Agencies ignore plight of gang children

Afternoon December 24

A gang liaison worker is highly critical of government agencies not helping gang families who sought parenting help following the murder of Wanganui two-year old Jhai Te Tua in a drive by shooting.

Dennis O'Reilly who has been working with gangs in the area says many acknowledged themselves they did not have good parenting skills.

“But when we went to set up a programme to do something about that, the government agencies in the area wouldn’t look at it. It was so politicised, and so nothing was done. And so the sickness perpetuates and it keeps on resulting in bad and sad things that happen down there,” Mr O'Reilly says.

With Maori party co-leaders Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia having influence in power he is hopeful that in spite of hard economic times there will be a better approach so Maori can regalvanise around marae, Te Reo and building strong and healthy families.

RATANA PROPHECIES STILL RELEVANT

The author of the book Ratana - the Prophet to be launched early in the New Year says TW Ratana was an outstanding man whose prophesies are still highly relevant today.

Keith Newman who has spent more than 20 years researching the life of the Maori prophet who died in 1939 says he is one of the most influential people in our history with his message coming from the wisdom of the Bible in one hand and the Treaty of Waitangi in the other.

Another of Ratana's prophesies was that in the year 2000 a woman would lead the Labour party and at that time people would know that they were at the gateway of enlightenment for New Zealand.

MAORI GOLF TOURNAMENT FOR NEW YEAR

All fairways lead to Christchurch for Maori golfers keen to make a name for themselves at the 72nd annual Maori golf tournament which gets underway early in the New Year.

Merv Waiwai says the Maori tournament remains a highlight of the Maori golf calendar and he's expecting a good turnout of about 300 players for the nationals starting on January 4 at the Waimairi Beach and Avondale Golf Courses.

Merv Waiwai says the Maori golfers will be welcomed onto and hosted by Rehua marae.

POST GRAD NUMBERS A POSITIVE FOR FUTURE

Maori educationalist and political commentator Rawiri Taonui says there are positive signs reflected in the increased numbers of Maori students qualifying with post graduate degrees.

The head of Maori and indigenous studies at Canterbury University says tertiary institutes in Te Wai Pounamu have traditionally struggled to attract Maori post graduate students, but this year around 30 turned out at a research symposium held in Christchurch in September.

Mr Taonui says many are choosing to study in fields outside the norm, such as Pauline Harris from Te Rarawa and Ngapuhi who is the first Maori woman to graduate with a degree in astrophysics.

Another student, Eruera Prendergast, has completed a masters degree with first class honours and distinction in the oral traditions of early settlement in the South Island.

WHANGANUI RIVER REMAINS SOURCE OF IDENTITY

"I am the river and the river is me" is a common phrase used by the people of Whanganui River and it may take on new meaning for those on the tira hoe wananga this January.

Uri or descendents of the Whanganui River will reaffirm those connections when they gather in Taumarunui for a two week wananga on the history of the awa and its iwi.

They'll travel down the river, visiting significant sites and spending time with their whanaunga.

Gerard Albert said the tira hoe wananga began in the eighties and was the idea of kaumatua such as the late Rangitihi (John) Tahuparae

"And they said don’t simply talk about the river, go back to the river and commune with the ancestors that are still in the water and by that way you will understand who you truly are,” Mr Albert says.

This year the hikoi be joined by Kingi Tuheitia and his twelve year old daughter, who was born while he grandmother Te Ataairangikaahu was taking part in the wananga, and was named Ngawaihono by the kaumatua of Whanganui.

STEVE KEARNEY HAPPY WITH LOT

Santa can skip Steve Kearney's house this year.

The Kiwi coach is happy with the Rugby League World Cup and doesn't need anything else.

The Kearney whanau will be spending Christmas in Australia where the Te Atiawa ki Whakarongotai coach is assistant to Craig Bellamy at the Melbourne Storm.

That contract lasts until 2010 and while taking on an NRL team is a long term goal he's not in any hurry.

Te Kotahitanga only part of answer

Morning December 24

The Maori Party spokesperson on education says the Te Kotahitanga programme doesn't have all the answers to address Maori student under-achievement.

Te Ururoa Flavell say he welcomes plans to see the programme, which encourages a stronger relationship between teachers and Maori students, rolled out to more schools next year.

The Waiariki MP says while any initiative to lift scholastic performance by Maori students is important, research indicates whanau involvement in the school community is also a major incentive to improved results.

“The under-achievement of our people in the education system is going to take a hell of a lot more than Te Kotahitanga,” Mr Flavell says.

CARVER’S FAMILY RALLIES AROUND

If the thought of hordes of whanau arriving home for the holidays is raising your blood pressure, spare a thought for the organiser of one of the country's larger whanau gatherings.

Around 350 descendents of the Ngati Raukawa tohunga whakairo Hokowhitu McGregor will gather at Kereru Marae at Koputaroa in Levin over the New Year's break.

Maaka McGregor, says his great grandfather was one of four carvers that worked on houses for the Kingitanga using a very distinctive Tainui style which brings in the iwi’s celestial stories about the beginning of time, interspersed with kereru or shape shifters.

He was also one of the first carvers to carve five fingers, instead of the more normal three.

The Hokowhitu McGregor reunion will include trips to see some of McGregor's work on meetings houses, churches and in the Pataka Museum in Palmerston North

RATANA THE PROPHET GETS NEW BOOK

The author of a book on the founder of the Ratana church called "Ratana - the Prophet" says he was inspired by T W Ratana's message of unity and spiritual leadership.

