Chairperson and Committee Members TE WHAKAMINENGA O KAPITI 14 AUGUST 2007

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1 CE Chairperson and Committee Members TE WHAKAMINENGA O KAPITI 14 AUGUST 2007 Purpose of Report: For Decision CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY RECOMMENDATIONS 1.1 That report CE be received. 1.2 That Te Whakaminenga o Kapiti give in principle approval to new citizens attending a citizenship ceremony on a marae in 2008, subject to further consultation with iwi, hapu and whanau. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A request was made by Corona Griffiths at the citizenship ceremony held on th Wednesday 30 May 2007 to visit a local marae and also acknowledge Tangata Whenua. This is the first time this type of request has been made by a new citizen and has prompted a review to identify options that will give new citizens the opportunity to attend a marae as part of the citizenship process. This report outlines current practice and a proposal that needs to be considered by Te Whakaminenga o Kapiti. BACKGROUND 2 Kapiti Coast District Council citizenship ceremonies are held every 6-8 weeks on a Wednesday night at 7.00pm in Council Chambers. The number of applicants varies from per session. The duration of the ceremony is dependant on the number of applicants and the reading of the oath or affirmation. For some new citizens English is a second or new language. They may find this part difficult and need gentle coaxing or support to fulfil this requirement. 3 The citizenship ceremony programme was developed inhouse and is made available on the night. The programme for the evening comprises: Request for all to stand Council staff Entry of Mayoral party including Council s Kaumatua Introduction Council staff Karakia Council s Kaumatua Page 1 of 14

2 CE Whakatau from Council s Kaumatua Waiata supported by Council staff (Te Waka) Speech from the Mayor Applicant reading of the Oath or Affirmation Applicant receipt of citizenship certificate and a small gift from the Mayor and Mayoress Reading of the letter from the Minister of Internal Affairs Invitation for applicants to have a photograph with the Mayor Invitation for all to sing the National Anthem in Māori and English Karakia Council s Kaumatua Waiata supported by Council Staff (Te Waka) Karakia Council s Kaumatua Karakia mo te kai Council s Kaumatua Supper 4 There has been no formal review of the programme for Citizenship Ceremonies and it is considered that none is required other than consideration of the proposals outlined in this report. 5 The following sections outline developments at other Councils that may be potential avenues for the Kapiti Coast District Council and Tangata Whenua to co-host a marae visit for new citizens. CONSIDERATIONS Issues and Options Vision 6 The Community Plan includes the four key principles of the Tangata Whenua vision for the district and suggests ideas about how these principles can be fostered. The vision mentions: working together; unity; cultural development; wider nurturing of te reo Māori; recognition of the importance of marae; improved Māori representation; international recognition and also that Tangata Whenua are closely involved in citizenship processes with new immigrants. The principles are: Whakawhanaungatanga/manaakitanga: that the marae is our principal home which ties Tangata Whenua to our areas through the physical embodiment of our ancestors and remains well maintained and thoroughly Page 2 of 14

3 CE respected. The wellbeing and health of the marae determines the emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing of the people. Te Reo: it is the language of the Tangata Whenua through which tikanga is conveyed and an official language of New Zealand. It is fundamental that the language, as a deeply treasured taonga left by our ancestors, is nurtured throughout the community and that the language continues to prosper and encourage future generations. Kotahitanga: through unity, we as communities have strength. Working together we can ensure our District s heritage, cultural development, health and education flourish. Tino Rangatiratanga: the continuation of self determination and self governance of all tribal matters. 7 Under the Local Government Act 2002, Council is required to promote the social, cultural, economic and environmental wellbeing of the district. Citizenship ceremonies and the way in which these are delivered on the Kapiti Coast give effect to these areas of wellbeing and align with Community Outcomes 2 and 7. Outcome 2: local character is retained within a cohesive district. Outcome 7: the District has a strong healthy and involved community. Citizenship Ceremonies 8 Application for New Zealand citizenship is made through The Department of Internal Affairs. The final part of the process is receipt of the citizenship certificate. Advice from Jane Fookes, Citizenship, Identity Services states the only requirement is the applicant must take the oath or affirmation of allegiance in front of an authorised person, i.e. a Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Justice of the Peace and subsequently receive their citizenship certificate (J.Fookes, personal communication, 5 July, 2007). 9 The Department of Internal Affairs encourages local authorities to include a Māori element in their ceremonies and this is often done by way of inviting a Kaumatua to speak or Kapa Haka group to perform. There is no restriction on other content or where a ceremony can be held, therefore a marae would be ideal. 10 Wayne Knox, Māori Relationships Manager confirms that citizenship ceremonies held at Waitakere City Council are supported by Kaumatua who open with karakia and mihimihi. They are planning for a citizenship ceremony to be held at one of their local marae later in the year (W.Knox, personal communication, 12 July, 2007). Powhiri/Hui 11 Masterton District Council investigated the option of inviting new citizens to the marae in The issue was that many immigrants had little or no exposure to things Māori and that there needed to be more initiatives to open the doors of Page 3 of 14

