ACT leader urges Maori to take Cabinet posts

Act Leader Rodney Hide says it's important the Maori Party takes a
leadership role in the next parliament.

Rodney Hide says he has spoken to Maori Party co-leaders Turiana Turia and
Pita Sharples and his advice was to become part of the cabinet if they have
the opportunity.

"Get into the big table, the cabinet, and I know it's going to be hard for their supporters, National is going to be the government, but I think they can make an impact and make a difference inside the tent, and I think also that if we are going to have New Zealand go forward Maori are part of that and the Maori Party is the obvious expression of Maori hopes and ambition," Mr Hide says.

The colourful MP for Epsom says although there are areas where the two
parties disagree such as the retention of the Maori seats they also share a
lot of common ground like the foreshore and seabed legislation.

EXPERIENCED ALL GOLDS DOWN YOUNG MAORI SIDE

Taranaki sports fans were treated to a triple dose of haka yestarday as the
New Zealand All Golds lined up against the national Maori rugby league squad
in New Plymouth.

Howie Tamati, the chair of Maori League and the head of Sport Taranaki says
the haka set the tone for the history making clash, which saw the All Golds,
a shadow kiwi team, run out winners 46-10, after solid early play from the
young Maori side.

Mr Tamati says the game served a dual purpose, as a buildup for the Kiwis
world cup campaign, and the Maori team's clash with the Aboriginal squad in
Sydney in two weeks.

MUSEUM TEACHING TOOL MAKING TO RANGATAHI

The Auckland museum is safekeeping the future of Maori tool-making by
teaching the methods to kids.

Programme Coordinator and Archaeologist Ma'ara Maeva says 35 children
attended a session on Maori archaeology at the museum during the school
holidays involving the Tuwiri, a traditional pump drill.

The drill was made from a type of quartz called 'chert' and
attached to a shaft using a cord at one end maneuvered to drill holes in
rock and bone.

He says the workshop on the Tuwiri was one of a number aimed at teaching
children traditional archaeology methods in a fun and creative way during
the school holidays.

MAINSTREAM LACKING IN SUPPORT MORE MAORI ACADEMICS

A Maori academic says mainstream institutions lack a deep understanding of
Tikanga Maori.

Auckland University's Dr Te Tuhi Robust says the lack of cultural
understanding can be found through the establishment of University based
Marae such as that set up at Auckland university.

Dr Robust says Marae are a way for Maori students and faculty to acknowledge
their culture appropriately within the context of the tertiary education.

NZ FIRST FIVE PERCENT THRESHOLD PREDICTED

Political commentator Chris Trotter is predicting Winston Peters and New
Zealand First will get back into parliament at the next election.

And he says the way the media has treated Winston Peters over the political
donations sage has only enhanced his chances.

Chris Trotter says Winston Peters being cleared by the Serious Fraud Office
has gained minor media coverage compared to the publicity given to the
charges against him.

MIKA CLAWS OUT FOR FELLOW ENTERTAINERS

Maori entertainer Mika says New Zealand singers lack originality.

The extravagant performer has recently revived his singing career with the
release of 'The Closer I Get To You' a remake originally made famous by
Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway.

The single features American hip hop artist Mirrah and is
being released by New Zealand-based label Brown Blonde Entertainment.

Mika says although the song is a great soul remake originality is key.

Mika says the 'who's who' of the industry will be out at the launch of the
single at NV bar on K' Rd this Thursday.