Keith Newman who has spent more than 20 years researching the life of the prophet who died in 1939 says when he first visited the church near Wanganui he was stunned by the embracing environment where everyone was welcome.

Keith Newman says as a non-Maori it took him a long time to get official support for the project but over time this was forthcoming as he built up trust that he wasn't out to exploit the church.

The book is being launched on January 5.

PARATA URGING NEW THINKING ON NATIONAL

New Maori National MP Hekia Parata says hanging onto ideological beliefs like seeing National as against the interests of workers and Maori is a form of prejudice not supported by the facts.

Hekia Parata, who with her husband Wira Gardiner resigned from National during Don Brash's leadership because of its policies on race, but rejoined when John Key became leader says the National Party is now one of inclusiveness and embracing a wide variety of views.

“John Key very much is what you see is what you get. He is an inclusive person. He absolutely believes in the potential of this country. So I think it is really important that we each of us overcome some of the prejudice. You are brought up with a set of views which are not supported by the evidence,” she says.

Ms Parata says the inclusion of the Maori party in the coalition arrangement is a clear demonstration of inclusiveness and the desire to include a wide range of interests in decision-making.

STATEGY NEEDED TO REAP REWARDS FROM CONFIDENCE DEAL

Meanwhile Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell says careful strategic planning is needed to ensure the Maori Party prospers from the political arrangement brokered with National.

He says the past fortnight has been like a political whirlwind, and the short festive break for the Maori Party MPs will be a welcome opportunity to take stock.

Mr Flavell says the party caucus will meet early in the New Year, to ensure they hit the ground running, and to finalise arrangements for their visits to Ratana and Waitangi.

RATANA BOOK A 20 YEAR UNDERTAKING

The non - Maori author of a book on the Maori spiritual leader TW Ratana called "Ratana - the prophet" to be launched early in the New Year says it took him more than 20 years to build the trust needed to write the book.

Keith Newman says when he first started researching the life of the prophet who died in 1939 he was met with a fear that information would be misused for a hugely profitable enterprise or misunderstood but over time he was officially accepted.

That gave him a chance to understand what he was getting into, and the multiple layers to the story.

Ratana - the Prophet to be launched on January 5 is a simplified and more accessible version of an earlier book he wrote on the Ratana movement.

Recession hitting Maori workers

Afternoon December 23

It may not be a Meri Kerihimete for a growing number of Maori around the motu with the economic recession starting to bite.

Syd Kepa who is the apiha Maori for the Northern Distribution Union and on the runanga of the Council of Trade Unions, says people may be surprised at the scale of the layoffs going on and it's hitting Maori communities particularly hard.

“In my patch alone I’ve had about 250, 260 redundancies. Most of them are in the building and forestry area,” Mr Kepa says.

He doubts the government's new 90-day probation period will help to stimulate the economy, and if workers do manage to land new jobs they'll be too nervous about being laid off to spend any money.

NEW VALUES SEEN IN GOVERNMENT

New Maori National MP Hekia Parata who resigned from the party in 2004 because she believed it had abandoned principles under leader Don Brash's racial policies is saying there is a whole new set of values within the government.

Hekia Parata who resigned with her husband Wira Gardiner says they came back to National because of the new inclusiveness under the leadership of John Key and Bill English his deputy.

“There’s been a whole hearted recognition of the need to have the broad church that National has always prided itself on having, and as part of that to respond to who New Zealand is now and who New Zealand is becoming, and I think the leadership of the party has done a really good job with that, not only recognising that need but actively seeking out talented and competent people that come from these communities that make up Aotearoa New Zealand,” Ms Parata says.

She says the coalition arrangements put together since the election are clear sign of inclusiveness and preparedness to listen which will produce a brighter future for New Zealand.

TAMIHERE COUNTING ON KEY SUPPORT FOR URBAN MAORI


The executive chairman of the National Urban Maori Authorities believes he has a key ally.

John Tamihere says after a meeting with the Prime Minister, he's optimistic community groups on the ground will be given more responsibility and resources to address their own social problems.

He says for too long Maori have suffered at the hands of bureaucracy who think they have all the answers, and next year he will put pressure on underperforming government agencies.

Mr Tamihere says he and fellow urban Maori advocate Willie Jackson met recently with John Key to outline some of the initiatives they believe will help address alarmingly poor rates of literacy and numeracy among tamariki.

“Willie and I met with John Key on Friday and he’s extraordinarily supportive of this. I spent six years in the Labour caucus and couldn’t get the type of acknowledgement or support that we get in five minutes off this bloke. It’s amazing really, a real turnaround,” Mr Tamihere says.

GOFF LOOKING FOR SUBSTANCE BEHIND SMILE

However Labour leader Phil Goff says more than a smile is going to be needed in the coming year ahead.

Phil Goff says Prime Minister John Key comes across to most people as a nice guy but what New Zealanders want is strong and effective leadership.

“It’s got to be more than a smile and it’s got be more than trying to be all things to all people. There are hard decisions to make. Those decisions need to be made on behalf of New Zealanders. We will give the best advice we can from the Opposition benches and it’s up to the Government what they accept from us. Where we think they are doing the wrong things, we will be speaking out,” Mr Goff says.

He says there are hard decisions to be made in tough economic times which will continue to affect Maori and Pakeha next year.