4 CE marae and invite them in (J.Kerehi, personal communication, 5 July, 2007). Further discussion highlighted the following points: Citizenship ceremonies are and should remain a civic ceremony; Once a year Council would co-host a powhiri for new citizens alongside Tangata Whenua; The ceremony would move around local marae to allow all hapu to exercise their manawhenua in partnership with Council. 12 The inaugural powhiri was held at Te Ore Ore marae, Wairarapa in This event received a citation from the Human Rights Commission in recognition of the initiative to bring people together. Around 40 migrants from Zimbabwe, South Africa, England, Scotland, India, Russia and Mexico took up the invitation to attend. New citizens were invited to wear their traditional costume in respect to their nationality. Kaikorero and Kaikaranga support were there to assist and bring the new citizens on to the marae. Waiting on the marae were Kaumatua, Kaikorero, Kaikaranga, the Mayor, Councillors and Council staff. A formal powhiri was held followed by invitation to share refreshments. After kai, everyone gathered in the wharenui where Kaikorero spoke about the history of the marae, the hapu and iwi. This was followed by a speech from the Mayor and individual mihimihi, giving everyone present an opportunity to talk. New citizens spoke about their homelands, what it meant to come to New Zealand and the opportunity to come to the marae. Rosie Mutsimba of Zimbabwe said the chance to be part of the occasion meant a lot to her family It was emotional. It really made us feel like we really belong in New Zealand (On the Brightside May Retrieved July, 2007). 13 There is a growing desire within communities to provide initiatives that support cultural development and integration. A very real issue in today s society is that marae are viewed as exclusive places and can be too difficult to access for new and even citizens by birth. Identifying activities that provide a safe and welcoming environment will go a long way towards a better understanding and support from the wider community. Proposed option 14 There is evidence to support a proposal for Council and Tangata Whenua to cohost a citizenship ceremony on a local marae in It is envisaged that the marae citizenship ceremony will include an invitation to other migrants who have already completed the process in the last 12 months to attend as a guest. Page 4 of 14

5 CE Further development of this initiative will need the support and endorsement from Tangata Whenua to participate in the planning and implementation stages. This is a viable way forward to celebrate partnership, diversity and will support the Community and Tangata Whenua long term vision for the district. Benefits for co-hosting ceremonies or powhiri for new citizens 16 The possible impacts on iwi to co-host a citizenship ceremony or powhiri for new citizens on marae: Recognition and acknowledgement of Tangata Whenua; Active involvement in the citizenship process; Opportunity to develop understanding and mutual support with members of the wider community; Helps Council build relationships with all marae in the district and the hapu that support them; Gives effect to the Treaty of Waitangi and the Tangata Whenua vision for the district; Acknowledges the partnership status for Tangata Whenua and Council elected representatives; Reduces barriers for learning about marae; Provides opportunity for more community involvement with marae; Involves a commitment from Tangata Whenua. 17 The possible impacts on Council to co-host a citizenship ceremony or powhiri for new citizens on marae: Organising event in partnership with Tangata Whenua; Enables effective engagement and partnership with Tangata Whenua; Learning and development for elected members and staff; Exposure to marae tikanga/kawa; Gives effect to the Treaty of Waitangi, Tangata Whenua vision for the district and Community Plan; Acknowledges the partnership status for Tangata Whenua and Council elected representatives; Allows Council to extend an invitation to new citizens to experience the marae; Improves community participation; Reduces barriers for learning about Māori language and protocol; Page 5 of 14

6 CE Involves a commitment from Council and Elected Members; Financial cost for koha to marae, facility hire and catering. 18 The possible impacts on new citizens to attend a citizenship ceremony or powhiri on a marae: Opportunity to experience the marae environment and interact with Tangata Whenua; Opportunity to celebrate their own culture with others; Connection with Tangata Whenua; Greater appreciation of tikanga Māori; Active participation within other parts of the community; Greater sense of belonging and integration into New Zealand people, land and culture. Financial Considerations 19 Citizenship ceremonies are funded by the Council Ceremonies and Functions Budget. If the proposal is adopted there will be financial considerations. Publicity Considerations 20 There are no publicity considerations at this time, although these will be considered in the development of options. Report prepared by: Approved for submission by: Te Paea Paringatai Workforce Development & Cultural Advisor Andrew Guerin Sustainable Development Manager 1 ATTACHMENTS Citizenship Ceremony Programme 11/7/2007 Page 6 of 14

