Te Ohu Kaimoana ahead of schedule

The Maori fisheries settlement trust is ahead of schedule for getting Maori fisheries assets into the hands of the tribes.

The latest iwi to complete mandating processes is Gisborne-based Rongowhaata, which is set to receive $2.1 million in deepwater quota, cash and shares in pan Maori fishing company Aotearoa Fisheries.

It now just needs to reach agreement on its coastal boundaries with neighbours Ngati Porou and Te Aitanga a Mahaki to receive the balance of its inshore quota entitlement.

Te Ohu Kaimoana chief executive Peter Douglas says he's pleased at progress, particularly after earlier complaints that the trust was moving too slowly.

"Rongowhakaata is now the 22nd of the 57 tyribes we are required to mandate, which is ahead of schedule - we are required to have 24 done by the end of this year - but my objective is now to have all of them done by the first quarter of the next calendar year," Mr Douglas says.

He says the pressure will now be on the East Coast cluster of tribes to reach agreement on inshore boundaries in time for the October fishing season.

GREEN MP WANTS MAORI ON DRINK PANEL

Green MP Metiria Turei says a government review panel looking at the regulations covering alcohol advertising should include a Maori community representative.

The panel includes Tim Rochford, a lecturer in Maori studies at the Wellington School of Medicine.

But Ms Turei says while the effects of alcohol consumption on Maori are not so different to non-Maori, there are other differences.

"For individuals who have problems and families, the interventions needed and programmes needed are different, so there should be specific representation of Maori community organisations and alcohol addiction groups on that review panel," Turei said.

Metiria Turei says if it's good enough to have a representative of the advertising industry on the panel, it should be good enough to have proper Maori representation.

WHARE MATAURANGA CENTRAL TO NAPIER KURA

Napier's Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Ara Hou is rethinking the way schools should be built.

The kura has secured $5.9 million in government funding to replace the overcrowded, badly heated and leaky buildings it inherited from Wycliff intermediate, the previous users of its site in south east Napier.

It has a roll of 190 students, ranging from new entrants to seventh formers, and principal Wii Pohatu says the new complex should cater for up to 220 students.

He says it will have 14 classes circling around a central whare matauranga or house of learning.

"It's going to be a space that can be utilised as a teaching space, smaller spaces or a huge space, it can be turned into classrooms. It is not just a wharenui as we have on a marae, it is using that idea but not," Pohatu said.

Wi Pohatu says the kura whanau believed it was more important to have a teaching space than a space to receive manuhiri, although the whare mataurangi can be used for that.

BROADBAND CONCERN FOR MAORI IN BUDGET

Labour MPs have spread out around the country selling the Budget.

Maori MPs Dover Samuels, Dave Hereora and Shane Jones were in Northland yesterday with communications minister David Cunliffee meeting Maori and business leaders.

Mr Jones, the chair of the Maori caucus, says there were no questions about Manaaki Tauira student grants, the future of Maori Affairs minister Parekura Horomia or other issues which have exercised political circles in Wellington.

Instead they wanted to know about the extra funding for numeracy and literacy, apprenticeships, and what the impact of telecommunicaitons reform was likely to be on rural areas.

"Lots of Maori women in particular are coming back in mid-career to do long distance learning, and they were out in force today pointing out the quality of the telecommunications infrastructure is going to guide them as to whether they can continue to study," Jones said.

He said people in the north are keen that the Probe initiative to get broadband to schools should also be extended to other community organisations.

MAORI SOCIAL WORK UPSKILLING NEEDED

assey University social services lecturer Fiona Te Momo says not enough Maori are involved in paid social work.

Dr Te Momo says most Maori workers are involved on a voluntary basis but don't hold a recognised qualification.

She says the profession needs to find better ways to recognise prior learning and to build the capacity of Maori volunteers, community workers and social workers.

Dr Te Momo says there are significant questions to be answered.

"How do we encourage our people not in the homes but in the wider community to see that type of work as a profession so they can get employment, get a job, and how do we value a lot of our Maori people dong that kind of mahi anyway," Te Momo said.

Fiona Te Momo will be delivering the annual Oteha lecture at Massey University's Te Mata o Te Tau Academy Research and Scholarship in Albany tomorrow.

LANGUAGE BOSS DREAMING OF RAROTONGA

Next week's New Zealand mission to the Pacific led by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will include represantation for the Maori language commission, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori.

Chief executive Haami Piripi says it's the first time the commission has been asked to be part of such a delegation, and he's looking forward to discussing language issues with his counterparts in other Pacific nations.

Mr Piripi says he and commissioner Pat Hohepa are particularly looking forward to visiting Rarotonga, whose language is very close to New Zealand Maori.

"The Cook Islands still has living language communities, people who grow up speaking Maori, people who go to bed and dream in Maori. In New Zealand, while we have a strong push towards regeneration of language, it is at acquisition of language rather than the high proficiency end. We are losing high proficiency speakers becuase our elders die much earlier than other New Zealanders," Piripi said

Rongowhakaata ready for $2.1m fish share

Gisborne-based Rongowhakaata iwi has completed the mandating requirements which allows it to collect the first part of its fisheries settlement assets.

Te Ohu Kaimoana fisheries settlement trust chief executive Peter Douglas says the Rongowhakaata Charitable Trust will receive the population-based component of the settlement, $2.1 million in deepwater quota, cash and shares in pan-Maori fishing company Aotearoa Fisheries Limited.

Mr Douglas says the next step is to negotiate with neighbouring iwi on how to divide up the inshore quota, which allocated according to the length of a tribe's coastline.

IN: The good news for them is the tribes on either side, Ngati Porou and Te Aitanga a Mahaaki, have also passed the mandating process, so they are able to agree between them how they are going to share the inshore fisheries, which will allow them to get the remainder. The same applies to Aitanga a Mahaaki, which can do a deal with Rongowhakaata and Ngai Tamanuhiri," Douglas said.

Mr Douglas says Rongowhakaata is the 22nd iwi to establish a mandate.

OPTIMISM ON NON-SMOKING FUTURE

It may take generations for Maori to kick the smoking habit, but it will happen.

That's the view of Irene Walker from Maori heart foundation Te Hotu Manawa Maori.

Ms Walker says she is heartened by the Maori response to World Smokefree Day today, and the numbers who have turned out to Maori smokefree events around the country.

She says the key is making young people not only realise the dangers of smoking but take on leadership roles in the fight against tobacco.

MAORI HOPPING TASMAN TO BECOME WALLABIES

Maori rugby commentator Te Kauhoe Wano says new Wallaby Tai McIsaac is part of an increasing number of Maori chosen to represent Australian sports teams.

McIsaac gave up water polo to take up rugby at the age of 24 and has quickly showed his star class, playing hooker for the Western Force in this year's Super 14 and now being named in the 33 man Wallaby squad.

Mr Wano says a lot of Maori now live across the Tasman, so it's not a surprise to see them being picked at national level.


SMOKEFREE CAMPAIGN HAVING IMPACT

Smokefree Coalition head Shane Bradbrook says anti-smoking programmes aimed at Maori are starting to show positive effects.

Today is World Smokefree Day, and there have been events around the country pushing the Auahi Kore message.

The Smokefree Coalition is targeting tobacco companies, and it is also supporting Maori Party MP Hone Harawira's call for a total ban on tobacco sales

The most recent figures showed 47 per cent of Maori over the age of 15 smoke, but Mr Bradbrook says there is a downward trend.

"2003 to 2004 there was a 5% drop and there are some stats coming out shortly which will hopefuly show a continued decline, but we are below 50 % for the first time in years, so that's all good," Bradbrook said.


Shane Bradbrook says whanau support is important for quitting tobacco.

STUDENTS CLAIM GOVERNMENT FUDGING GRANT AXING REASONS

Maori Students Association President Veronica Tawhai says the Government's claim that only 9000 Maori students applied for Manaaki Tauira grants is incorrect.

The grants, which were available through the Maori Education Trust, were axed in the Budget, with the funding transferred to a scheme which aims to improve the way Maori students are taught in mainstream schools.

Ms Tawhai says the figure of 9000 relates to the number of students who met the stringent eligibility criteria required to receive the scholarship, not the total number who applied.


MAUI STRIDES THE BOARDS IN TE WAKA A MAUI

The legendary character Maui returns to the stage tonight.

Maui - One Man Against the Gods is an innovative dance theatre production being given a two-week run at Christchurch's Isaac Theatre Royal.

Artistic director Tanemahuta Gray says the show explores Maui's life and his eventual downfall.

He says he wanted to tell the story because Maui was an epic tupuna, on par with the Greek myths.

IN: For me he's dominant as Hercules is, especially around Polynesia, but the rest of the world would have no idea of who he is, except for those with a little awareness of Hawaii and the island of Maui, and I thought his stories are so worthy of being told and what he achievfed," Gray said.

Tanemahuta Gray says he hopes to take the show overseas.

Harawira wants to see Big Tobacco in court

Today is World Smokefree Day, and one of the most high profile Maori anti smoking advocates says he wants to see the tobacco companies in court.

Taitokerau MP Hone Harawira says he is setting a goal of getting the tobacco multinationals out of the country.

He says that could require action on both the legal and political fronts.

"We've already got lawyers working on cases against the tobacco industry. Preliminary advice suggests that those tobacco companies are in breach of a number of New Zealand laws, and in second of cause, is a bill to make the whole production, manufacture and sale of tobacco products illegal here in Aotearoa," Harawira said.

Hone Harawira says when he first called for the sale of tobacco products to be made illegal, many Maori smokers thought he was having a go at them, but support is coming in now people realise it is the companies he is after.

TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND IN SOUTH AUCKLAND

South Auckland is the latest area to take on the Turn Your Life Around programme for young offenders.

Better known as TYLA, the Police-led programme has been running for 10-years in Avondale.

TYLA Charitable Trust chief executive Toni-Maree Carnie says troubled teenagers get extra social support to stop them drifting into crime and anti-social behaviour.

The support continues until the rangatahi enrol in tertiary study or land permanent jobs.

Ms Carnie says the programme includes camps, school and home visits, literacy and numeracy tuition, leadership activities, and a strong cultural component.

