Monday, 22 December 2008

Tēnā koutou katoa,
Ngā mihi nui o te wā kirihimete ki a koutou katoa

This year has been a very good year for Te Puni Kōkiri. It has been a year of many firsts where we have continued to support both individual and collective Māori potential that has positive benefits for whānau, hapū, iwi and New Zealand.

We played a key role in brokering relationships between iwi and the Crown to settle historic Treaty claims like the CNI settlement, we continue to support Māori and their aspirations like becoming world champions at the Inaugural World Indigenous Touch Tournament or on the world stage we supported the establishment of the World Indigenous Television Network.

I would like to thank Te Puni Kōkiri staff for their valued contribution through their mahi as they have supported Māori to succeed as Māori and provide good quality advice to the Government about Māori affairs.

We now have a new Government in place and I look forward to serving them over the next three years. Te Puni Kōkiri’s role remains the same and it is to assist and support the new Government’s priorities and direction through our collective and continued effort to realise the potential of our people.

I am looking forward to working with our Ministers and am excited by the opportunities ahead to achieve Māori aspirations.

However, it is now time to put work behind us and enjoy the upcoming Christmas break.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of Te Puni Kōkiri in 2008. I wish you all a happy and safe festive season with your whānau and friends. Be good, stay healthy and enjoy the festive season.