7 THE KAPITI COAST DISTRICT COUNCIL CEREMONY OF CITIZENSHIP WEDNESDAY 11 JULY 2007 P R O G R A M M E 7.00 P.M COMMENCEMENT OF CEREMONY COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER TONY CRONIN Good evening everyone and welcome. Leigh Halstead the Chief Executive sends his apologies for not being able to be here tonight. I would like to introduce to you the Mayor of the Kapiti Coast District His Worship the Mayor, Alan Milne, the Mayoress Mary Milne, and also Rakauoteora (Don) Te Maipi of Raumati South. 1.1 Rakauoteora (Don) Te Maipi 1.2 KARAKIA Timatatanga Maori Whakataka te hau ki te uru Whakataka te hau ki te tonga Kia makinakina ki uta Kia mataratara ki tai Kia hii ake ana te atakura He tio He huka He hau hu Tihei Mauriora! Opening Prayer English Cease the wind from the West Cease the wind from the South Let the breeze blow over the land Let the breeze blow over the sea Let the new red dawn come, With a sharpened air, A touch of frost, A promise of a glorious day Sneeze, The Breath of Life! Page 7 of 14

8 WHAKATAU (A personal welcome by Rakauoteora (Don) Te Maipi on behalf of Tangatawhenua and the Kapiti Coast District Council) Maori Piki mai ra, kake mai ra Homai te wairua, me te waiora ki a maatou nei Me kimi, me rangahaua kei hea te ara tika mo taatou katoa He koa, He koa Ka ao, ka ao te raa Kua tae mai nei koutou ki raro i te kaakahu whakaruru hau o ngaa Iwi e toru Ko Ngati Raukawa ki te tonga o Te Atiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ko Ngati Toa Rangatira ki te tonga Naumai, haere mai ki roto i teenei whare o te kaunihera No reira, teena koutou, teena koutou, teena koutou katoa English Step up, climb up Give to us the spirituality and the breath of life We seek, we search where is the right pathway for us all We are happy, we are happy It is dawn, It is daylight you have arrived beneath the sheltering cloaks of the three tribes of this area. Ngati Raukawa, Ngati tribes of this area. Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Toa Rangatira to the south, Te Atiawa ki Whakarongotai Welcome into this house of the District Council So therefore, we say again, Greetings Welcome to you all WAIATA E Pā Tō Hau Maori English E pā tō hau he wini raro He hōmai aroha Kia tangi atu au i konei He aroha ki te iwi Ka momotu ki tawhiti ki Paerau Ko wai e kite atu Kei whea aku hoa i mua rā? I te tōnuitanga? Ka haramai tēnei ka tauwehe Ka raungaiti au, e Gently blows the wind from the North Bringing loving memories So that I mourn again my kin Lost to me in the world of spirits Where are they now? Where are those friends of former days Who once lived in prosperity? The time of separation has come Leaving me desolate Page 8 of 14

9 COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER TONY CRONIN I would like to thank Don Te Maipi for that warm welcome. We also have with us tonight Darren Hughes MP for Otaki, Councillor Hilary Wooding, and Community Board Member Don Moselen. Apologies have been received from Luamanuvao Winnie Laban MP for Mana. Nathan Guy MP and Jenny Rowan, Community Board Member they send best wishes to the candidates on receiving their citizenship. Your Worship, we have 9 people here tonight who want to complete the acquisition of New Zealand Citizenship. They will take the Oath or the Affirmation of Allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen, to make effective the Grants of Naturalisation approved by the Honourable Minister of Internal Affairs. Would you like to welcome our guests? MAYOR ALAN MILNE Thank you, hello, kia ora, and welcome to each of the citizenship candidates that we have here tonight. I know that this is a very significant day for each of you, and that it marks the culmination of a long journey towards becoming a New Zealander. I would also like to welcome your family members and friends who have gathered here to share this special occasion. Page 9 of 14

10 My forebears came to New Zealand more than 150 years ago from England and Scotland. They were workers on the land and knew much about hardship, struggle, cold winters, and surviving in a new land. I am proud of their efforts and grateful that they chose to make New Zealand their home and by doing so, have given me the opportunity to live and work here and to enjoy life on the Kapiti Coast. Candidates who receive their citizenship here tonight originate from: India, Philippines, Zimbabwe and Thailand It is this multi-cultural mix that makes the Kapiti Coast such an interesting community to live in and certainly one that I am extremely proud to lead. The Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, which you are about to take will seal your citizenship as New Zealanders. But before we do that, it is my duty to emphasise to you the privileges and responsibilities that go with New Zealand Citizenship. You are given the right to live permanently in this country as a citizen and you also acquire the wider status of a British subject. You are also free to work where you wish in New Zealand without the need for any work permits or visas. Page 10 of 14

