Maori overrepresented in electoral roll cull

Almost a third of the 63 thousand voters purged from the latest electoral rolls were Maori.

Almost 11 thousand came from the seven Maori seats, while a further 8000 were dropped from general seats.

Electoral Enrolment Centre manager Murray Wicks says the number was high because of this year's Maori electoral option, which involved sending out packs to everyone identified as a Maori on the Maori and general electoral rolls.

Anyone whose pack was returned as gone no address was struck out.

Mr Wicks says even in normal years, the number of Maori dropped from the rolls is above the national average.

“Maori people aren’t good at keeping their enrolment details up to date. They move quite often, it’s not a high priority for them, difficulty with the form, difficulty getting the forms. It’s an area we just have to work harder at compared with the rest of the population,” Wicks says.

Murray Wicks says people whose enrolment has lapsed can only enroll back on the roll they were last on, and can't switch between the Maori and general rolls until the next option in five years.

PUKAWA HUI REKINDLES CONNECTIONS

A strong historical connection was rekindled when Waikato attended the major hui at Pukawa on the shores of Lake Taupo over the weekend.

The hui was called by Ngati Tuwharetoa, and brought together iwi from around the motu, to discuss issues confronting Maori, and to plan a way forward.

One of the main reasons for the gathering was the opening of a new whare at Pukawa, the site where one hundred and fifty years ago, tribal leaders met to choose the first leader for the kingitanga.

Kotuku Tibble from Tuwharetoa says it should come as no surprise that Tainui people arrived by the busload.

“And I think it’s important for people to remember, these tribes, the tribes of Waikato, and the tribes of Tuwharetoa, are historically connected, In fact we know that the Waikato River starts from the sacred springs which begin at Tongariro mountain,” Tibble says.

ROVER SKULLS TOP PRIZE

It's totally blown me away!

That was the reaction of rower, Storm Uru when he was named Maori sportsman of the year, at the 16th annual maori sports awards held in Auckland over the weekend.

Uru beat out league hardman Ruben Wiki, and All Black prop Carl Hayman.

Mr Uru, the under 23 world single skulls champion, paid tribute to the other finalists.

Farah Palmer, the captain of the National Women’s Rugby team, was named both the senior Maori sportswoman, and Maori sports personality of the year.


WHARE MARKS QUEEN’S DREAM

The opening of a whare on the site where the first leader of the Kingitanga was chosen, is the fulfillment of a thirty year dream of the late the Maori queen.

The major hui called by Ngati Tuwharetoa at Pukawa, on the shores of Lake Taupo, brought together representatives of most of the iwi from around the of the country.

Kotuku Tibble from Ngati Tuwharetoa, says it also reaffirmed the strong bond between Waikato and the central north island iwi.

He says the new whare, Mananui a rua Kapana, was a collaborative effort.

“Those carvings started 30 years ago, and Tuwharetoa put the whare together, the tukutuku panels and kowhaiwhai, but Waikato of course contributed with the carvings, and that was the korero on the marae, it was stated that that was a dream that Te Ata had, and she had spoken to both Sir Hepi (te Heuheu) and to Tumu, and of course Tuheitia was there representing his mother to see the fruition of this dream,” Tibble says.

DIGGERESS TE KANAWA HONOURED FOR WEAVING

The family of Ngati Maniapoto weaver Diggeress Te Kanawa believe her latest award is an honour for the whole whanau.

Mrs Te Kanawa was Te Waka Toi's highest award, Te Tohu Tiketike o Te Waka Toi, at a ceremony at te Tokanganui Marae in Te Kuiti this weekend.

The award from Creative new Zealand's Maori arm acknowledges her lifelong contribution to Maori arts and culture.

Her son Dan Te Kanawa says Mrs Te Kanawa learned her craft from her elders, and she has made sure the skills are passed on the next generation.

“Personally I regard it as an acknowledgement of an intergenerational commitment to keep the raranga alive. It comes to some, and not all, biut at least there is evidence that that will continue,” Te Kanawa says.

PALMER, URU TAKE OUT SPORTS AWARDS

A leading Maori sportsman has challenged Maori families to give more support to their budding champions.

At the national Maori Sports Awards in Auckland on Saturday, former professional league player, Tawera Nikau, said many young Maori show huge potential, but often lack the support networks needed to develop their natural talent.

He was addressing the audience prior to presenting disabled athlete Peter Martin with his taonga.

Mr Nikau, who had his lower leg amputated after a motorcycle crash last year, says disabled athletes show tremendous courage and determination.

He says Maori families should take a leaf from their book, and get in behind their talented youngsters.

“And I think it’s absolutely fantastic to see that our young Maori achieving on the world stage. Thirteen world champions this year, that’s an absolutely fantastic feat, and I’d just like to acknowledge you and salute you all,” Nikau said.

Dr Farah Palmer, the captain of the New Zealand women’s Rugby team, was named the Albie Pryor Memorial Maori Sportsperson of the year.

Rower Storm Uru, the under 23 world single skulls champion was named Maori sportsman of the year.