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Pita Sharples

332 posts | 2 images

Member for Tamaki Makaurau, Maori Party Honours/decorations CBE for services to New Zealand in education 1990 Current parliamentary roles Co-Leader Deputy-Chairperson, Maori Affairs Committee Member, Regulations Review Committee

Joined August 2007
13,413 profile views
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Politics 9 Nov 2007
Continuation of Interim Meaning of Funding for Parliamentary Purposes

Over the last week, there has been a great deal of political postering and jostling for airtime about the concept of the ‘rule of law’.

249 views

Politics 8 Nov 2007
Human Tissue (Organ Donation) Amendment Bill

In the Book of Common Prayer there is a phrase that is commonly used in English burial services, as clods of clay are ceremonially cast on to the coffin.

247 views

Maori 8 Nov 2007
A more equitable justice system

Seven years ago, in November 2000, former Justice Minister Phil Goff issued a dramatic statement, saying it was in the interests of all New Zealanders to bring down Maori offending and in particular Maori youth offending.

416 views

Defence 7 Nov 2007
Military Justice

This Bill is being read in a context which illustrates the fickle state of popular favour.

303 views

Police 31 Oct 2007
Police College Wananga

PORIRUA — As I made my way to this wananga kaitakawaenga, the words of a remarkable haka composed by Whetu Tipiwai came to me: Whakaki ki te maunga Tae ki te whenua Hoki ki te Rangi Tae ki te Pukerunga Piki ake piki ake Ki te ara poutama Ki nga taumatatanga e Wairua Hinengaro Tinana In its essence, the haka inspires us to always have our horizons set firmly in our gaze.

738 views

News 30 Oct 2007
Who’s the Most Endangered of them all?

MANUKAU CITY — On the 12th June this year a remarkable event took place at Parliament.

341 views

Maori 26 Oct 2007
The Evolving role of the Treaty in International Relations

Fellow Kahungunu kinsman, Moana Jackson has the unique ability to raise a question which generates hours of debate.

318 views

Politics 25 Oct 2007
Income Tax Bill: Third Reading

Tena koe Mr Speaker.

301 views

Maori 24 Oct 2007
‘Treaty Settlement Inquiry Canned by Cautious Government Members’

Dr Pita Sharples today spoke of his profound disappointment that the Maori Affairs Select Committee was unprepared to take up the challenge of reviewing the Treaty Settlement process, despite national and international pressure to do so.

380 views

Legal 24 Oct 2007
Trust Copyright?

I was looking over a review, written in 1973, of the classic recording of the Ma Wai Hakona Maori Association, Songs of Maori heroes.

518 views

Politics 17 Oct 2007
An Indigenous Programme for Restorative Justice by the Maori of New Zealand

AUCKLAND — It is our pleasure to present to you our restorative justice programme, Te Whanau Awhina, which was developed by the Maori community to address the situation of large numbers of Maori youth appearing before the courts.

1,815 views

Crime 13 Oct 2007
Time does not wipe away injustice. Reconciliation does

WELLINGTON — The coupling of the two words, ‘Maori’ and ‘Victim’ have most frequently occurred in ways which have been pejorative.

445 views

Politics 11 Oct 2007
Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill 3

There are two remarkable points of relevance to this debate on the Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill which the Notice of Motion debate brought to our attention.

307 views

Politics 11 Oct 2007
Appointment of David McGee as Ombudsman

Notice of Motion: ‘That this House recommends His Excellency the Governor-General appoint David Graham McGee, CNZM, QC of Wellington as an Ombudsman for a term commencing on 19 November 2007’.

487 views

Diplomacy 9 Oct 2007
'Let peace prevail for all the peoples of Zimbabwe'

The Maori Party has today released a statement, following a caucus briefing with leading Zimbabwe political figure, Sekai Holland.

325 views

Agriculture 9 Oct 2007
Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines

The Maori Party comes to this third reading of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Amendment Bill, from a context founded in the knowledge that land remains a central platform for Māori economic development.