He says parliament spent two weeks in urgency but did not address the real issues such as protecting jobs.

RUGBY CALENDAR SQUANDERS MAORI BRAND

Rugby Commentator Ken Laban says the unilateral decision by the NZRFU to deny the Maori squad games next year misses a golden opportunity to further enhance the Maori brand.

The Wainuiomata based broadcaster says a more suitable arrangement could have been brokered had the national body been more open in their consultation process.

He says the Maori squad would provide sterner opposition for the All Blacks Tri nations preparations than recent teams lackluster performances.

Mr Laban says Maori rugby deserves better, and the best Maori players will make the Junior All Blacks next year.

ANCIENT SOUNDS ADDED TO ORGAN

The work of taonga puoro experts Richard Nunns and the late Hirini Melbourne has inspired the inclusion of the sounds of traditional Maori instruments in the $3.5 million rebuild of the Auckland city organ currently being undertaken in Germany.

Auckland city organist John Wells says the oppoprtunity to include the sounds of the koauau, a type of flute, and pukaea, a trumpet within the music to be made by the 97 year organ was too good an opportunity to miss.

He says he sent a DVD by Richard Nunns and Hirini Melbourne playing taonga purora to the rebuilder Richard Kliss which inspired him to include the sound of the Maori instruments.

John Wells says no one will know exactly how the organ sounds until it is fully rebuilt with a date for its first concert set down

Support for canning wind farm

Morning December 23

Hawkes Bay hapu hope support from non-Maori will help quash once and for all plans by transmission company Unison, to build a 34 turbine windfarm on the Te Wake range.

Tania Hopmans from the Maunga Hararu Tangitu Society Incorporated, a collection of hapu opposing the wind farm, says they are awaiting a decision by the environment court on whether the project will proceed.

She says over the past fortnight the court heard from groups determined to see the project scuttled, including Maori concerns that the planned development demeans their tupuna maunga, and non-Maori groups worried about the aesthetic impact, but who have an developed an appreciation of the Maori argument.

“The know the story of the waka that we see in the landscape, and that gives them a greater appreciation of the landscape,” Ms Hopmans says.

It will be a couple of months before the result of the court case is known.

UNION DEFENDS RUGBY BROWN-OUT

The New Zealand Rugby Union is defending its decision not to schedule any games for the Maori All Blacks next year on economic grounds.

Rugby Union spokesman Brent Anderson who is general manager of community and provincial rugby says the union is charged with looking after rugby in New Zealand for all New Zealanders.

“We have to ensure the All Blacks remain a winning team, and part of the basis for the decision was asking is we could have both as Maori team and a junior All Black team planning. The answer was we can’t, if we want to ensure that the All Blacks are a winning team and all New Zealanders can have pride and follow that team, then having the junior team play rather than the Maori team was going to ensure that,” Mr Anderson says.

TAMIHERE URGES PROTEST SHIFT TO LEAGUE

However politician turned broadcaster John Tamihere says institutionalised racism is behind the NZRFU's decision not to grant the Maori rugby squad any fixtures next year.

The former chairman of New Zealand Maori rugby league says the lack of recognition is intolerable, and Maori must pressure the sport’s governing body to ensure the situation is rectified.

Mr Tamihere says for the NZRFU to say it is a sporting decision and not political is absurd.

He says all Maori should snub rugby and take up rugby league

RUGBY UNION FEELING THE PRESSURE

The New Zealand Rugby Union is showing signs that it may be responding to pressure from Maoridon over its decision not to schedule any games for the Maori All Blacks next year.

Last week the Union put out a media release indicating that no games had been organised for the Maori team on economic grounds and instead priority was being given to the Junior All Blacks.

This sparked a tirade of criticism from many Maori including former players such as Buck Shelford, administrators like Matt Te Pou and former New Zealand Rugby League chair John Tamihere who has called it institutionalised rascism and called on all Maori to turn to league.

However yesterday two Rugby Union representatives ...Maori delegate on the rugby union Paul Quinn and the general manager of provisional and community rugby Brent Anderson both indicated that the decision may not be as black and white as first thought.

Brent Anderson says management has been given a directive by the Union's board to try and find suitable credible opposition for the New Zealand Maori team to play next year.

“We will work down that line. If we can find some opposition willing to play and can help us meet our budget targets, we will certainly be going down that line,” Mr Anderson says.

ARAB COUNTRIES WELCOMING MAORI WORKERS

A Maori architect working in Dubai says Arab countries are welcoming Maori workers, as they have an appreciation of the cultural dynamic that exists in their countries.

Mike Barnes from Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau, says he's sure his whakapapa has been a bonus for him and other Maori working in the Middle East.

He says as it is becoming increasingly common for Maori and Polynesian elements to be incorporated into the designs of public buildings in New Zealand, similarly in Dubai there is also a commitment to ensure aspects of the Arab World are factored into the building design process.

Mike Barnes from Oceania Architecture is in New Zealand for last Saturday's opening of Nga Whetu O Te Rangi, the refurbished Ngati Pukenga wharenui in Welcome Bay.

KOAUAU SOUND ADDED IN ORGAN REBUILD

The sound of taonga puoro...traditional Maori instruments...are being added to the Auckland City organ as part of its $3.5 million rebuild in Germany making it truly unique.

City organist John Wells says the sounds of the koauau, a type of flute, and pukaea, a trumpet, will be replicated in ranks of pipes at the 97-year old organ's highest level.