"Now the beauty of TYLA is that it reflects the local community. So, if you got a strong group of Maori people involved then it will be culturally reflected in the propgramme for Maori young people. We have local people working on the local programme content," she said.

Toni-Maree Carnie, from the Turn Your Life Around Charitable Trust.

CHIEFS FLANKER TO MAORI'S CHIEF

The surprise inclusion of Chiefs hardman Jono Gibbs in the New Zealand Maori side has been a huge boost for the team.

Coach Donny Stevenson says the omission of the blind side flanker from the extended All Blacks squad meant he could take his place as the Maori side's captain.

Gibbes will lead the team to the Churchill Cup in Canada, where they'll play in a five team tournament.

Stevenson says the the whole team has been lifted by Gibbs' arrival.

COROMANDEL HUI FAILS TO RESOLVE CUSTOMARY SPLIT

A hui on customary rights on the Coromandel Peninsula has failed to resolve disputes between Hauraki iwi and a splinter of the East Coast Ngati Porou tribe.

Ngati Porou ki Hauraki has land at Kennedy by and Mataora near Whangamata, an legacy of earlier cooperation between the tribes.

But members of Hauraki iwi Ngati Tamatera are upset Ngati porou is now claiming customary rights to the foreshore.

Spokesperson Koro Ngapo says those rights were retained by Hauraki.

He says Hauraki iwi turned out in force to a hui convened by the Ministry of Justice, but the ministry refused to allow discussion of tuku whenua , the traditional way the land was gifted to Ngati porou, and the obligations that went with that.

"The Crown was trying to say that the tuku whenua was separate from this taku taimoana issues and Hauraki said straight out no its not 'it's the founding document is suppose for Ngati Porou ki Hauraki. But certainly we're not gonna sit there we're going to start running around the iwi of Hauraki to see what we can do legally I guess."

Koro Ngapo says intermarrige has resulted in many Hauraki Maori also having whakapapa connections back into the gifted lands.

MAORI TARGET OF ALCOHOL AD REVIEW

The man heading a review of alcohol advertising regulations says the review team will be looking closely at the effect of advertising on maori communities.

Dr Ashley Bloomfield, the Health Ministry's chief public health advisor, says earlier research has indicated the way Maori consume alcohol can lead to harm.

"It's important to have Maori input and the pattern of consumption against Maori is the one that tends to be associated with the harms in other words its that higher per occasion consumption what we might call binge drinking," Bloomfield said.

The review team also includes Tim Rochford, a lecturer in Maori studies at the Wellington School of Medicine.

MAORI RURAL MOVE MAPPED

Statistics New Zealand says the trend of Maori moving back to rural areas is showing up in the latest statistics.

The department has released its first data from the 2006 Census, showing the total population at 4.1 million, up 7.8 percent on 2001.

Spokesperson Tamati Olsen many rural areas with traditionally high levels of Maori population like Whanganui, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Bay of Plenty high levels of growth which bucked more long-standing trends of rural decline.

Mr Olsen says the trend may not be sustainable because of moves such as the decision by Work and Income to refuse unemplyment benefiots to peole who move to rural areas where there is little prospect of employment.

Mr Olsen says more specific information about Maori population trrends will start coming out in October, and there will be extensive data available on the make-up of individual iwi.

PM sets powhiri ground rules

Prime Minister Helen Clark says it's her kaupapa that counts, not that of the tangata whenua.

Labour's Maori MPs are showing a lack of enthusiasm for Ms Clark's edict that women can sit in the front row during powhiri or formal welcomes in government institutions.

But Ms Clark says she expects departments to arrange welcomes in such a way that women dignataries are not put down in any way.

"The reality is that when I as Prime Minister or another woman minister or member of Parliament goes to any kind of state institution, we expect to be greeted in a way which is consistent with our kapapa, and that means we are not accorded a place which, frankly, is unreasonable," Clark said.

Helen Clark says there are ways to accommodate visitors without giving offence to anyone.


NGAITERANGI WALK OUT OF MUAOU MEETING


Ngaiterangi leaders are unrepentant about walking out of a weekend hui aimed to resolve who has traditional ownership rights over Mauao at Mount Maunganui.

The mountain is to be returned to tangata whenua, and four iwi have staked their claims.

Ngaiterangi chairman Hauata Palmer says he is comfortable for the other two Tauranga Moana iwi, Ngati Ranginui and Ngati Pukenga, to be recognised, but Te Puke hapu Waitaha shouldn't even be in the room.

Ngaiterangi drove Waitaha off the mountain in the 1700s, after itself being driven out of Maketu by Waitaha.

Mr Palmer says those battles are the basis for today's rights.

"i the same way Waitaha has said in their historical evidence that Ngaiterangi has no connection at all to Maketu, whihc Ngaiterangi used ot occupy, we are using their argument and saying Waitaha has no historical connection to Muaou," Palmer said.

WAIHIRERE TAKE ON HAKA PIRATES

Copy their moves and they will do a haka on your head.

That is the message from top East Coast kapa haka Waihirere Maori Group to a spate of unauthorised recordings of its performances.

Legal adviser Willie Te Aho says last week's performance at the Tamararo Festival in Gisborne was filmed without permission, and copies are already circulating around the North Island.

Mr Te Aho says Waihirere will try to get the culprits banned from festivals..

"hen someone takes a copy of our performance, they are belittling the alue of our taonga. We want everyoe out there to know the culture of, 'Oh, it'll be OK,' isn't OK any more," Te Aho said.

Willie Te Aho says Waihirere has always been willing to allow recordings of its performances, if the proper processes are followed.

CLARK DEFENDS MAORI MINISTER FROM "MINDLESS" CRITICISM

The Prime Minister says National Party attacks on Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia are just mindless oppostion.

National MPs Georgina Te Heuheu and Tau Henare have called on Mr Horomia to resign because he didn't ask for more money in the Budget for the Ministry of Maori Development.

Helen Clark says since it came into office in 1999 the Labour Government has tripled the amount Te Puni Kokiri gets.

She says whatever Mrs te Heuheu says, it is clear National would never increase the amount it spends on Maori.


"e Puni Kokiri would be luicky to survive at all becuase Digger Don, her leader, doesn't believe there should be a ministry of Maori affairs at all, so for her to attack Parekura Horomia, who is part of a government that has made a huge difference to Maori whanau, is simply unreasonable and ridiculous," Clark said.

Helen Clark says Te Puni Kokiri is mainly a policy ministry, and the huge gains for Maori have come in the spending of mainstream departments like health and education and through the Working for Families tax rebates.

NGATI POROU FEAR TUSNAMI

In the wake of this month's tsunami scare in Gisborne, East Coast people are finding out what to do if a tidal wave really hits.

Civil Defence is coming to Waiapu Valley this week to discuss contingency plans.

Ngati Porou kuia Keri Kaa says the Asian tsunami should have been a wake up call for all coastal communities, but it took this month's panic to bring the threat home.

She says a tsunamic could come inland far up the Waiapu River valley.

Keri Kaa says she is particularly concerned for the safety of kaumaatua and the disabled, who may not be able to evacuate their homes quickly.

FIRE SHAKEUP COULD IMPROVE SERVICES FOR RURAL MAORI

he proposed shake up of the fire service could be a good thing for rural Maori communities.

Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker wants to put urban and rural firefighters under one organisation.

There are now more than 85 organisations under the National Rural Fire Authority.

Fire Service Maori spokesperson Piki Thomas says it should improve service away from towns and cities.

Piki Thomas says in the past the Fire Service has tried to do a lot of fire safety education in rural areas to make up for potential gaps in its ability to respond operationally.

Maori soldiers proud peacekeepers

Goff maori

The Minister of Defence says Maori should be proud of the work being done by Maori soldiers in the region's trouble spots.

Some Maori have been critical ofhte money spent on deployment of troops overseas while Maori issues at home remain unresolved, but Phil Goff says New Zealand can't ignore its own neighbourhood.

New Zealand troops are currently on the ground in East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

Mr Goff says Maori military personel are adding to New Zealand s growing reputation for resolving political unrest.

He says most of those troops have a cultural affinity with the indigenous communities they encounter.


HUI TAUAMATA SPARKING BUSINESS INTEREST

If the hui taumata roadshow is building confidence in the Maori business community, it deserves the thumbs up.

That's according to Manuka Henare, from Auckland University's associate dean of Maori and Pacific development.

He says the series of hui, which continue this week at Palmerston North tomorrow and Christchurch on Thursday, is a way to maintain the momentum from last year's Hui Taumata economic summit.

Manuka Henare says for generations Maori have been a source of cheap labour, and few Maori ran their own businesses. That is changing.

WHALEWATCH LEADS KAIKOURA GROWTH

If plans are approved, next time you go to Kaikoura, you could watch a whale, play a round, eata a steak, and lay down your head, without leaving town.

Wally Stone, the CEO of Whalewatch Kaikoura, says even though the business is one of the most suceessful Maori tourism ventures, bad weather can leave many of their clients out on a limb.

The company has bought a prominent headland, where they plan to develop a a golf course with accomodation and conference facilities.

Mr Stone says applying for a resource consent gave the Whalewatch board a good chance to plan its future.

Wally Stone says with only four and a half thousand residents, Kaikoura lacks the tourism infrastructure of towns like Queenstown or Rotorua, and there is plenty of development which needs to be done.
and planning.

WHANAU URGED TO TACKLE DRUG SCOURGE

Maori families are being challenged to do more to combat drug abuse.

Paddy Whiu, the police iwi liason officer for Taitokerau, says many whanau know about the drug scene in their communities, but are not doing anything about it.

Mr Whiu says the drug trade is built on demand and supply, and Maori families should make sure their rangatahi are aware of the dangers.

KUIA KEPT TA MOKO ALIVE

Ta moko artist Gordon Hadfield says it was kuia who kept the art alive at a time when it was most vulnerable.

He says while there has been a resurgence in ta moko, as young Maori proudly display their cultural identity, it's worth remembering the role elderly Maori women had in keeping the practice alive.

Mr Hadfield, who has just completed more work on international singer and songwrier Ben Harper, says he is often confronted by people who say ta moko was nearly lost.

He says it never went away, but just went to sleep for most of the century.

Wananga hurt by funding games

The head of Whakatane-based Maori tertiary institution Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi says government funding policies are hurting polytechnics and wananga.