11 With these rights go the responsibility of being loyal to your new country, obeying its laws and regulations and working to the best of your ability for its welfare. Becoming a New Zealand citizen is an important decision. However, it does not mean you have to forget your original home. In New Zealand, we are all equal under the law and all cultures and traditions are welcomed to enrich the nation. In handing you now your Certificates of Citizenship, I know I express the wishes of all here that the years ahead will be happy ones and that you will never regret the step you have taken here tonight. COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER TONY CRONIN When your name is called, will you please come forward to take either the Oath or Affirmation. (wording of the Oath of Allegiance. I, (full name of candidate) of (place of residence), swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of New Zealand, her heirs and successors according to law, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of New Zealand and fulfil my duties as a New Zealand citizen. So help me God. (wording of the Affirmation of Allegiance.. I, (full name of candidate) of (place of residence), solemnly, and sincerely affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Page 11 of 14

12 Elizabeth the Second, Queen of New Zealand, her heirs and successors according to law, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of New Zealand an fulfil my duties as a New Zealand citizen. MAYOR (action only) After taking either the Oath or the Affirmation, the Mayor will congratulate each candidate and present them with their Certificates of Citizenship. MAYOR As there are no further people here this evening to receive their Certificates of Citizenship, I shall now read a letter from the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Honourable Rick Barker. To My Fellow Citizens Congratulations on becoming a New Zealander and a citizen of our beautiful country. I am pleased that you have chosen New Zealand to be your home. Your new citizenship does not mean that you will forget your country of birth, which will always be important to you. I hope that you will continue to share your traditions and your culture with all of us they are an important part of the shared wealth of our country. By becoming a New Zealander, you have committed yourself to this country. By choice, you take on both the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. New Zealand is proud of its traditions, cultures and shared values. We treasure our peaceful lifestyle, our freedom, democracy and access to justice. We care for our families, we strive for a better life for our children and we seek to strengthen and enrich our society. We welcome you as one of us, to join with your fellow Kiwis in building a stronger independent country for the benefit of all citizens. New Zealand s future is now your future. Signed: the Honourable Rick Barker, Minister of Internal Affairs. Page 12 of 14

13 Before we conclude the formal part of our ceremony, I would like to invite you to share supper with us. We have also arranged an opportunity for you to have your photograph taken tonight. If you and/or your family and friends wish to have your photo taken please feel free to join me in the foyer through the door on the left. Just come through, one family at a time. The photos are free with Council s compliments and will be posted to you at home in a few days time. All join in to sing God Defend New Zealand God Defend New Zealand Maori E I-ho-ã, a-tu-a, O ngã i-wi, ma-tou-rã, Ã ta wha-ka ro-ngo-na; Me a-ro-ha no-a Ki-a hu-a ko te pai; Ki-a tau tõ a-ta-whai; Ma-na-aki-ti-a mai A-o-te-aro-a English God of Nations at Thy feet In the bonds of love we meet Hear our voices we entreat God defend our free land Guard Pacific's triple star From the shafts of strife and war Make her praises heard afar God Defend New Zealand 1.3 Rakauoteora (Don) Te Maipi 1.4 KARAKIA Whakamutunga Maori Kia tau, kia tatou katoa Te atawhai o to tatou Ariki a Hehu Karaiti Me te aroha o te Atua Me te whiwhingatahitanga Ki te wairua tapu Ake, ake, ake Amene Closing Prayer English May the blessing of Lord Jesus Christ And the love of God be upon us all And the fellowship and the holy spirit Now and forever Amen Page 13 of 14

14 2 WHAKAARIA MAI Maori Whakaaria mai Tou riipeka ki a au Tiaho mai, na roto i te po Hei konei au Titiro atu ai Ora mate hei au Koe noho ai Ora mate hei au Koe noho ai Amine English O Lord my God! when I in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy pow'r thro'out the universe displayed, Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee; How great Thou art, How great Thou art! PRAYER Maori Kia tau ngaa manaakitanga Ki teena, ki teera o taatou Kia tuuturu Whakamaua Kia tina tina Hui e Taiki e English May the blessings be upon each and everyone of us all May it be permanent Bind us together Do you agree We agree Join us It is done Page 14 of 14