John Wells says the rebuilders in Germany were inspired by a DVD of taonga puoro experts Richard Nunns and the late Hirini Melbourne which he sent them.

The restored 18 tonne organ will not be heard in Auckland before March 2010 such is the magnitude of the rebuilding task.

Hope yet for Maori All Blacks

Bulletins December 22

The Maori delegate on the New Zealand Rugby Union Paul Quinn says it is not definite that the Maori All Blacks will not be playing any games next year.

A media release by the union last week sparked outrage across Maoridom when it announced that no games had been arranged for the Maori All Blacks in 2009.

However Paul Quinn, who entered parliament this year as a National list MP, says although the Maori All Blacks have not been scheduled to play in the Pacific Nations competition next year, the NZRFU board has asked management to pursue options.

He says the New Zealand Maori team remains one of the union's high performance teams alongside the All Blacks and the New Zealand Juniors.

BROWN HOPES FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD BOOST

The Mayor of Manukau Len Brown says he received a positive response to his call for a greater government commitment to early childhood education when he meet with Prime Minister John Key in Wellington last week.

Len Brown says another 20 to 30 pre-school facilities are needed in South Auckland particularly for Maori and Pacific Island kids.

Only 78 percent of Maori children and 79 percent of Pacific Island children in the region are attending pre-school, compared with 95 percent for every other group.

He says the Prime Minister also made all the right noises when he sought commitment for a second campus to be set up by AUT in Hyland Park within five years.

SHARPLES TOO BUSY FOR TE MATATINI APPEARANCE

One casualty of the National-Act-Maori Party coalition may be Pita Sharples' proud record at Te Matatini.

The Minister of Maori Affairs has competed at every national kapa haka competition since it began in the early seventies.

The mau rakau... or taiaha expert... composes, tutors and performs with the West Auckland based roopu... Manutaki... who regularly make the top six... and took the top honours at Waitangi in 1990.

However his ministerial workload means the Maori Party co-leader may have to give next year's competition in Tauranga a miss... but he's been lobbying the current tutor, his son Paora, for a slot if the opportunity arises.

WAIT NOW FOR WIND FARM DECISION

Hawkes Bay Maori locked in a battle over a proposed windfarm on their tupuna maunga says the latest attempt by the developer is an abuse of process.

Tania Hopmans from the Maunga Hararu Tangitu society says it will be a nervous wait over the festive season, as the Environment Court considers an application by lines company Unison to build a 34-turbine wind farm on the Te Wake range.

Ms Hopmans says two years ago the same company were denied rights to a 37 turbine wind farm, and to put objectors through another round of evidence over the past two weeks for a proposal with just three less turbines is an abuse of the Environment Court process.

She questions how many times a developer has a chance to get their proposals right.

TASMAN TURNS DOWN MAORI REPRESENTATION

Iwi at the top of the South Island are determined to continue fighting for Maori representation on the Tasman District Council despite rejection of their move to gain a say in local body decisions.

Barney Thomas who chairs Tiakina te Taiao which represents four of the six iwi in the Tasman district says this and the recent failure to put together a Memorandum of Understanding with the Council does not mean Maori are going to let the issue die.

“We ain’t going nowhere. We’re going to be here for the next 200 years plus. We wanrt to ensure our grandchildren don’t have to experience what we’re going through now and we’ll be there for the long haul,” Mr
Thomas says.

Iwi are major land owners in the Tasman district and a major contributor through rates also.

WELCOME BAY MARAE REOPENED

The architect who helped in the rebuild of the wharenui at Te Whetu O Te Rangi marae in Tauranga, says the hau kainga must take most of the credit for its reconstruction.

On Saturday hundreds were on hand at the Ngati pukenga marae in Welcome Bay, including Kingi Tuheitia and Tumu Te Heuheu, to mark the historic reopening after fire razed the old wharenui and ablution block two years ago.

Mike Barnes from Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau, was commissioned through his company Oceania Architecture to oversee the rebuild, and says Saturdays opening was the culmination of many people’s efforts.

Carvings were done by Des Kahotea, the project was managed by Rahera Ohia, with support by kaumatua and young people.

December 19 Afternoon bulletins

Community welcome in Shelly Bay planning

Maori who will take over the prime Wellington waterfront site of Shelly Bay as part of a Waitangi Treaty settlement have given an assurance that the community will have access to the former 4.5 hectare Defence Force base.

Dr Ngatata Love who chairs the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust says while there are no definitive plans at present for the land valued at more than $10 million it has to be sustainable economically.

“There’s no shortage of ideas about this land, but we want to talk to the community about it, talk to the associations out there, both the progressive associations and the business community and the mayor and others so we don’t see it as something we lock up in our thinking, but open it up to everyone,” Dr Love says.

He says the trust has a good history of working with private sector developers on a joint venture basis and will control what is done with any development.

NOT ENOUGH TEACHERS FOR KOHANGA REO

Maori language advocates have been challenged to recreate the momentum that led to the establishment of kohanga reo.

The call comes from Tawhirimatea Williams, who heads Te Wananga Takiura, a specialist Maori language tertiary provider based in Auckland.

He agrees with Dr Graeme Smith from Te Whare Wananga O Awanuiarangi that the kohanga movement is going through an understandable drop off in numbers, as those who sparked the Maori language renaissance move on or die.

Mr Williams says Maori have been caught unprepared.