Dr Hirini Mead says the wananga will have to cut staff because of a drop in student numbers since 2004.

Te Awamutu-based Te Wananga o Aotearoa is also shedding staff and courses, as the result of falling enrolments and government moves to limit the growth of the wananga sector.

Dr Mead says the government is making survival difficult.

POLL FIGURES SWEET FOR MAORI PARTY

New Zealand First's Maori spokesperson Pita Paraone says the Maori Party can be satisfied with its 3 per cent showing in the latest Colmar Brunton poll.

While New Zealand First polled at 4 percent, Paraone said there was a fundamental difference.

He said because the Maori Party is after electorate seats, it does not have to worry about the 5 percent threshhold for list-only parties to enter Parliament - so it can be well pleased it is holding its support.

GOVERNMENT POWHIRI TOO LONG A WAIT FOR CUP OF TEA

Ngati Porou kuia Keri Kaa says powhiri or traditional Maori welcomes in government departments have got too complicated.

Ms Kaa says there is a lot of confusion about powhiri, because Pakeha are trying to impose a feminist view on Maori by saying it’s not right women should take the back seat at government powhiri.

She says Maori need to ask another question ...... whether they should be conducting such ceremonies in a government environment.

She says people are losing sight of all the fat they need to do is welcome someone in, have a short mihimihi in reply, and get to the cup of tea.

Keri Kaa says it is up to Maori to have the argument about how powhiri or any other tikanga or cultural practice should be
conducted, not for Pakeha politicians or feminists.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION NECESSARY STRATEGY

Maori academic Dr Ranginui Walker says the government needs to embrace proper affirmative action programmes for Maori or face a potential time bomb.

Maori-specific programmes have been off the agenda since the political backlash against the Closing the Gaps policy in the first term of Helen Clark’s government, and the emphasis is now on needs- based delivery of services.

But Dr Walker says affirmative action it is an essential tool to reverse historical grievances and current Maori disadvantage.

He says despite opposition from some parts of the public to Maori receiving a helping hand, the fact is the colonial experience in New Zealand was that governments took land from Maori owners and transferred it to Pakeha owners.

The consequence of that was Maori impoverishment, a situation which cannot be allowed to continue.

PAREKURA TOUGHTS IT OUT

The Minister of Maori affairs is unconcerned at calls for him to resign, saying critism is part of political life.

Parekura Horomia has been under fire since he admitted to the Maori Affairs last week that he had not asked for more money in the Budget for his department.

Mr Horomia says it's been a tough week, but nothing he can't handle.

Parekura Horomia says there is too much to be done for him to consider stepping down.

CASHMORE BACK AFTER BACK QUITS

As one stalwart of Maori rugby is lost overseas, another returns home to retire.

Waikato, Chiefs and Maori prop Deacon Manu is ready to join Llanelli (PRON: Clanethli) - the only Welsh team to have beaten the All Blacks in the past half century.

Meanwhile, former Auckland, Blues and All Blacks fullback Adrian Cashmore has cut short his two year contract with another Welsh team, the Ospreys, and because of back problems.

Cashmore says he his giving up the game altogether and returning to New Zealand, rather than risk permanent injury.

Maori coach Donny Stevenson says that is disappointing for Cashmore and the Maori squad, but he is looking forward to seeing the Ngati Awa star on his return.

Funeral for Anne Delamere

At Pipitea Marae in Wellington this morning, a large number of people from around the motu is expected for the funeral of one of Maoridom's most respected kuia, Anne Delamere.

Miss Delamere, died at her home in Hataitai on Friday, aged 85.

In 2004 she was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand order of Merit, the country's second highest honour, equivalent to the old title of Dame Companion.

As well as her long career in Maori Affairs, Miss Delamere contributed to organisations as diverse as the Maori Education Trust, the Ministry of Women's Affairs, Aged Concern, Pacifica, the New Zealand Planning Council and the Prison Chaplain's Advisory Service.

Former Maori Affairs community officer Vera Morgan says as one of the first qualified Maori social workers, Miss Delamere led the way for others.

"She was a woman with two cultures and she was very much for educaiton and also for her taha Maori, but she married those two things where she walked two worlds, and very comfortable and very loved," Morgan said.

Vera Morgan says Miss Delamere was a woman of integrity who was always able to show people a path ahead.

CORRECTIONS POWHIRI PROTOCOL CORRECT

Department of Corrections staff are crying foul at criticism of the way they conduct powhiri.

Cultural adviser Charlie Tawhiao says the department has more reason than most to ensure its observance of Maori cultural procedures is right.

He says tikanga Maori is used extensively in prison rehabilitation, and it makes the effort to ensure standards are maintained.

Mr Tawhiao says the department doesn't dictate cultural practices to Maori, but takes advice on the appropriate kawa or protocols from mana whenua in each region it operates in.

"There isn't a single way of getitng it right so at each place we want to enact Maori cultural practives, we establish what is right for that place, that means we will never have one right way for our department at least, it will depend on what the people of that place decide it is," Tawhiao said.

MOHI UNLOCKS MOTEATEA POWER

Maori songstress Hinewehi Mohi says don't underestimate the power and influence of the old waiata or moteatea.

Mohi has co-produced a third series of programmes on Moteatea for Maori Television.

She says the old songs are part of an oral tradition where knowledge, customs and values are transmitted between generations.

SOLOMON RETAINS NGAI TAHU CHAIR

Ngai Tahu chairman Mark Solomon has beaten off three challengers to retain leadership of New Zealand's richest tribe, but divisions which have paralysed the executive look set to continue.

At a meeting of the runanga executive on Saturday, the 18 members split 9-9 between Mr Solomon and Te Maire Tau.

Mr Solomon described the meeting as sobering, and said the executive was committed to a united future.

The contest has been bitter and divisive, with leaked emails from iwi chief executive Tahu Potiki criticising the tribe's commercial performance .

One casualty was the head of the Ngai Tahu Holdings, Robin Pratt, who quit this month over what he said was his objection to a plan to give the runanga more say in financial matters.

Mr Solomon says changes will be made to the tribe's governance structure this year.

SMACKING THREAT TO MAORI TAMARIKI

Childrens Commissioner Cindy Kiro says there are serious implications for Maori children if Section 59 of the Crimes Act is not repealed.

That's the section which says parents may use "reasonable" force to discipline a child.

The section has been used as a successful defence by parents accused of child abuse.

Dr Kiro says violence or abuse in any form is not the way to go:

"The implications are even more important for Maori children that we reinforce for parents and anyone caring for our tamariki the need to positively parent them, the need to use strategies that don't resort to physical violence or emotional violence," Kiro said.

Cindy Kiro parents need to learn positive methods to create good feelings and clear boundaries and rules for their children.

AUSSIES SAY AYE TO INDIGENOUS CULTURE

More Australians than New Zealanders believe indigenous culture is an important part of their society.

A poll by trend watchers Roy Morgan International found 69 percent of Australians believe aboriginal culture is an essential component of Australian society - up 5 percent on when the survey was last done in 2000.

Only 58 percent of New Zealanders think Maori culture is essential, but thatr's a 9 percent improvement on the previous survey.

Bob Newson, the Maori Spokesperson for the Human Rights Commission, says the result is a surpise given the proportion of New Zealand's population who are indigenous.

But Mr Newson says a lot depends on who was surveyed.

"If I went to young New Zealanders it would be different. If I go to older New Zealanders, they are still contemplating loss of a part of themselves, and it is all about a loss of power and control and everything else," Newson said.

Anne Delamere, influential Maori civil servant, dies

Tears today for the passing of one of Maoridom's most visionary and inspiring leaders.

Anne Delamere from Te Arawa and Te Whana a Apanui died in Wellington today after a long illness.

Miss Delamere joined the Maori Affairs Department after getting out of the Air Force in 1950, and she devoted her life to the welfare of Maori people.

She was instrumental in the formation of the Maori Women's Welfare League and participated in a wide range of Maori and community orgasnisations. In 2004 she was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Former Kohanga Reo chief executive Iritana Tawhiwhirangi says Miss Delamere was a mentor to her when she joined the department in the 1960s, and her wisdom was widely sought inside and outside the department.

Mrs Tawhiwhirangi says Anne Delamere's advice set the direction for the Maori Affairs Tu Tangata strategy of the late 1970s.

"She just said if things are to change, we must move from focussing on the problems of our people and we have to look at how we can touch their lives to bring out the positive development of our people. Out of that policy emerged kokiri centres, kohanga reo, kura, wananga, and all sorts of other initiatives that are in place today," Tawhiwhirangi said.

Anne Delamere will be taken to Pipitea Marae tomorrow.

POWHIRI BOYCOTT POLICY ALREADY IN PLACE

The Maori cultural advisor to the Corrections Department says a call for a boycott of government powhiri is too late.

The Maori Party says Maori employees in government departments should stay away from powhiri that aren't done properly.

Charlie Tawhiao says that already happens.

"Most Maori public servants will recognise where powhiri, whakatau, whatever you want to call them, have been performed almost as a cabaret rather than respecting the inherent cultural values implicit in thawt process. The option is always available to Maori staff not to attend these things," Tawhiao said.

MAORI MODERNISTS ON SHOW 40 YEARS AFTER


A milestone in Maori modernism is being revisited at Waikato Museum this weekend.

40 years ago the museum put together a ground-breaking exhibition of contemporary work by artists including Ralph Hotere, Para Matchitt, Selwyn Muru, Fred Graham,John Bevan Ford, Cliff Whiting, Arnold Wilson and Muru Walters.

Now the museum is presenting Aukaha - 40 Years On, featuring those artists and some of their contemporaries.

Co-curator Leafa Wilson says the generation of artists represented in Aukaha challenged established views of Maori art.

"They were using something that wasn't foreign, it was just different. The means with which Maori stories were usualy were out out were through kowhaiwahi panes, tekoteko, the carvings. Now they were coming out through paintings, two dimensional, not always three dimensional, not always craft based," Wilson said.

DELAMERE HARENESSED STRENGTH OF MAORI WOMEN


Distinguished kuia Anne Delamere, a major behind the scenes influence on Maori policy over the past half century, died in Wellington today after a long illness.

