relationship between Pacific Peoples and the Crown?
    • How does the Treaty influence the relationship between Pacific Peoples and Rangatira?
    • What are the issues for Pacific People?  For example, how does the Treaty protect Pacific rights and responsibilities and, Pacific concerns in areas of health, education, justice, the delivery of social services, language, culture, international relations, local government, and employment?


Key Note Speakers
    Garry Nicholas (General Manager , Toi Maori; Te Atiawa, Ngati Ruanui)
    Galumalemana Alfred Hunkin (Senior Lecturer, Samoan Studies, Victoria University)
    Apii Rongo-Raea, (Advisor Engagement, Business Management & Strategic Thinking)
    Dr Tamasailau Suaalii-Sauni (Deputy Director & Lecturer, Pacific Studies, Auckland University)
    Rosslyn Noonan (Chief Human Rights Commissioner)




       Vaaomanu Pasifika

Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs
Social and Economic Prosperity for Pacific People
 

Programme
12.15pmOpeningPiri Sciascia & Tupuola Malifa
12.20pmIntroductionChairperson
12.25pmSpeaker 1:  Tangata Whenua – Tangata PasifikaGarry Nicholas
12.45pmSpeaker 2:  The Pacific Experience in Aotearoa-NZ:  A Personal ViewGalumalemana Alfred Hunkin
1.05pmLUNCH
1.40pmSpeaker 3:  Pacific Community & The TreatyApii Rongo-Raea
2.00pmSpeaker 4:  The Place of Pacific People in Aotearoa-NZ:  Exploring Constitutional IssuesDr Tamasailau Suaalii-Sauni
2.20pmSpeaker 5:  An Overview of the Human Rights Commission’s Te Mana I Waitangi ProjectRosslyn Noonan
2.40pmGroup discussions
3.00pmPlenary discussionFacilitated by Chairperson
3.50 pmConcluding commentsHost representatives
4.00pmClosing

For catering purposes, please RSVP to: Narlene Ioane by 12noon Wednesday 15th November 2006