“I'm a little scared of what I see out there because many of our kohanga reo are now teaching in English because people haven’t realized that things have caught up with us, that we were not replacing as fast as people were leaving us, so we’ve got a big job ahead of us to create that renaissance again, but before we do that we’ve got to create the personnel,” Mr Williams says.
MAORI RUGBY LOW PRIORITY

Maori broadcaster Willie Jackson says no one should be surprised by the New Zealand Rugby Union's decision not to hold any games for the Maori All Blacks next year

Willie Jackson who has previously toured as a broadcaster with Maori All Black teams says Maori have not been a priority for the Rugby Union for a number of years.

He says the Rugby Union should be politically forced to recognise the Maori All Blacks as the priority team in New Zealand after the All Blacks and ahead of the New Zealand Juniors and divisional teams.

WELLINGTON SETTLEMENT ASSET CONFIRMED

Joy at the settlement of a long standing Treaty claim with Maori taking over the former Shelly Bay defence force base on Wellington's Miramar peninsula is tinged with sadness for those behind the claim.

Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust is buying the 4.5 hectare waterfront site, which is valued at more than $10 million.

Chairperson Ngatata Love says it holds huge potential for development, and gives Taranaki Whanui back the mana they have not always felt when the city has taken over all of their traditional sites.

Dr Love says the former minister for treaty settlements, Michael Cullen, did a great job in moving the settlement process forward and he has great faith that Prime Minister John Key will see that the process continues.

RESOURCE ACT REVIEW UNSETTLING

The Maori Party is keeping a close eye on the review of the Resource Management Act.

Pita Sharples says they spent the last parliament arguing to keep the Treaty provision in the RMA legislation... and they've managed to get Maori lawyer Paul Majury on the RMA review panel this time around.

The Maori Party co-leader argues Maori need to have a say about what happens in their rohe.

“We have to be very careful that we don’t keep the treaty in there but lose some of the actual treaty processes if you like so we are very much so keeping an eye on that,” Dr Sharples says.

HARAWIRA CALLS FOR AUSSIE-MAORI TEST

MP and keen rugby follower Hone Harawira is proposing Maori offer to play the Wallabies in warm up games to the Tri- Nations following the New Zealand Rugby Union's snub of not scheduling any games for the Maori All Blacks next year.

Hone Harawira says he has a suggestion to answer the kick in the teeth to Maori – a game between Maori and Australia before next year’s Tri-Nations series.

Hone Harawira says games between the Maori and the Wallabies would be highly popular.

Maori scapegoated for RMA failings

December 19 Morning bulletins

An Auckland based Maori environmental lawyer is expressing concern that Maori may be made the scapegoat for failings in the resource management act and left out of the consent decision making process.

Pru Kapua sees an advisory group to report on the RMA as having inadequate Maori representation and fears it may lead to removal of provisions in the act accommodating the Maori perspective.

“To go back and talk about taking iwi and Maori involvement out of the RMA because people are looking for a scapegoat or to scaremonger would be a horrendous step backward,” Ms Kapua says.

She says the removal of hard fought provision for Maori in the RMA would create major dissent among Maori.

WANANGA LINE UP TO MEET NEW MINISTER

The new minister of education is set to meet with the heads of the three wananga early next year.

Turoa Royal from the country's oldest Maori tertiary institution, Raukawa in Otaki, says they're keen to talk to Anne Tolley about the way the wananga fit into the overall education scene.

Turoa Royal who also heads Te Tauihu o Nga Wananga, the national association, says there will always be challenges that they need to sort out so getting Ms Tolley up to speed and by working with her, associate minister Pita Sharples, the Ministry of Education, NZQA and the Tertiary Education Commission, they should be able to make some progress.

Wananga cover the country and serve a broad range of students from second-chance learners to those working on doctorates.

MAORI RUGBY SCHISM MOOTED

A long time Maori rugby advocate says it is time for Maori to consider a breakaway from the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Dennis Hansen, a Maori All Black in the early 1960's says Maori representatives on the national body must take responsibility for the failure of the sports governing body to allocate the Maori All Blacks any fixtures next year.

He says he's preparing a discussion document to gauge feedback on a plan to give Maori rugby more autonomy.

He says Maori have been the backbone of the code in this country for generations and to be sidelined by the NZRFU is a disgrace.

ACTING TOUGH BUT DOING NOTHING RIGHT

Acting tough... but doing nothing right... that's Parekura Horomia's assessment of the National Government's first few weeks in power.

The former Minister of Maori Affairs says over the last fortnight the new Government has pushed through a number of bills, including one which doubles the fines for parents of tamariki who skip school.

“They went to the rangatahi, the students, the kids, and they said it was their relationship to the teacher. Now doubling the fines of kids who don’t turn up ain't gonna help that,” Mr Horomia says.

National would be better off if it listened to experts in the field, such as Russell Bishop from Te Kotahitanga, whose team talked to schools, parents and students to find out the real reasons behind truancy.

KEY SUPPORTIVE OF SETTLEMENT OUTCOMES

The Prime Minister has reiterated his personal commitment to the Treaty settlement process saying its success depends on goodwill on both sides.

John Key says shifting the Office of Treaty Settlements from Justice to the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet, which he has suggested could lend weight to the process.