Miss Delamere joined Maori Affairs in 1950 after getting out of the Women's Auxilary Air Force, and one of her first tasks was to help set up the Maori Women's Welfare League.

Former Maori Affairs deputy secretary Neville Baker says Miss Delamere was an important link between the department and other government and private agencies, showing them how to work with Maori people.

"Very much to the fore was the whole philosophy that Maori women were instrumental in helping families with their education and health and employment and so forth. Anne was able to harness the strength of Maori women, not unlike Whina Cooper in many respects," Baker said.

Neville Baker says Anne Delamere will be remembered as an extremeley dignfied person who was rrespected by all who came into contact with her.

WANANGA CUTS 330 NON-TEACHING JOBS

The axe has finally come down on staff at Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

Non-teaching staff heard today that 330 middle management and support jobs will go, leaving the country's largest Maori tertiary institution with about 750 positions.

Teaching staff will be culled later.

Wananga chairman Craig Coxhead says as a result of consultation, some regional jobs were saved, but head office will be smaller.

He says it's about survival.

"And that's what it's all about, the organisation ensuring it is viable. We were at a level where we were was over-staffed, so we are looking to get that level right. Also rationalisation of properties, course development, so this orgasination is around tomorrow.

FIVE MAORI MAKE AB'S B SQUAD

The Maori coach says good luck to the five Maori players named in the All Black train on squad.

Troy Flavell, Marty Hola, Luke McAllister, Johnno Gibbes and David Hill are those named three days out from the official announcement of the All Black squad to play first test against Ireland.

Maori coach Donny Stevenson pays tribute to all five players.

Samuels rejects powhiri formalism

Labour MP Dover Samuels says a call by Maori Party co leader Pita Sharples for Maori public servants to boycott powhiri at government department buildings is naive.

Dr Sharples is objecting to an emerging practice that state agencies hold whakatau or less formal welcoming ceremony, which allows women to sit in the front row.

Mr Samuels says while local kawa should be followed if the powhiri is being held on a marae, it doesn't apply in government buildings.

Mr Samuels says Maori tikanga must be adaptable to modern circumstances.

MAORI AT FISHERIES CONFERENCE

Maori fishing interests were a big presence at this week's Seafood Industry Council conference in Wellington.

Te Ohu Kaimoana fisheries settlement trust chief executive Peter Douglas says many of the iwi now own quota, which gave them a bigger motivation to attend.

The conference is the industry's annual forum to discuss issues of governance and management, and to share information about the state of fisheries and market conditions.

Mr Douglas says in such a closely-knit industry, a lot of the value of the conference is not just the exchange of information but the development of relationships, and many of the friendships forged in earlier conferences had led to valuable commercial relationships for Maori.


HAURAKI CONCERNED AT NGATI POROU CUSTOMARY CLAIM


A hui is being held in Coromandel tomorrow to discuss the claim.

Koro Ngapo from Hauraki iwi Ngati Tamatera says Ngati Porou ki Hauraki was gifted land at Mataoro south of Whangamata and at Kennedy Bay and more than a century ago to use as a stopping off point as they travelled between Tairawhiti and Auckland.

But Mr Ngapo says Ngati Tamatera still have waahi tapu on the land, and they should be included in any talks.

He says Ngati Porou is not behaving properly.

Koro Ngapo says Ngati Tamatera is meeting Ministry of Justice officials today to get its concerns on to tomorrow's agenda.

NGAITAHU LEADERSHIP STRUGGLE WATCHED BY MOTU

Tomorrow's vote by the executive of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu on who should be its chairman is creating a lot of interest in Maori circles.

Three board members are challenging Mark Solomon for the position he has held for 8 years.

Manuka Henare, the associate dean for Maori and Pacific development at Auckland University, says because Ngai Tahu was one of the first iwi to get a major settlement, other iwi are watching its performance closely.

Even if Ngai Tahu did not intend it, the tribe has assumed a leadership position in post settlement development.

Mr Henare says whoever holds the top job, it's important the runanga maintain the momentum which has seen it triple its initial $170 million settlement.

The contest has been sharpened by a leaked email from Ngai Tahu chief executive Tahu Potiki accusing Mr Solomon of not telling the tribe's board that the head of its commercial arm Ngai Tahu Holdings, Robin Pratt, resigned two weeks ago.

28 MAORI BATTALION CD SOLD OUT

A compilation commemorating the 28 Maori Battalion is going into its second edition.

The double CD set features songs and hymns sung by members of the battalion, and was released to coincide with the reunion before Easter of the majority of the batallion's 70 surviving members.

Compiler Henare Te Ua says its popularity caught the label by surprise.

Henare cites Horomia betrayal

National list MP Tau Henare says Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia has betrayed the trust of his people.

Mr Henare and other National and Maori Party MPs laid into the minister at yesterday's Maori affairs select committee meeting after he admitted he had not sought any extra money for his ministry in the Budget.

Mr Henare says nearly fell off his chair when he heard that.

"And it's not so much about whether we are going to spend more, it's his lack of advocacy about some ideas out there among his people, that's what irks me. He has abdicated his responsibility to the people," Henare said.

CRITICS NARROW MINDED SAYS HORMIA

But Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia says Opposition parties who are demanding his resignation are only telling half the story.

Mr Horomia says over the past six years Te Puni Kokiri's budget has increased from $55 million to $156 million, and it was important that money was being properly spent.

"People are being narrow minded. Their line is they expect us to give extra money to beneficiaries. Under our regime beneficiaries have been very well looked after. There is only one payment they don't get under working for families and that is the in work payment. We set an agenda to get as many families as we could in work and reward them for it," Henare said.

Parekura Horomia says spending on Maori is spread across a range of government departments.

THE ONLY QUEEN FOR REV TAMAKI IS MAORI QUEEN

The sight of Brian Tamaki sitting next to the Maori Queen during coronation celebrations may have sent the wrong message to rangatahi.

Kaumatua and veteran broadcaster Henare Te Ua says some Maori may think Te Arikinui is supporting Brian Tamaki and his beliefs, which includes strong criticism of homosexuality and civil unions.

Mr Te Ua says some younger Maori may think Tamaki was being endorsed by the queen, but older Maori will realise it was a kind act by Dame Te Ata which was used by Tamaki to his advantage.


MAUI SHOW READY TO TAKE ON WORLD (AFTER CHRISTCHURCH)

The artistic director of a dance theatre production about legendary demi-god Maui Tikitiki says he wants to take the show global.

Maui - One Man Against the Gods opens for its second season in Christchurch next week,

Tanemahuta Gray says the cast and crew have had a year since the first season in Wellington to get the show ready for international touring.

The show, which combines aerial theatre, traditional Maori kapa haka and contemporary dance, opens at Christchurch's Isaac Theatre Royal on May 31.

TE ARIKINUI'S WORKLOAD CONCERN TO TAINUI KAUMATUA

A leading Tanui kaumatua says tribal elders are considering appointing someone to take some of the workload off Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

Napi Waaka says Waikato kaumatua are concerned at the health of the Maori Queen.

Dame Te Ata was absent during the early part of the past week's coronation commemorations at Turangawaewae Marae, and during her address to the hui on Tuesday she alluded to her tiredness.

Mr Waaka says someone else could stand in at events like the regular pokai or tribal forums, which are held on different Kingitanga marae up to three times a month.

HUI TAUMATA BACK ON ROAD

The Hui Taumatua Taskforce is going on the road to keep up the enthusiasm for Maori economic development.

The taskforce was formed after last year's Maori economic summit, with the aim of stimulating ideas about development and creating forums where Maori and business leaders can get get to know each other.

Spokesperson June McCabe says the roadshow will be a chance to promote 10 projects amied at getting more Maori involved in business.

She says the first hui at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Wellington tomorrow is expected to attract up to 150 people.


LEAGUE PUNISHMENT OVER THE TOP

Maori Rugby League chairman Howie Tamati says the NRL over-reacted by banning Cronulla Utility player, Tevita Latu from playing in the competition ever again.

Howie Taamati says the young Polynesian player has yet to be convicted on a charge of assault, after allegedly punching a teenage girl outside a Sydney petrol station in the early hours of Monday.

He says while Latu admitted his involvment, the case hasn't been to trial, and the NRL should have waited for the law to run its course.

Mr Tamati says the incident should serve as a reminder to young Maori and Polynesian sportsmen that professional sport means being under scrutiny both on and off the field.

He says Latu obviously needs help, but denying him the opportunity to earn his living may not be legal.

Horomia resignation call over bid failure

National MP Georgina te Heuheu says Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia should resign over his failure to bid for more money for his portfolio.

Mr Horomia made the admission during a Maori affairs select committee hearing yesterday, as he was being grilled about a $23.9 million reorganisation of his ministry's budget to fund a new Maori Potential Framework,

Mrs Te Heuheu says the minister is keen to talk about Maori business and Maori success, but he is ignoring the large number of Maori who are on benefits, who suffer poor health or who are in jail.

Georgina te Heuheu says mainstream departments haven't been able to tackle Maori problems, and it is up to Mr Horomia's ministry to come up with some new ideas.

TREATY ROADSHOW PACKS UP

The project manager of the Treaty 2U roadshow says New Zealanders are keen to know more about our founding document.

Kit O'Conner says the roadshow, which wrapped up last week after four and a half months touring the country, drew a positive reaction.

The exhibit was put together by Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum.

Ms O'Conner says there were 1400 visitors in one day in Christchurch Square and 400 in Wairoa, but numbers were ldown in many other centres.

She says success was not measured in visitor numbers, as it was the quality of the experience that counted.

Kit O'Conner says stakeholders are yet to meet to decide what will happen with the resources used in the Treatry 2U roadshow.

TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENTS TO MARK NEW YEAR

Auckland War Memorial Museum has chosen taonga puoro as its theme to celebrate Matariki, the Maori new year.

Kipa Rangiheuea says next month's exhibit will allow vistors to understand how traditional Maori music has developed over time.

He says the public will be able to take part in workshops where they can make simple instruments, as well as learn their place in traditional and contemporary Maori society.

Kipa Rangiheuea says is an increasing interest in taonga puoro, thanks to those who kept the art alive, such as the Te Poroa Malcom from Te Arawa and the late Hirini Melbourne from Tuhoe.

