Ngati Porou first to launch national web service

A new Tuhono web service that automatically updates members’ details directly to an iwi’s database was launched today in Gisborne.

Te Runanga o Ngati Porou – representing New Zealand’s second largest iwi – is the first of 84 mandated iwi organisations across the country to take advantage of the Tkhono web service. Tkhono accesses information fed into the Electoral Enrolment Centre daily by the Ministry of Transport, NZ Transport Agency, NZ Post Office and Department of Internal Affairs.

Hailing the new service, Runanga chief executive Dr Monty Soutar says keeping track of iwi members will in turn enable the Runanga to keep its people fully informed about issues that affect them.

“We are a transient and dispersed people with more of our 73,000 members living outside their rohe or traditional area than living within it. Many of our people often change their address but with this capability, we will receive fortnightly updates directly to our own database. This will help us maintain connections.

“Already we have about 28,000 people on our iwi register, but only 12,000 of them are registered with Tkhono. We need the other 16,000 to go on the Tkhono register too so we can keep track of them too.”

The Tkhono web service relies on registered voters of Maori descent opting to also register with Tkhono – an organisation that helps Maori people and iwi organisations make connections. At the end of June, about 101,000 of the 400,000 people of Maori descent registered on the electoral roll were also registered with Tkhono; 12,000 identified as Ngati Porou.

The Tkhono database is automatically updated whenever a person changes their address details on their driver’s licence, car registration form or change of address form at the post office. It also updates when a person legally changes their name or dies.

Runanga deputy chair Selwyn Parata, a Tkhono trustee for the Porourangi district, says that as an iwi, Ngati Porou has always wanted to know where its people are.

“People are our biggest asset – knowing where they are, knowing how we can make contact is important to us. We have put a lot of resources into getting our database to the standard it is today. We want Ngati Porou to participate and engage in the processes from Treaty settlements to other kaupapa – social development, education initiatives, matauranga Ngati Porou, foreshore and seabed, customary fisheries and the like.”

Register Manager Lillian Tangaere-Baldwin says it is no surprise that Ngati Porou is first off the blocks with Tkhono.

“We future-proofed our database when we made changes five years ago. We designed it so that if this technological advance occurred, it would only be a matter of adding a new function, which is what has happened.

“This has enhanced our ability as an organisation to communicate better and more cost efficiently. Before we became part of Tkhono, we would have up to 3000 ‘returns to sender’ after a mailout.”

The upgrade has enabled a further innovation with the Runanga now able to text and email members directly from its database.

Tkhono Trust chair Druis Barrett commended the Runanga for its leadership and commitment to providing a high level of service to iwi members.

“This is an exciting concept for all iwi. However, the full benefit of this initiative can only be realised if iwi members register with both their iwi and with Tkhono.”

Tkhono Chief Executive Dan Te Kanawa says the service is ready and waiting for the 83 other mandated iwi organisations.

“Iwi don’t have to be cash-rich to access the network through Tkhono. However, they do need to make a commitment to accessing and using modern technology, and to working collaboratively with other organisations, like Tkhono. Without that commitment, the capability provided by Tkhono will go unfulfilled.”