“In my experience when treaty settlements are completed they are an important part of the healing process, they provide some financial resources from which economic and educational advancement can occur for the iwi and as we’re seeing the Maori economy is now booming. It’s anywhere between $19 and $25 billion but there is enormous opportunity being developed and part of it is being driven off the settlement process,” Mr Key says

He says there are a number of other ways, as well as shifting the Office of Treaty Settlements, through which he could ensure he is closely connected to the process.

TE REO INITATIVES NEED REVITALISING

Educationalists intent on revitalising te reo may benefit from work going on across the Tasman.

Te Wananga o Awanuiarangi head Graham Smith, who has been in Melbourne for the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education, says while Maori language programmes like Kohanga and Ataarangi are still good initiatives they could do with a bit of a freshening up.

“Most initiatives run about a 25 year cycle and they peak and the they become mundane and ordinary and even domesticated the system and so there is a need to get outside that and reignite the enthusiasm around those ideas,” Dr Smith says.

Dr Smith was particularly interested in work Aboriginal communities are doing with parents in the home.

Maori scapegoated for RMA failings

December 19 Morning bulletins

An Auckland based Maori environmental lawyer is expressing concern that Maori may be made the scapegoat for failings in the resource management act and left out of the consent decision making process.

Pru Kapua sees an advisory group to report on the RMA as having inadequate Maori representation and fears it may lead to removal of provisions in the act accommodating the Maori perspective.

“To go back and talk about taking iwi and Maori involvement out of the RMA because people are looking for a scapegoat or to scaremonger would be a horrendous step backward,” Ms Kapua says.

She says the removal of hard fought provision for Maori in the RMA would create major dissent among Maori.

WANANGA LINE UP TO MEET NEW MINISTER

The new minister of education is set to meet with the heads of the three wananga early next year.

Turoa Royal from the country's oldest Maori tertiary institution, Raukawa in Otaki, says they're keen to talk to Anne Tolley about the way the wananga fit into the overall education scene.

Turoa Royal who also heads Te Tauihu o Nga Wananga, the national association, says there will always be challenges that they need to sort out so getting Ms Tolley up to speed and by working with her, associate minister Pita Sharples, the Ministry of Education, NZQA and the Tertiary Education Commission, they should be able to make some progress.

Wananga cover the country and serve a broad range of students from second-chance learners to those working on doctorates.

MAORI RUGBY SCHISM MOOTED

A long time Maori rugby advocate says it is time for Maori to consider a breakaway from the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Dennis Hansen, a Maori All Black in the early 1960's says Maori representatives on the national body must take responsibility for the failure of the sports governing body to allocate the Maori All Blacks any fixtures next year.

He says he's preparing a discussion document to gauge feedback on a plan to give Maori rugby more autonomy.

He says Maori have been the backbone of the code in this country for generations and to be sidelined by the NZRFU is a disgrace.

ACTING TOUGH BUT DOING NOTHING RIGHT

Acting tough... but doing nothing right... that's Parekura Horomia's assessment of the National Government's first few weeks in power.

The former Minister of Maori Affairs says over the last fortnight the new Government has pushed through a number of bills, including one which doubles the fines for parents of tamariki who skip school.

“They went to the rangatahi, the students, the kids, and they said it was their relationship to the teacher. Now doubling the fines of kids who don’t turn up ain't gonna help that,” Mr Horomia says.

National would be better off if it listened to experts in the field, such as Russell Bishop from Te Kotahitanga, whose team talked to schools, parents and students to find out the real reasons behind truancy.

KEY SUPPORTIVE OF SETTLEMENT OUTCOMES

The Prime Minister has reiterated his personal commitment to the Treaty settlement process saying its success depends on goodwill on both sides.

John Key says shifting the Office of Treaty Settlements from Justice to the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet, which he has suggested could lend weight to the process.

“In my experience when treaty settlements are completed they are an important part of the healing process, they provide some financial resources from which economic and educational advancement can occur for the iwi and as we’re seeing the Maori economy is now booming. It’s anywhere between $19 and $25 billion but there is enormous opportunity being developed and part of it is being driven off the settlement process,” Mr Key says

He says there are a number of other ways, as well as shifting the Office of Treaty Settlements, through which he could ensure he is closely connected to the process.

TE REO INITATIVES NEED REVITALISING

Educationalists intent on revitalising te reo may benefit from work going on across the Tasman.

Te Wananga o Awanuiarangi head Graham Smith, who has been in Melbourne for the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education, says while Maori language programmes like Kohanga and Ataarangi are still good initiatives they could do with a bit of a freshening up.

“Most initiatives run about a 25 year cycle and they peak and the they become mundane and ordinary and even domesticated the system and so there is a need to get outside that and reignite the enthusiasm around those ideas,” Dr Smith says.

Dr Smith was particularly interested in work Aboriginal communities are doing with parents in the home.

Dangerous road bypassed

December 18 Afternoon bulletins

Waikato Maori have an old proverb, he piko, he taniwha, there is a tainiwha at each bend of the Waikato river.

In a roading sense, those taniwha now have a few less bends to hide around... with the opening of a new stretch of state highway on a notorious stretch of road at Mangatawhiri between Auckland and Thames.

Toko Pompey, the Tainui Kaumatua who blessed the new stretch of road, says the new expressway cuts out the dangerous bends that over the years have been the scene of hundreds of accidents, many of them fatal.

He says he's personally aware of eight fatalities, including singer Missy Teka.

The old winding road was the scene of hundred of crashes... and at least 66 deaths.