MAORI PARTY JOINS CALL FOR HOROMIA RESIGNATION


Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples says he expects some flak from Maori over his call for the Minister of Maori Affairs to resign.

The Maori Party had promised a new style of polticis, but Dr Sharples says Parekura Horomia's failure to seek additional Budget funding for Maori intitiatives is totally unacceptable.

"He's not doing the job. That's why we got into Parliament, to get new money for Maori initiaitves and now we find it's our own people blcoking that aid coming through." Dr Sharples said.

Pita Sharples says Mr Horomia seems to be more answerable to the Labour Cabinet than to his Ikaroa-Rawhiti constituents.

TURIA WANTS MAORI OFF BENEFITS

Te Tai Hauauru MP Tariana Turia says she'd like to see the end of the benefit system.

The Maori Party co-leader says Maori have been made too dependent on the state, and initiatives like Working for Families, which offers tax credits to assist with housing and childcare, keep them dependent.

She says it's too easy for people to stay unemployed, and the government should look to Sweden, where people on the dole have to take a job if it offered.

"I don't think it's been good for our people to be on benefits. It's been soul destroying actually. The only people who should receive a benefit of any kind are those who are loking after and raising their children, and the rest of us should be out there getting work so we are not beneficiaries of the state," Turia said.

Tariana Turia says Maori people have allowed government to control their lives.

MORE PRAISE FOR QUIET COACH

Te reo Maori sports commentator Scotty Morrison says Colin Cooper is one of the quiet achievers of Maori sport.

He says the Hurricanes coach has guided his team to this weekend's Super 14 final against the Crusaders without fuss or fanfare, and will be a strong contender for coach of the year at the National Maori Sports Awards in November.

Mr Morrison says Colin Cooper has kept a relatively low profile in the media, preferring to be judged by his team's performances on the field.

Labour keeping Maori on leash

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says Labour's Working For Families social policy framework is bad for Maori.

Working for Families gives tax credits to families with children to help with housing, childcare and other costs.

Mrs Turia says it's just another form of control.

"And we need to get this right out of our psyche actually, that we need to be beneficiaries of any government. We should be starting to look to a future where we stand on our own two feet. That is what this government should be assisting our people to do, not continuing to keep them within a beneficiary frame of mind," Turia said.

Tariana Turia says she is disappointed the government has slashed funding for programmes she was instrumental in setting up, such as the Ministry for Maori Development's capacity building and whanau development initiatives.


44 NEW WARDENS FOR WEST AUCKLAND

Moves to increase the number of Maori wardens on the street is being given a boost this week by the graduation of 44 new recruits in West Auckland.

Spokesman Jack Taumaunu says that makes the Waitemata Maori Wardens the biggest sub-association in the country.

He says wardens have a proven track record of being able to tackle problems which the police may not have the resources of cultural skills to address.

"We can make make a difference to reduce crime which Maori dominate. It is absolutely apalling and it hurts us to see the continuous night and day arrests of our own tamariki and our own people going before the courts," Taumanu said.

Jack Taumaunu says he welcomes the support of New Zealand First law and order spokesman Ron Mark, who is fighting for more resources to allow warden numbers to grow.

WORD OF KINGITANGA SPREADING

National MP Georgina Te Heu Heu says the information age is helping to spread the word of the Kingitanga.

She says in the past 40 years the profile of the movement has increased, as first television and then the Internet allowed more people to hear of Kingitanga and what it stands for.

Mrs Te Heu Heu says much of that higher profile is due to Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, whose reign as the Maori queen for the past 40 years was the focus of a week of celebrations at Ngaruawahi.


NGAITAHU FINANCIAL STRATEGY CRITICISED

A man pushing to become the head of New Zealand's richest tribe says it should do more business with the people closest to home.

James Daniels will find out on Satuday whether he has the votes to unseat Mark Solomon as chair of the Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu.

The contest has been marked by concern over what Mr Daniels says is the under-performance of some of Ngai Tahu's main commercial entities.

This week's resignation of Ngai Tahu Holdings chief executive Robin Pratt has added fuel to the fire, coming only a fortnight after the release of an upbeat press release on his organisation's half year earnings which critics said was done to prop up Mr Solomon.

Mr Daniels says the tribe hasn't worked hard enough to be part of the business community in the South Island.

"Ngai Tahu being the largest iwi in the South Island, it makes sense for us to go into joint busienss ventures with prominient entities from the South Island, be they companies or families or individuals, and it also establishes we are prepared to spread the risks and the returns, and it also establishes we are here forever, we are not going anywhere, and we are sharing the love down there," Daniels said.


CORONATION WORKERS REWARDED WITH A SMILE

The kaimahi or workers at Turangawaewae Marae have looked after tens of thousands of people over the past week, and did it all for a smile.

Moko Templeton, the communications manager for the 40th celebrations of the Maori Queen's coronation, says Waikato iwi and hapu were invited to come out front this year, rather than just work behind the scenes.

They were involved in kapa haka and dramatic productions, written for and performed by rangatahi and focusing on issues affecting them such as youth suicide.

Ms Templeton says their reward was to hear Te Arikinui Dame te Atairangikaau's response.


MAORI SPORTS AWARDS SEEKS STANDARDISATION

The body which organises the national Maori sports awards is keen that regional competititons use the same judging criteria.

Te Tohu Taakaro O Aotaearoa chairman Dick Garret says more regions are starting their own Maori sports awards.

He says regional representatives met in Auckland over the past two days to discuss how their events could integrate with the national awards, being held in Manukau in mid November.

Tauranga contemporary claims to get airing

Tauranga Moana tribes are getting ready for stage two of Waitangi Tribunal hearings into their claims.

Hearings finished on stage one in 2001 on stage one, and in 2004 the tribunal reported its finding that Tauranga Moana tribes were unjustifiably attacked in the 1860s and should not have had their land confiscated.

Ngati Ranginui chairman Huikakahu Kawe says the new tribunal sitting at Maungatapu Marae in Tauranga next week will hear about events after the raupatu, including health, economic and social issues and about how each hapu was affected differently.

Huikakahu Kawe says putting their issues on the table should help hapu in any future arguments with local and central government over resource mangement.

SMOKEFREE ADVOCATES START MURDER CAMPAIGN

Maori smokefree advocates are changing tack.

Sky Kimura, a spokesperson for the Maori smokefree kaupapa, says the World Smokefree day is not far off, and the anti smoking group are targetting tobacco manufacturers rather than users.

Ms Kimura was part of a recent Maori delegation that challenged giant American based tobacco manufacturer Phillip Morris about its use of Maori imagery to market tobacco product.

She says the companies are continuing to profit from the misery they cause in Maori communities.

MAORI NEED AGED CARE EARLY

A Christchurch based health worker says Maori should push for aged care services to be made available for people under 65.

Wendy Dallas Katoa is a project manager for Pegasus Health, which has more than 15 thousand Maori on its books.

She says while there are initiatives to improve the overall state of Maori health, many Maori are dying too young.

NZ FIRST PUSHES WARDEN INITIATIVE

New Zealand First law and order spokesman Ron Mark says Maori Wardens may be the answer to crime problems in many communities.

As part of its confidence and supply agreement with Labour, New Zealand First asked for $15 million to bolster the wardens and reestablish them where communities want them.

Mr Mark says Maori wardens have shown in the past they can make a positive impact on young people getting into trouble.

Ron Mark says he's heartened by moves in Masterton to get wardens back on the streets, and other communities are also showing interest.

ST STEPHENS FALLING INTO DISREPAIR

A former student and teacher at St Stephen Maori Boys School in Bombay, south of Auckland, says supporters have been duped by the Anglican Church.

Wiremu Docherty, who now heads the Maori department of the Manukau Institute of Technology, says when St Stephens closed, the church spokespeople claimed a new school would be built for Maori secondary school students.

That hasn't happened.

Mr Docherty lives close to the old school, and says former students would be horrified to see the kura falling into a state of disrepair.

He says they were too trusting of the church and allowed one of the oldest schools in the country to close.

SMOKING, HEALTH ACCESS BLAMES FOR PNEUMONIA

Smoking and poor access to health services have been given as the main reasons Maori are more likely to get pneumonia than non-Maori.

Wendy Dallas Katoa, the Maori health project manager from Christchurch's Pegasus Healthcare, says a New Zealand Medical Journal report that Maori are three times more likely to be hospitalised with pneumonia shows a multi-pronged campaign is needed to address the problem.

She says the fact one in two adult Maori are smokers is just one contributing factor, and the fact Maori present at a later stage of their illness and often don't have GP care also contributes.

Wendy Dallas Katoa says not enough resources are being put into Maori smoking cessation programmes to match the need.

PM ponders spiritual wording

The Prime Minister says she is confident Tainui's spiritual and cultural concerns over the Waikato River can be addressed in any settlement.

Helen Clark went empty handed to Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia yesterday, because ministers and officials had been unable to reach agreement on the river claim.

Ms Clark says that didn't matter, because the important thing is to get the settlement right, and that will take a lot of time.

She says while many of the elements Maori find important are spiritual and metaphysical concepts, it is possible to acknowledge in legislation the great significance something has for people.

"An approach can be to acknowledge the great significance something has for people. It might not be what, say, Pakeha feel about a river but it may express a deep felt belief among iwi where the river boundary is," Clark said.

Helen Clark says she was pleased to take part in the celebrations of the 40th annivesary of the coronation of the Maori Queen, because it was a chance to reaffirm a long standing relationship.

GISBORNE MAORI FEAR CORONER LOSS

Rongowhakaata chairman Stan Pardoe says Gisborne Maori are worried they are about to lose their coroner.

The Coroners' Bill currently going through Parliament could allow pathology services for Gisborne and the East Cape to be managed by coroners in Tauranga of Hawkes Bay.

Mr Pardoe says that would add to the stress suffered by bereaved relatives.

Stan Pardoe says Maori want to stay with the body of their relative, wherever it may be.

LOCAL FLAVOUR LOST IN LANGUAGE REVIVAL

While there has been a revival in the learning and use of te reo Maori, some of the richness of the language is in danger of being lost.

That's the view of Wiremu Docherty of Tuhoe, head of Maori studies at Manukau Institute of Technology.

