Waatea News Update

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Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Friday, August 06, 2010

Hui to discuss mining onslaught

Te Whanau a Apanui has called iwi together for a Taumata Korero in Auckland to discuss the Government's onshore and offshore mining agenda.

The iwi is fighting the government's grant of a licence to Brazilian company Petrobras to explore for oil in the Raukumara Basin off East Cape.

Spokesperson Riki Gage says it's not just an issue for East Coast iwi, as Government seems to be announcing it's opening up more areas for drilling and mining every day.

He says the hui will discuss both domestic and international action.

While the all day hui is set for Te Kotuku Marae at Rutherford High in West Auckland, Mr Gage says a bigger venue could be needed because of the interest.

BAIT AND SWITCH IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Labour's early childhood education spokesperson, Sue Moroney, says the $4.2 million announced yesterday in extra spending is pathetic.

The money will be spent on two kohanga reo in Counties Manukau and Hawkes Bay, iwi services in Rotorua and Kawakawa, and a Fijian service on south Auckland, creating or retaining a total of 280 places.

Ms Moroney says Ministry of Education figures indicate 19,000 extra places will be needed by next year just to maintain current levels, so the investment will do little to boost participation.

“What we're facing is, particularly amongst Maori and Pasifika families, a growing number of young children, so the population demographics are such is that the Mari and Pasificka families have lots of young children and in the Pakeha community, we’re creating lots of older folk,” Ms Moroney says.

She says this year's budget cut $400 million from early childhood education.

CHANTS AND POI INSPIRATION FOR EXHIBITION

An exhibition opening in Auckland tonight pushes the limits of the weaving tradition.

Manawa wera - Defiant Chants at Objectspace on Ponsonby Road brings together the work of Ngaahina Hohaia and Karl Rangikawhiti Leonard.

Ms Hohaia says while her work comes out of learning whatu taniko and raranga traditions within her family, it has developed into contemporary sculpture using metals, woolen blankets and other sculptural forms.

She says her work is grounded in the songs and traditions of Taranaki and Parihaka.

“I've looked at poi chants from home, looked at the imagery and the whaiwhaikorero withing this waiata and have translated them into visual forms, in particular those waiata referring to the struggle for the land and the struggle to retain the culture and the people’s autonomy so it’s very much a stance of mana motuhake.
Ms Hohaia says.

ATTACKS ON WORKERS BOOST TO UNIONS

Labour's Maori affairs spokesperson says the Government's attacks on worker's rights could lead to a lift in the number of Maori joining trade unions.

Parekura Horomia met with Maori union leaders in Christchurch yesterday to discuss their responses to policies like the proposed extension to all workplaces of the 90 day probation period for new workers.

He says changes will hit Maori communities hard, when people are just looking for a decent job at decent pay.

Mr Horomia says good employers have nothing to fear from trade unions but there are a lot of bad employers who relish the Government's plans.

TWO WAY BENEFITS FROM POLYTECH TIE IN

The education manager of Ngati Whatua o Orakei says a co-operation agreement with Unitec will have benefits for both parties.

Clay Hawke says Ngati Whatua rangatahi will be eligible for scholarships in areas from carpentry and business to early childhood education.

The polytech gets the benefit of greater access to the iwi's traditional knowledge.

WINSTON REID SIGNS TO WEST HAM

Former All Whites' captain Heremaia Ngata says World Cup goal scorer Winston Reid's move to West Ham United will show Maori footballers what's possible with hard work.

The 22-year-old Tainui and Te Rarawa midfielder is reported to have signed a 3-year, $9 million deal with the London-based premier league club.

Mr Ngata says Maori are no strangers to the code, and Reid will join names like Rufer and Fallon as shining examples for younger players.

Apart from his outstanding World Cup performances, Winston Reid is considered on of the best defenders in the Danish league where he has been playing.

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