RARAWA EYES TREELORD MODEL IN FOREST GRAB

The deal struck with between the previous government and central North Island iwi just prior to the election is being used as a template to sort out ownership issues in the far north.

Haami Piripi, the chair of Te Runanga o Te Rarawa says there is growing momentum to have their 30 year old Waitangi Tribunal claims resolved including recognition of their kaitiakitanga over 90 mile beach.

Haami Piripi says there is a new consensus among the five tribes of the far north that make up Muriwhenua.

POLICY SOURCE OF OFFICE OF TREATY SETTLEMENTS PROBLEM

The Greens say that while they support shifting the Office of Treaty Settlements from Justice to the Prime Ministers department it won’t in itself solve settlement policy issues.

Maori affairs spokesperson Meteria Turei says the move suggested by Prime Minister John Key is a wise one giving the Crown rangitira status through the prime minister but more is needed in the policy area to fix up the settlement process.

WATER FIGHT COULD HAVE INTERNATIONAL INPUT

Maori are pooling information with indigenous groups from Canada, the US and South America to develop strategies to protect their interests in what is being seen as a looming battle over water.

Maori human rights lawyer Moana Jackson says although the previous government shied away from privatising water, their plan to create tradable rights would have had the same effect.

Moana Jackson says he would hate to see the situation in New Zealand which exists in other countries where multi-national water companies are selling water back to indigenous people once they have private rights to it.

KEY SAYS MAORI IMPORTANT STAKEHOLDER IN WATER DEBATE

However the Prime Minister says there is no question that Maori are an important stakeholder in the allocation of water and will be closely involved in decisions which need to be looked into around water ownership and allocation.

John Key has responded to Maori rights lawyers Moana Jackson’s concern that water could be commodified with Maori missing out.

“No I think that’s extremely unlikely. The position is that water has largely been used on a first come, first served basis and what’s that’s meant is that economically around the country it hasn’t always been put to the best use. There’s a range of issues there, and there’s no question Maori are a significant stakeholder,” Mr Key says.

The ownership of water is a complex issue needing to be debated but at the end of the day the government will ensure the process is fair.

MAORI LEFT OUT OF RUGBY CALENDAR

A former Maori all black says he's disgusted the Maori squad have not been allocated any fixtures in next year’s rugby calendar.

Dennis Hansen represented Maori in the early 1960's and went on the become a selector for Auckland Maori rugby.

He says the Maori All Blacks is a prominent launch pad into higher honours, as was proven this year by Piri Weepu, Hosea Gear, Jason Eaton, Ross Filipo and Steve Waldrom.

Dennis Hansen says consideration should be given to the establishment of a Maori rugby regime devoid of the NZRFU.

Injunction gives chance for debate

December 18 Morning bulletins

The head of the Tainui parliament, Te Kauhanganui, has welcomed a High Court decision delaying plans to restructure the tribe’s administrative bodies.

Tom Roa, who initiated the court action, says he has always been uncomfortable with the pace of the changes proposed by the chair of Tainui's executive arm Te Arataura chair, Tukoroirangi Morgan.

Mr Roa says the judge’s decision for both parties to taihoa handed down in the court in Hamilton yesterday, allows more opportunity for debate on what is an important issue for Tainui.


”That's all
 that I have been seeking, right from the very beginning. I’m sad that we had to go to the High Court but glad that the mana of the Kauhanganui has been upheld by the judge
,” Mr Roa says.

He says it is prudent to wait till February when new members are welcomed on to the boards.


Mr Morgan says Te Arataura will meet on Monday, and is confident a hui of Te Kauhanaganui early in the New Year will support the restructuring proposal.

KAPUA SLATES MAJUREY APPOINTMENT

A Maori environment law specialist says Maori input to a new advisory group reviewing the resource management act is thin on the ground.

Pru Kapua says the eight member panel which includes conservationists, barristers, planning engineers and even a former deputy prime minister lacks the knowledge of te ao Maori needed to provide a balanced perspective.

She says the only Maori on the board, Russel McVeigh lawyer Paul Majury has a limited track record as an advocate for Maori on environmental issues, as many of his clients were major companies with cases against Maori.

She says any changes to the resource management act will have a huge impact on Maori.

LIBRARIANS CELEBRATE ROLE KEEPING TRADITION

Maori librarians are at the forefront of efforts to collect and catalogue indigenous knowledge around the world

David Kukutai-Jones from the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington says while there are only 200 Maori in Te Roopuu Whakatau... the Association of Maori Librarians and Information Specialists... they are among the most politically active internationally.

Maori representatives work with other indigenous groups to protect their taonga... and they sit on the American Library Associations Strategic Planning Committee... one of the oldest Library Associations in the world.

MORGAN CONFIDENT TAINUI RESTRUCTURING WILL PROCEED

Waikato Tainui leader Tukoroirangi Morgan says he's confident plans to restructure the tribe’s operations will go ahead next year, despite a high court judge blocking the move yesterday.

Justice Paul Heath ruled that the 193 member Waikato Tainui parliament... Te Kauhanganui... and not the executive body... Te Arataura... held the mandate to make such decisions.

Mr Morgan says he's disappointed by the judge's decision, but it was a procedural ruling and he expects support for the change will be forthcoming once the advantages of the restructuring plans are outlined to the tribal parliament early in the new year.

The proposed structure would streamline the operations and see the creation of a tumu whakarae, a super CEO, who would have control of Tainui's social, cultural and economic arms.

