Chairman Ian Perry.
STEVE RENDLE
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Elections for the Ngati Kahungunu Settlement Trust have led to most incumbent trustees being returned to office, but at least two unsuccessful candidates are planning to seek reviews of the process.
In voting for a representative of Te Ore Ore Marae, Rex Hemi was the only sitting member to be defeated, losing to Takere Leach by five votes, 24 to 19.
Poti Election Services, which ran the election, said there was a turnout of just over 31 per cent, with 1006 of 3196 eligible voters taking part.
The number of registered voters is considerably less than the total of 4596 provided by the Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tamaki Nui-a-Rua Settlement Trust last week.
During the election, the Times-Age received several complaints about voters finding themselves unregistered and voting packs being inaccurate and not being received.
Chairman Ian Perry gained 144 votes in the election, 73 votes ahead of his only rival for Ngai Tumapuhia-a-Rangi, Inia Eruera.
Other votes were much closer as PJ Devonshire, with 48 votes, defeated Henare Manaena by five votes in Hurunui-o-Rangi marae, with former Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox receiving 32 votes.
Mr Manaena intends lodging a review but said the final count was not his concern.
“I’m not questioning the election result . . . I am concerned about the electoral process.
“I’m questioning the fact that out of 400 registered voters (in Hurunui-o-Rangi) only about 100 came out to vote.
“I want to know how many voting packs went out and how many came back with the wrong address, as well as other issues – having incorrect information on voting papers, wrong profile information, wrong PIN numbers.”
Mr Manaena is also concerned about what he believes is interference by the trust, which held a meeting for the Tamaki Nui-a-Rua hapu when voting papers allowed voters to choose only one candidate when four trustees are actually required.
In the Ngati Hinewaka vote, incumbent trustee Haami Te Whaiti, with 89 votes, was well ahead of Abe Matenga, who received 12 votes.
But after voting closed, Mr Matenga remained angry that at least some voting packs delivered did not include his candidate profile, but that of Mr Manaena.
He indicated last week he would be seeking a review.
The trust deed states that any candidate can seek a review within 14 days of the results being announced.
Any review must be carried out by someone appointed by the Wellington District Law Society.
Mr Perry said he was aware of the complaints and these would be considered as part of the normal review of the election process.
“The returning officer has done his job and now it’s our turn (the trust) to look at the process.”
One reason only 100 Voters came out of the 400 registered voters of Hurunui-o-rangi, is probably because of a lack of connecting TO whanau members of the hapu.
There’s no emphasis on tangata tangata tangata UNTIL they want to be voted in.
Overall the numbers of those voting is dismal, THAT should be more of a concern than the outcome. Why are so many NOT Voting? Why?
Where are the younger generation? Why aren’t any standing? And I mean all age groups? Where are the 20 year olds? 30 year olds? Why are they not encouraged to be a part of marae processes?
I haven’t grown up here, but as far as I can determine, there is a lack of sharing whakapapa, stories of the old ways and a lack of whanaungatanga. True whanaungatanga.
The voting process is a shambles. But so is the state of maori culture in Wairarapa.