238 views

Politics 5 Oct 2007
The Foreshore and Seabed; Democracy and opening up the Debate

I had occasion this week, to read a definition of democracy, from Otilia Lux de Cojti, of Maya Kiche ancestry, and the former Minister of Culture in the Guatemala Government.

296 views

News 4 Oct 2007
Transformation to a high wage; high skill economy

WELLINGTON — If the Maori Party is part of Government following the 2008 General Election, how would our industrial relations policy assist in transforming Aotearoa from a low wage / low skill economy to a high wage / high skill economy? In the weekend leading up to this hui, Te Puni Kokiri released a report which gave life to the adage, the grass is always greener on the other side of the ditch.

247 views

Maori 4 Oct 2007
Te Ao Maori

AUCKLAND CITY — Thirty two years ago, a study of Maori ceremonial gatherings, ended with an epilogue that sets a context for the focus of this lecture today, in this course focusing on Te Ao Maori.

1,115 views

Education 1 Oct 2007
International Adult Literacy Conference

AUCKLAND CITY — As we made our way here tonight I was thinking about the history behind the phrase, Te Rangi i totongia a Tamatekapua – the day the blood of Tamatekapua was shed.

608 views

Maori 28 Sep 2007
Land Review Findings Vindicate Iwi concerns

Announcements today that yet another ministerial group will be established to oversee significant land sales, but a group which excludes the Minister in Charge of Treaty Negotiations and the Minister of Maori Affairs, is being questioned by the Maori Party.

313 views

Politics 20 Sep 2007
Waitakere Ranges Heritage Bill

AUCKLAND — There’ll be people North of the Bombay Hills hoping like mad that in terms of consultation with Maori, the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Bill might strike it lucky, this time.

363 views

Politics 20 Sep 2007
Auckland Regional Amenities Funding

AUCKLAND — I come to this Bill knowing that neither the opinions of my constituency, nor the opinions of the neighbouring constituency of Te Tai Tokerau, have been canvassed about what Auckland-based amenities should reasonably qualify for funding through the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Bill being debated today.

530 views

Water 14 Sep 2007
The right to clean, safe water

This Bill is encapsulated in one, simple sentence.

294 views

Agriculture 13 Sep 2007
Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines

Tena koe Mr Speaker.

293 views

Politics 12 Sep 2007
Securities (local authority exemption)

Tena koe Madam Speaker This Bill seeks to restore an exemption for local authorities to the current Securities Act disclosure regime.

219 views

Health 11 Sep 2007
The Enduring Trauma of Agent Orange highlighted by Maori Party

The Māori Party has today stated it is using the opportunity of the state visit of the President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to highlight the toxic legacy left by exposure to Agent Orange, both at home and in Viet Nam.

252 views

Legal 7 Sep 2007
Maori Lawyers - a threatened species?

AUCKLAND CITY — Shortly before I arrived at the marae this morning, I was talking with our own Member of the Northern Territory, Hone Harawira, who was telling me about the significance of this day, the 7th September, for our Australian brothers and sisters.

838 views

Politics 29 Aug 2007
Community law centres

There is a saying attributed to 24 BC philosopher Lao Tse which I have often thought about, as I reflect on the various challenges facing our nation.

607 views

Aid 28 Aug 2007
In Search of a symbol

AUCKLAND CITY — I was interested in yesterday’s business news, to see baby products manufacturer, Johnson and Johnson, taking on the Red Cross for the inappropriate use of their symbol – the red cross that around the world is associated with humanitarian aid.

865 views

Education 24 Aug 2007
Hawkes Bay Primary Principals Conference

HAWKE'S BAY — Three days ago, whilst attending the Coronation of Kingi Tuheitia, I was moved by a gesture of great generosity from His Highness, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, the Head of State of Western Samoa.

751 views

News 23 Aug 2007
Gambling Amendment Bill

I’d like to take a call on this Bill, as someone who indulges in the odd game of Black Jack, pontoon, or craps.

264 views