A lifetime of honourable communication
Sir Tamati Reedy has dedicated his life to the study of Maori language and the advancement of Maori in education, public administration, iwi development and Maori-Crown relationships. As a Director of Reedy Holdings Ltd, a member of the Waitangi Tribunal, author of 35 publications and Knight Companion of the NZ Order of Merit (KNZM), Sir Tamati credits much of his success to strong values instilled by his Ngati Porou East Coast upbringing.
"I was brought up by my grandparents on a farm in the isolated Maraehara Valley, Tikitiki. Our whãnau spoke Maori and life centred on the ethic of hard work. I remember my grandmother for her kindness. My grandfather’s saying was, "Haere ki te kuhu i a koe. Takahia te ao. Travel and learn to stand on your own two feet."
Sir Tamati gained a MA in English from Auckland University in 1973. In 1977 he gained an MA in linguistics, followed by a doctorate in linguistics in 1979, both from the University of Hawaii.
On a Fulbright scholarship Sir Tamati then held a post as Associate Professor at the University of Alabama. On his return to New Zealand in 1983, he was appointed Secretary of Maori Affairs heading the Department for six years. He was awarded the New Zealand Medal in 1990 for public service.
On his retirement from the public service in 1989, Sir Tamati and Lady Tilly provided education and training on the Treaty, Te Reo and to promote cultural understanding through their company Reedy Holdings Ltd. "We saw a need to educate New Zealanders and facilitate stronger appreciation for our unique Maori language. Our courses were provided in the public and private sectors. Today our company continues to support language teaching."
Reedy Holdings Ltd assisted in the early development of Kohanga Reo - Maori language nests. Lady Tilly, basing her work on the Maori maxim, "Toku Rangatiratanga no te mana-matauranga - knowledge and power set me free" gave emphasis to empowering children to learn and grow. In 1996 the business was involved in developing a draft document, Te Whariki, which became the basis for the bicultural early childhood curriculum in New Zealand.
In 1996, Sir Tamati was also appointed Dean and Professor of the new School of Maori and Pacific Development at Waikato University. In 2005 he was appointed as Professor of Maori Sustainable Enterprise at its Management School. Sir Tamati’s interest in sustainability continues, and today Reedy Holdings Ltd is subdividing land to establish an eco-community near Wellington.
Right from the start, the Reedys recognised the advantages of establishing their company with a sound financial basis. An approach was made to Peter Smith. "We had limited business knowledge but wanted to get things right. Today, Peter Smith and his team at Markhams keep us on the financial straight and narrow with reliable advice and support. We have learnt how to structure our business to gain advantages, to value having strong business processes and to know what our tax obligations are."
The Reedys rely on Peter’s insight to bounce around business ideas and ensure their projects are fiscally viable. "There’s little point in proceeding if an idea doesn’t make sound business sense. Markhams advice is always easy to understand," confirms language expert Sir Tamati.
Published Autumn 2011.