Mr Docherty says a lot of what he hears seems one dimensional, compared with the language he grew up with.

"It's losing its rich vibrancy. It's losing the tribal dialects. You can no longer listen to a student and listen to the metaphors and say ah, this is where the student is from," Docherty says.

HIS DESTINY TO SIT BY QUUEN

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki says people shouldn't read too much into his seating beside the Maori Queen during yesterday's visit to Turangawaewae Marae by the Prime Minister and her Labour colleagues.

Mr Tamaki says he was invited to speak that morning at a prayer breakfast, part of a week of ceremonies in Ngaruawahia marking the 40th anniversary of the coronation of Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

He says after the breakfast, Dame Te Ata asked him to sit with her in the porch of the house Mahinarangi for the next part of the ceremonies - the arrival of the Government contingent.

Mr Tamaki says Dame Te Ata is not a member of his church.

"We just have a great friendship and I have always enjoyed her company and I guess she does with mine and I really appreciate who she is and what she stands for and her mana, and when she requested I speak at that ruby breakfast, I was honoured to," Tamaki said.

Brian Tamaki says it was not the first time he has spoken at events at Turangawaewae.

BISHOP SAYS CARE FOR TANIWHA

Meanwhile at Ngaruawahia today, the Koroneihana Hui reached its climax with a speech by the Maori Queen looking forward to commemoraqtions in 2008, which will mark the 150th anniversary of the formation of the Kingitanga.

Dame Te Atairangikaahu also thanked the tens of thousands of people who attended the ceremonies from around the country and the Pacific.

Waatea News reporter Mania Clark says about 5000 people attended today's ceremonies, which were marked by frequent showers.

While Dame Te Ata did not raise yesterday's visit by the Prime Minister and the failure to secure a deal on the Waikato River claim in time for the hui, it was the subject of a wero or challenge in a sermon delivered in this morning's prayer serviceby former Bishop of Aotearoa Whakahuihui Vercoe.

Bishop Vercoe said the Government should return the river to Tainui, because no one else can look after the taniwha who famously occupy every bend.

The week winds up this evening with a concert featuring veteran showband the Maori Volcanics.

airforce gets own haka

AIRFORCE GETS OWN HAKA

Flight Sergeant George Mana, who is stationed in Wellington, says while there are fewer Maori in the airforce than the army or navy, Air Force brass were keen the service had its special haka.

The haka was written by serving members and cleared by Kuia and Kaumatua with long standing connections to the air force.

Mr Mana says the haka Ko Te Taua-a-rangi asks a series of questions.

Celebration's for people's queen

Today is the final day of the Koroneihana Hui in Ngaruawahia, marking the 40th anniversary of the coronation of Te Arikinui Dame Te Ata-i-rangikaahu.

Former Tainui Trust Board chairman Hare Puke says the thousands of people who have come to Turangawaewae from around Aotearoa and the Pacific this past week is a testament to the love and respect which the Maori Queen inspires among people.

Mr Puke says Dame Te Ata brings charm and humility to the job.

"She stays at the level of all people and I think that is a commanding attribute that she has. She is comfortable at all level," Puke said.

Hare Puke says the failure by Crown and Tainui negotiators to finalise a settlement of the Waikato River claim did not diminish the celebrations, because there is obviously goodwill from the Government to reaqching a settlement.


GREENS WANT PERMANENT TREATY EDUCATION TEAM

Green Party Maori Affairs spokesperson Metiria Turei says while the just-finished Treaty 2 U roadshow was a good idea, more money for treaty educators would make a bigger impact.

Ms Turei says the country has a good network of treaty educators, both Maori and Pakeha.

She says confronting treaty issues can raise strong emotions, and the educators have developed ways people can work through the issues in a safe environment.

Meteria Turei says the government can't expect much from a single roadshow, and it needs a consistent approahc to treaty education.


WAIRARAPA LOOKS TO WARDEN REVIVAL

Masterton is trying to revive a Maori Wardens service.

Police iwi liaison officer Rob Rutene says the wardens ceased operating in the Wairarapa town about 15 or 20 years ago.

Constable Rutene says wardens can help with Maori and youth offending in ways which sometimes the police aren't able to.

Rob Rutene says crime in the town can come from any sector, and the latest rash of graffiti attacks which affected more than 30 shops and other buildings was actually caused by Pakeha youths.


WANANGA SHOT ACROSS PM'S BOWS


Government leaders have received a polite dressing down from one of their former colleagues for their management of a political row over the largest Maori tertiary institution, Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

Then-Education Minister Trevor Mallard put a Crown Manager into the Te Awamutu-based wananga last year, and the Audit Office was asked to report on spending by former chief executive Rongo Wetere.

A subsequent report failed to substantiate any of the allegations made in Parliament against Mr Wetere, but he took early retirement.

At the Koroneihana hui in Ngaruawahia yesterday, Mr Wetere's cousin, former Labour Cabinet Minister Koro Wetere, told Prime Minister Helen Clark and her entourage of Labour MPs that the wananga was a major step forward for Maori education.

"No other tertiary institution has done as much for the development of Maori education as that organisation today, and I would hope, Prime Minister, that the expressions and the policies surrounding such a development will continue," Wetere said.

Koro Wetere says furthering education is probably the most effective thing government can do for Maori.

KAUMATUA CARE GETS BUDGET BOOST

The Green Party spokesperson on elderly issues says Maori caregivers should benefit from an budget boost into the aged care sector.

The amunt the government will spend on the sector has been increased by $126 million, with half of this going to residential care services.

Metiria Turei says this should make it easier for Maori to care for relatives at home, as they prefer, rather than being forced towards rest home care.

Meteria Turei says there has been a real cry from people looking after relatives, because they have not been eligible for financial support.

MP SHOD IN TE REO

Taitokerau MP Hone Harawira says te reo Maori is finally becoming a normal part of New Zealand life.

It is now a generation since the first kohanga reo were established, and Maori immersion education has even reached into university level courses.

Mr Harawira, a second language Maori speaker, says he experienced how the language revival has succeeded when he went to buy a pair of shoes from a store in Manukau City, and was approached by a store attendant.

Harawira says the whole transaction was conducted in Maori, showing how te reo has become normalised.

Centrist policies turning off Maori

Former Labour Cabinet minister John Tamihere says Labour’s centrist policies are driving Maori voters towards the Maori party.

Mr Tamihere says the latest Budget failed to address the most pressing needs in Maori communities, the lack of fair funding for Maori-run health, education and justice programmes.

That forces Maori back to government-run programmes, which may not be effective.

Mr Tamihere says the government’s treatment of Te Wananga O Aotearoa was a big wake up call about how far Labour was really prepared to go with a by Maori-form Maori kaupapa.

John Tamihere Maori are becoming increasingly hostile to government interference in their programmes.

TE REO TAKES ON TERTIARY

A lecturer in Maori Studies at Waikato University says kohanga reo and kura kaupapa Maori language immersion education is starting to make its impact felt on the university.

Waldo Houia says tertiary students can now learn subjects in te reo Maori, that a few years ago would not have been possible.

He says the move to revitalise the reo, which kicked off 25 years ago, is producing students and lecturers who are fluent in the language, and Waikato is now able to offer specialist subjects taught in a total immersion environment.

Mr Houia says that couldn't have happened even five years ago.

WHAKATOHEA’S WEEPU TOP HALF BACK

The weekend’s 16-14 win by the Wellington Hurricanes over the New South Wales Warratahs was another chance for a young man from Whakatohea to show how good he is.

Maori sports commentator Potaka Maipi says Hurricanes halfback Piri Weepu is playing great rugby, and is a major reason the Hurricanes are in the Super 14 final against the Crusaders at Jade Stadium next weekend.

He says the Wainuiomata-raised Weepu has also won a lot of support from Maori for his public support off the field for te reo Maori and the Maori electoral option campaign.

RIVER CLAIM STILL WAITING

The Prime Minister and her entourage arrive in Ngaruawahia today for the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the coronation of the Maori Queen, but it’s unlikely she will announce a settlement on Tanui’s Waikato River claim.

Officials from the Office of Treaty Settlements were in talks with Tainui negotiators last week, but were unable to clinch a deal.

The sticking point is the Crown’s interest in overseeing how the river’s water is used. While it is prepared to achnowledge iwi ownership of lake beds and river best, it refuses to concede ownership of water.

Waatea reporter Potaka Maipi, has been at the Koroneihana celebrations over the weekend, and says many Tainui people are anxious about the settlement package.

He says many will not accept the idea of just getting back the riverbed.

WORKING FOR FAMILIES JUST MORE WELFATE - TAU


National MP Tau Henare says the government seems determined to keep Maori dependent on the state.

Mr Henare says many Maori are getting ahead in business because they don’t want to be reliant on handouts from the government.

But he says the government’s tax structures they impose keep them on a short leash.

WHANGANUI EXHIBIT COMES DOWN
Whanganui people are this week taking down their taonga from the walls of Te Papa.

Whanganui has been the centerpiece of the museum’s Maori exhibit for the past two and a half.

Kaumatua Morvin Simon says more than a million people have seen the taonga.

He says it has given them an insight into the history of the Te Ati Hau a Papanui tribes and their relationship with the river.

He says the Whanganui people were proud to host the interactive exhibition at Te Papa.


Morvin Simon the exhibition had an especially emotional effect on people with a whakapapa connection to the area, including many who had never been to the river itself.

The next long term exhibit at Te Papa Tongarewa will feature Ngai Tahu .

Maori Potential Framework work of framing

The Minister of Maori Affairs says critics of the way government is redirecting spending for Maori are living in the past.

The Budget has come under fire from the Maori Party and from education groups for cutting some long running grant programmes for Maori students, and for not having any new-Maori-specific programmes.

But Parekura Horomia says the overall education budget has gone up, and Maori will benefit from that investment.

Mr Horomia says the government has reprioritised $23.9 million in the Maori affairs budget for a three-part strategy to help Maori reach their potential.

Parekura Horomia says a lot more Maori are working, so they are benefiting from the Government's Working for Families Programme

FAT FIGHT FUNDS FETED

The chairman of the Taranaki District health board, Hayden Wano, has welcomed the $76 million in the Budget to fight the obesity epedemic.

Mr Wano says the health risks associated with obesity are well documented, and Maori rates are too high.