Te Kauhanganui chair Tom Roa, who initiated the court action, says the delay is what was wanted and he is pleased the judge has upheld the mana of Te Kauhanganui.

FEET ON GROUND FOCUS ON NEW MINISTER

The new Minister of Maori Affairs is hoping to marshal an army of Maori community workers.

Pita Sharples who has just released briefing papers from Te Puni Kokiri says resources already exist but they are working independently and need to better coordinated and targeted.

The Maori Party co-leader signaled he's interested in elements of the old-style Department of Maori Affairs... who really knew their communities... and had boots on the ground to deal with problems as they arose.

“It's surprising how many employees Te Puni Kokiri has that actually work in the community and it’s really getting them into a role that could join up with perhaps the people working in the community in education and in the Department of Social Welfare
,” Dr Sharples says.

He says better coordination would guard against families such as the Kahui and Curtis whanau falling through the gaps.

MAORI TELEVISION LOBBIES FOR FREQUENCY SECURITY

Maori Television has told the government that it wants its transmission frequencies locked in for 20 years.

In briefing papers CEO Jim Mather says television planning needs to be long-term and Maori Television requires surety of transmission spectrum.

“What we are doing
 is aligning with other commercial broadcasters, so we are not claiming any special case here. We are just stating that recently the commercial broadcasters had their transmission spectrum rights renewed out to 2020 or thereabouts and we have an expectation we will be treated in a similar fashion,” Mr Mather says.

He says into the future digital streaming will give Maori Televison viewers access to 300 hours of televison at any one time.

Court blocks Tainui plan

December 17 Afternoon bulletins

Plans to restructure Waikato-Tainui have hit a speed bump.

The tribe has a 193-member parliament, Te Kauhanganui, and an 11-member board, Te Arataura, and manages $600 million dollars worth of assets on behalf of the iwi.

Te Arataura had hoped to streamline the management structure.

But the court granted an injunction sought by the chair of Te Kauhanganui, Tom Roa, and sent the executive back to the parliament for further discussion.
Hamilton High Court judge Paul Heath ruled in favour of Tom Roa, stating the restructuring should cease until it has gained the approval of Te Kauhanganui.

Since its inception the role of Te Arataura was to implement the affairs of Te Kauhanganui.

At a special resolution meeting in April, 86 percent of Te Kauhanganui members approved of the proposal to restructure.

However, the judge has ruled the current undertaking of Te Aratauira has overstepped its mandated authority.

He also wanted to make it clear the ruling was not a slur on any of the 11 executive members, as he believed they acted honestly in what they thought they were within their rights to do.

SHARPLES CONSIDERS PRISON PLANS

The Minister of Maori Affairs Pita Sharples is looking at stepping up rehab programmes and strengthening Maori units as a means of attacking prison numbers.

In just released briefing papers Corrections has told the government urgent solutions are needed with community probation services already struggling, and the prison muster expected to balloon beyond capacity in the next 18 months.

Pita Sharples who is also associate Minister of Corrections says with Maori making up more than half of the prison population action is needed, and he will look at the existing Maori units and rehabilitations programmes.

Corrections says up to four more prisons will be needed in the next eight years and that it has concerns for public safety unless more prison staff can be found.

TAINUI CHAIR SANGUINE OVER LEGAL SETBACK

A Hamilton High Court judge has put a stop to plans to restructure Waikato Tainui and told those leading the charge for change to go back and talk to Te Kauhanganui parliament.

Tukoroirangi Morgan, who chairs the tribe’s executive board, says while he is disappointed by the judge's ruling he is happy to go back to the tribal parliament and re-present the case for streamlining the management structure.

“I'm absolutely confident
 that we will continue to get support for the restructuring, bearing in mind the structure we have is now 13 years old and arose out of the raupatu settlement over the land
,” Mr Morgan says.

He says the existing system is unwieldy and wasn't designed to deal with the complexities of handling 600 million dollars worth of assets... and having a say in the management of the Waikato river.

GREENS CONCERNED AT DNA STORE

The Green party has reiterated its concern about government plans to give the police greater powers to take and save DNA samples claiming Maori will be particularly disadvantaged.

Maori affairs spokesperson Meteria Turei says they are strongly opposed to the compulsory taking of DNA at the time of arrest rather than conviction.

She says Maori are more likely to be arrested, and the police would end up with a vast store of DNA over which the public and Maori in particular would have no control.

Meteria Turei says as well as the fact that Maori will be most affected there are also tikanga issues which haven't been considered.

The taking and storing DNA samples has been highlighted with news that the police have made their first conviction using DNA from a family member.

Christchurch man Wayne Jarden admitted historic rape charges after police tracked him down using DNA from his brother raising concerns from civil liberties groups.

MAORI TELEVISION GIVES BRIEFING TO MINISTERS

The number of non-Maori watching Maori Television is continuing to grow providing greater cross-cultural understanding.

Maori Television CEO Jim Mather who this week gave the incoming Ministers of Maori Affairs and Finance a briefing paper on where the station is going says more than two thirds of viewers are non-Maori.

“We are proud of that fact
 that we’re sharing our culture, our language and our heritage with all other New Zealanders and hold the view that ultimately to be successful we need to have an inclusive strategy, we need to be a very welcoming type of television organisation in terms of our programming being accessible to those who do not have strong reo Maori language skills,” Mr Mather says.