The Matapopore Charitable Trust Set was up in 2014 to give cultural advice on the Christchurch rebuild anchor projects. It has invoiced taxpayers and ratepayers for $2.5 million of consultancy work since then. Matapopore, which has a monopoly on Māori consultancy for the public anchor projects, describes itself as representing the iwi's "values, narratives and aspirations".
The Matapopore Charitable Trust Set was up in 2014 to give cultural advice on the Christchurch rebuild anchor projects. It has invoiced taxpayers and ratepayers for $2.5 million of consultancy work since then. Matapopore, which has a monopoly on Māori consultancy for the public anchor projects, describes itself as representing the iwi's "values, narratives and aspirations".
The arrangement follows Ngāi Tahu and local hapu (sub-tribe) Ngāi Tūāhuriri receiving special recognition in post-earthquake legislation as a rebuild partner to be consulted during the city's recovery.
Sacha McMeeking, the head of Canterbury University's school of Māori and Indigenous Studies, says:
“As mana whenua, the iwi with authority over the land, Ngāi Tahu has a mandate similar to a local council.”
"For any engagement to be legitimate and authentic, it has to be given by mana whenua. Ngāi Tahu can speak on behalf of the land."
For more information on this issue, see the Christchurch Press’s latest investigation of the Trust. This includes a list of public organisations that have paid the trust, and the amounts.