The money will be spent over four years on initiatives in schools, primary health care services and social agencies, and Mr Wano says that shows the programme has been carefully thought through.

Hayden Wano says there are no short term solutions to obesity.

MANA KORERO SPEECH COMPS INSPIRE

The Manu Korero secondary schools' Maori speech competitions are proving an inspiration for a Hawaiian exchange student.

16-year-old Kalihau'alaki Gouveia is spending the year at Wesley College in South Auckland, where today's Tamaki regional finals were held.

Kalihau'alaki says it's an idea which he will try to take back to Hawaii.

He says it's good to see the Maori response to colonisation, because Native Hawaiians face many similar problems.

Hawaiian exchange student Kalihau'alaki Gouveia.

No ta moko on ta budget

The chair of Labour's Maori caucus says there is a lot in the Budget for Maori, but it does always wear a moko.

Vote Maori Affairs has been cut by $4 million to $157 million, with a third of that going to Maori development ministry Te Puni Kokiri and another third to Maori Tellevision.

But Shane Jones says Maori also benefit from substantial spending in Votes like Education, Health and Housing.

He says the Labour Government has a clear policy of funding based on socio-economic status rather than ethnicity.

"The essence of this budget is to follow the money honey and there is contined support for Maori houora health programmes and other Maori initiatives and the finance is still flowing. Of course there is a challenge for me as chair of the Maori caucus to convey that to people, given those funds don't alwys wear a tattooed face," Jones said.

He said Te Puni Kokiri is reconsidering its role and how it can work most effectively with Maori communities.

OHIA DONFIRMED TO HEAD WANANGA O AOTEAROA

The troubled Wananga o Aotearoa finally has a new chief executive.

He is Bentham Ohia, who has worked in a range of positions at the Te Awamutu-headquartered organisation, and has been serving as acting chief executive since the retirement of founder Rongo Wetere.

One of his first jobs will be to implement a restructuring plan which will involve laying off more than 300 staff.

Wananga chairman Craig Coxhead says Mr Ohia is the right person to make the changes necessary for the wananga to survive.

"He's fully aware of what the purpose of the restructure is, he has led the management team that has gone out and heard submissions from staff. The idea is we need to make changes, staff are aware we need to make chnages to ensure this organisation is around for years to come," Coxhead said.

Mr Coxhead says the wananga council is now looking forward to stabilising operations so it can take back financial control from the Crown manager.

NZ POST DEFENDS KAPA HAKA STAMPS

New Zealand Post says it's surprised by negative reaction to new stamps featuring Maori performing arts.

Some kapa haka performers say the caricatures on the stamps are crude and offensive, and Maori Council spokesmak Maanu Paul says the council will be asking for the stamps to be scrapped.

New Zealand Post communications manager Richard McLean says the kapa haka stamps were designed by Wellington artist, Abel Vaireka from Te Atiawa.

"Abel has a kapa haka background himself. We think what has come out is really good, we think these are realy fresh designs, and when people say they are offensive, we are pretty amazed at that attitude," McLean said.

McLean says he welcomes any dialogue with the Maori Council.

MAORI PARTY SAYS BUDGET DISDAINFUL

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says Maori have been given the message in the Budget that there is no new money for them.

She says the government treated Maori with disdain by failing to spent its surplises where the money is needed most, with families at the lower end of the socio economic scale.

Mrs Turia also questioned Te Puni Kokiri's new programme to promote Maori potential.

She says it's pointless to fund an organisation that can't even perform its statuatory obligations properly, and its $56 million dollar budget would be better spent on education, health and welfare initiatives for Maori families.

Mrs Turia says Maori will suffer.

"The first budget last year when they didn't even mention our names, this year it was so when they took money off Maori, the Manaaki Tauira funds, tertiary education scholarship grant money, it's just appalling," Turia said.

Tariana Turia says Maori shouldn't be fooled by the Labour Party's financial smokescreen.

But Labour list MP Shane Jones says the Maori Party is looking for Maori spending in the wrong places.

Mr Jones says Labour signalled a shift some years ago to funging based on need rather than race, and that policy has continued.

He says housing is of continued benefit to Maori.

"Over 30 percent of all occupants in state houses are Maori, over 30 percent of all recipients of the accommodation supplement are Maori, and if we are not to continue to invest in key social institutions like subsidised housing, some of the disprortionately large causalties of any change in that would be Maori," Jones said.

NGAI TAHU, TAINUI FISH MANADATES RECONGISED

Two of the country's largest tribes have moved a step further towards securing their fisheries settlement assets.

Te Ohu Kaimoana Trust yesterday announced it had recognised Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust as the mandated iwi authority to receive $26 million in cash, quota and shares on behalf of the Waikato-Tainui tribes.

It also recognised the status of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu to manage Ngai Tahu's $58 million in settlement assets.

Te Ohu Kaimoana chief executive Peter Douglas says iwi which have already received their land settlements don't have to go through all the mandating processes other iwi do, but they still must comply with the Maori Fisheries Act.

The Ngai Tahu Runanga will still need to go back to its people to confirm its mandate.

The runanga had threatened to take the fisheries trust to court if it didn't get its assets.

Some Ngai Tahu members have also threatened to sue Te Ohu Kaimoana if it handed the fish to the runanga rather than a body more representative of iwi members.

Tainui hooks fisheries funds

The Te Ohu Kaimoana fisheries settlement trust had good news for Tainui today.

The trust announced to the Koroneihana hui at Ngaruawahia that the Waikato Raupatu Lands trust had passed all the requirements to be considered a mandated iwi organisation.

Chief executive Peter Douglas says over the next few months Te Ohu Kaimoana will hand over $26 million in cash, fishing quota and shares in pan-Maori fishing company Aotearoa Fisheries Limited.

Another $3 million in inshore quota will be transferred across when Tainui reaches agreement with the tribes to the south and north.

Mr Douglas says because Waikato-Tainui has completed its land claims, its application could be fast tracked.

"With Waikato, they don't have to prove a ratification process for a mandate as other iwi do, and they don't need to provide a register, because those processes have already been completed with regards to their land settlements earlier," Douglas said.

Mr Douglas says Te Ohu Kaimona is making good progress getting settlement assets into the hands of iwi.

MAORI VIEWS ON CANCER SOUGHT

A hui at Auckland's Kingsgate hotel tomorrow will look at whether Maori with cancer need special programmes to help them cope.

Rachael Morris, the operations manager for hui organiser Tamaki Healthcare, says it's part of a nationwide study by the Ministry of Health into what services are available to Maori.

Ms Morris says much of the data collected so far came from hospitals, and tomorrow is a chance for Maori cancer patients and their whanau to have their say on what services are needed.

ARAWA TRUST BOARD CHAIR HONOURED FOR PUBLCI SERVICE

The chair of the Te Arawa Maori Trust board can't remember all the boards and committees he's been on over the years, but the Rotorua City Council hasn't.

Last night Anaru Rangiheuea was presented with a community services award recognising his contribution to the sulphur city.

This week he retired from the Lake Okataina Scenic Board after 27 years, and once the Rotorua Lakes settlement is completed, aims to step down from the Te Arawa Maori Trust Board after 30 years service.

Mr Rangiheuea says his achievements belong to those who guided him into public life and those who will follow.

NO MORE MONEY FOR MAORI IN BUDGET

A change in the packaging, but no more in the parcel.

That is budget 2006 for Maori.

Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia says the budget is about unlocking Maori potential.

To do that, $23,9 million in existing spending has been reallocated to three new investment areas.

Education initiatives come under the heading of Matauranga, or making the most of Maori knowledge.

Rawa or resources covers spending on employment and utilisation ofd Maori land and other collectively-owned assets.

Whakamana are programmes to enhance leadership, decision-making and governance by Maori organisations.

Mr Horomia said his ministry of Maori Development Te Puni Kokiri will introduce no new programmes or functions over the next year, despite the changes in terminology.

Te Puni Kokiri costs $54.7 millio a year to run.

Another $102 million dollars is in Vote Maori for non-departmental appropriations, including the $51 million it costs to run Maori television on the Maori and mainstream channels.


MONEY FOR MAORI STUDENTS AXED

Today's budget has axed two long-running and successful Maori education programmes.

Bill Hamilton from the Maori Education Trust says the government is halving the $4.1 million it paid through the trust in Manaaki Tauira grants.

Mr Hamilton says Manaaki Tauira grants range from $60 to $2000 which can make all the difference in whether people were able to continue with their studies.

Bill Hamilton says the Maori Education Trust will continue to offer scome scholarships through its own resources, which include endowments and two farms.

HAKA OVER KAPA HAKA STAMPS

Maori Council spokesman Maanu Paul says New Zealand Post must drop its planned release of a series of stamps on the theme of Maori performing arts.

The stamps were designed by Abel Vaireka from Te Atiawa, and were shown to various kapa haka groups - but not to the body in charge of the national Maori performing arts festival, Te Matatini.

Mr Paul says the stamps are crude charicatures of Maori performers and an attack on the identity of Maori.

Te Heuheu Brash bash on seat policy

National Party MP Georgina te Heu Heu says the party's policy on abolishing the Maori seats stems from the current leader's attitude, and not because National has never won a Maori seat.

She says National had a long-standing policy that the seats would remain until Maori people said they no longer wanted them. That changed with Dr Brash.

"Our policy for the previous 30 years was not influenced at all by the fact we never won them. Political parties over time change their policy. Under the leadership of Don brash, who puts the 'one law for all' notion ahead of everything else, we have a change in our policy," te Heuheu said.

She says Dr Brash is trying to balance the one law for all policy with National's other core values of freedom, democracy, individual responsibility and the right to choose.

MAORI PRIVATE WELFARE SECTOR UNDER PRESSURE

Former Labour MP John Tamihere hopes today's Budget will boost funding for private sector Maori welfare organisations - but says there is not much chance of that happening.

Mr Tamihere, who is back running west Auckland's Waipareira Trust, says pre-Budget announcements indicate a spend-up by the Crown on its own agencies.

He says that's a pity, because Maori organisations running health, welfare education and justice programmes have proved extremely effective. Mr Tamihere says such organisations need help.

"We're running into some major problems in the funding of core operations in Maori infrastructure up and down the country thatr delvier on a private contracted basis because they are funded by their competitor, ruled by their competitor, and their competitor has received extraordinarily good funding from the government over the last six years," Tamihere said.

He said the Budget is likely to be a boost for the Maori Party, who will get plenty of opportunties to point out the lack of attention to Maori matters.

MAORI DAIRY FARMER A PAKEHA

The man who runs the most successful Maori owned dairy farm in the country, says more Maori should consider a career in the sector.

Ross Clark and his wife are Pakeha, and are sharemilking on a South Taranaki farm run by the Paraninihi Ki Waitotara Incorporation.

Their 36 hectare dairy unit was PKW's winning entrant for the Ahuwhenua Trophy.Mr Clark says the ongoing support they've received from PKW contributed to the win. He says dairy farms are a good environment to raise a whanau, and he's keen
to see more Maori get involved.

BATTLERS AT BOTTOM NEED BUDGET ATTENTION

Former Labour Cabinet Minister John Tamihere says today's Budget needs to adress those Maori who still struggle, despite improvements in the overall status of Maori under Labour.

Mr Tamihere's former colleagues are increasingly pointing to improvements in Maori employment and other economic indicators as a way to deflect criticism.

Mr Tamihere says while a Maori middle class has emerged in recent years, there are still problems.

"That doesn't discount the fact there is a significant hard out little tail which continues to procreate, continues to create a range of difficulties, and in good economic times it's not good enough to concentrate on your successes, your society must surely be judged on its failures, and our failure rate we still must address," Tamihere said.

John Tamihere says Government can't fix the problem, and he wants to see money in the budget to help Maori organisations like his Waipareira Trust which are taking ownership of fixing the problems.

FISH SHORTAGES THREATEN SETTLEMENT

The head of Northland's Ngapuhi tribe says the Government needs to get fisheries management right or it will reignite Maori anger over fisheries claims.

Sonny Tau says the $8 million the government is putting in today's Budget for fisheries management plans and marine reserves will just prop up existing bureaucracies.

He says Ngapuhi is concerned many inshore species in its rohe are under unsustainable pressure, and if there is no fish, there is no fisheries settlement.

"For Ngapuhi, 100% of our commercial asset is in fish, 100% of our ability to recreaitonallyy fiosh for our children is in fish, and our ability to manaaki our manuhiri is in fish. If our asset is threatened, that could be the relitigation of the fisheries settlement," Tau said.

He says the government needs to work harder to involve tangata whenua and recreational fishers in fisheries management, rather than locking up large parts of the coast in reserves.

KAPA HAKA INNOVATION THRIVING

Expect to see some innovative performances at next year's Te Matatini national kapa haka competitons in Palmerston North, if the performances at the regional finals are anything to go by.

Te Matatini judge Te Rita Papesch says the Gisborne competitions over the weekend showed teams are putting more effort into voice production, diction and stage movement.

She says the broad age range in most of the 40-strong kapa haka groups means they are able to reinvent older styles while incorporating new ideas.

Newcomers Tu Te Manawa Maurea, from Manutuke, will join veterans Waihirere and Whangara mai Tawhiti in representing Tairawhiti at the nationals.

Reserves confiscation of traditional fisheries

The head of New Zealand's largest tribe says the current marine protection regime amounts to confiscation of customary fishing grounds.

Tomorrow's Budget will include $2 million for the implementaiton of the Marine Protected Areas Stategy, under which all the country's waters are to be assessed as to what level of protection they need.

Ngapuhi Runanga chairman Sonny Tau says rather than try to lock off large areas of the coast, the government should support mechanisms like Mataitai and Taiapure, which give tangata whenua a say in local fisheries management.

IN: The marine protection areas in our view are another way of confiscating a lot of traditional maori fishing gorunds, and before we can implement the tools, they are going out and putting in these marine protection areas and confiscating the best customary fisheries positions.

Sonny Tau says all the reserves do is concentrate catch effort elsewhere, which drives up ternsion between customary, recrational and commercial fishers.

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Indigenous communities in the Pacific are watching New Zealand's restorative justice initiatives, and particularly their impact on Maori offending.

Temuranga June Jackson, the longest serving member of the Parole Board, spoke with the chief justices of Fiji and Papua New Guinea at an international parole conference in Australia last week.

Mrs Jackson says they are looking at ways to improve their own parole systems, and wanted to learn more about how to bring a cultural focus to such programmes.

She says marae based restorative justice programmes, where offenders front up to their victims to apologise for their actions, are proving successful at addressing reoffending, and she was surprised similar schemes haven't been used elsewhere in the region.

The organiser of a conference on prison reform says of all the high profile experts who attended, it was a group of gang members who stole the show.

Kim Workman from Prison Fellowship New Zealand says the 250 delegates heard how important whanau were to breaking patterns of offending.


"The standout for me was the 20 guys from the Notorious Mongrel Mob chapter from Otara to talk about their journey over the past nine years and out of the 37 of them, only two have ended up in prison, and they wanted to change their lives because they didn't want their children to end up in prison like they did," Workman said.

Kim Workman says the gang members felt there was too much research into why Maori are offending, rather than trying to learn from success stories like theirs.

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The likely settlement of Tainui's claim to the Waikato River has sparked heated debate in Tainui circles.

Prime Minister Helen Clarke is expected to announce an agreement in principle when she goes to Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia next Monday to attend celebrations marking the 40th anniversary celebrations of the coronation of the Maori Queen.

Tainui and Crown negotiators are in Wellington this week trying to hammer out the agreement.

Mamae Takarei, a spokeswoman for Port Waikato Maori, says indications are only the riverbed bed will come back, and that's an insult to the mana of the Waikato people.

But academic James Ritchie, who has a long association with Tainui and Kingitanga, say mana will be foremost in the negotiators minds.

"With some kind of acknowledgement of the ownership of the river, the banks and the bed but not the waters, this is a restoration to Tainui of what their mana has always represented and required. It doesn't require money, though monmey is always useful," Ritchie said.

More than 3000 people passed through the marae today for the start of the Koroneihana. The first day traditionally is the Tainui kawe mate, when Tainui and affiliated tribes remember those who have died through the year.


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The general manager of Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Affairs for the New Zealand Police, says recruiting staff from those cultures will be a priority, as they look to fill one thousand new positions.

As part of a post election deal with New Zealand First, the government is adding 1000 frontline police.

Piere Munroe says understanding how different communities operate will benefit to both the community and the police.


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Outspoken Aboriginal league star turned boxer Antony Mundine faces off against Western Australian, Danny Green, for the Australian Supermiddleweight title tonight.

Mundine has surprised many Maori with his understanding of Maori history and its parallels with the injustices suffered by his own people, and he has many friends here.

One of them is comedian Mike King, who will be among the 30 thousand fight fans at Aussie Stadium in Sydney..

King says Mundine's outspoken views, especially his critism of the United States, have put him offside with many Australians, so he needs all the support he can get.

Maori Queen: 40 years of achievement

In Ngaruawahia today, thousands of people are expected at Turangawaewae Marae for the start of a week of celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the Coronation of Te Arikinui, Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

Emeritus Professor James Ritchie, a close advisor of the Maori Queen, says in her 40 years Dame Te Ata has strengthened the Kingitanga movement and cemented its place in New Zealand society.

Professor Ritchie says the marae is expecting to cater for up to 50,000 people over the week, with sports, kapa haka and cultural events running alongside the politics and traditional ceremonial.

He says today's Tainui kawe mate will set the tone for the week, giving Tainui the chance to remember the achievements of those who have died during the year and cementing the tribe together before it welcomes the rest of the motu.

James Ritchie says Dame Te Ata has built up strong relationships with other tribes and with similar leaders around the Pacific, who will all be represented at the Koroneihana.

Other highlights will be the handover of Tainui's fisheries settlement assets by Te Ohu Kaimoana Trust, and the possible announcement of a settlement to the Waikato River claim.


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The chairman of Prison Fellowship New Zealand says the 1000 extra frontline police staff promised by the government should be part of a new style of policing.

Kim Workman, who is himself a former police officer, says the police need to change their public image and the way they relate to the public.

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Maori involved in developing a windfarm on the coast south of the Kawhia believe they are close to getting the green light.

Taharoa C Incorporation is siting the 42 wind-powered turbines alongside its extensive ironsand mining operations.

Chairman Monty Retemeyer says the venture will help both the local and national economy.

Some local residents are worried about the impact of the heavy machines used to construct the 80 metre towers.

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Celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the coronation of Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu start today.

Professor James Ritchie, an advisor to the Maori Queen, says more than 30,000 people may pass through Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia over the next seven days for a full programme of sports and cultural events, as well as polticial and ceremonial occasions.

Professor Ritchie says over the 40 years Dame Te Ata has taken the kingitanga from being an organisation that was not understood or recognised by most New Zealanders to being an important part of the country's life.

He says Dame Te Ata has been particularly effective in tying together all tribes and strengthening the traditional networks, stretching as far as building close links to similar traditional leaders around the Pacific.

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A former Maori policeman says all new recruits need to be sensitive to Maori issues.

Over the next few years the Government will pour $500 million into fulfilling its deal with New Zealand First to boost police numbers by 1000 sworn and 250 unsworn staff.

Kingi Ihaka says while many of those new police will be Maori, it can't be left to them to police Maori communities.

He says in many cases during his 18 years on the force, Maori asked for non-Maori officers to be sent to domestic incidents because they did not want another Maori to intervene in their disputes.

Kingi Ihaka says the best use for the new police will be to get bobbies back on the beat, so they can get to know and be known by communities.

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A director of Paraninihi Ki Waitotara Incorporation says the Taranaki-based organisation is just starting to show its potential.

A PKW dairy unit has just taken out the Ahuwhenua Trophy for best Maori farm in the dairy sector.

Tama Potaka says the incorporation has $180 million dollars in net assets. As well as overseeing 350 leasehold blocks in Taranaki, it has diversified into property development in Brisbane and technology ventures in the United States.

Mr Potaka says organisations like PKW and Nelson's Wakatu Incorporation are having a major impact on Maori development.

Tama Potaka says PKW is proud of winning the Ahuwhenua Trophy, which has a history dating back to Apirana Ngata's and development efforts of the 1930s.