Ki a kotahi mai ki te ao nei
Ki a kotahi mai ki te wairere nei
Ki a kotahi mai ki te whenua nei
Ki a kotahi mai ki nga tangata katoa

Tënä koe and Warm Greetings to you,

History of TangataWhenua.com

RANGIKAINGA (TangataWhenua.com's newsletter) was first developed in 2002 when Potaua Biasiny-Tule noted that although there was much online discussion on topical issues relevant to Mäori communities there was little in the way of a Mäori relevant newsletter that was delivered to people at regular intervals. After just three brief panui the community's response was overwhelming and Mr Biasiny-Tule set out to create something phenomenal. At the end of their first run RANGIKAINGA had over 1400 subscribers.

The name RANGIKAINGA literally means 'Celestial Blessing'. The impetus for the development of the panui was to use ICT to share relevant news and information which addressed local indigenous issues that promoted new partnerships and strengthened existing ones. Additionally, as whanau have spread across the globe there is an increased need to provide a network which can assist in connecting them.

The decision was made to actively engage in developing an indigenous community-based organisation model that would meet the needs of both subscribers and advertisers. The domain name www.TangataWhenua.com was registered soon after. In 2005, RANGIKAINGA received a commendation from the Human Rights Commission for its positive contribution to race relations.

In 2006, RANGIKAINGA received an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) by the National Library of New Zealand - Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa confirming its place as a period serial. RANGIKAINGA is the only newsletter of its kind in the world. In 2007 TangataWhenua.com received an entry in Wikipedia, the world's largest online encyclopedia, confirming its importance in terms of Maori development in ICT.

In 2007, TangataWhenua.com began facilitating the Google Maori Project. The aim of the project is to translate the Google Search Interface into Maori allowing users around the world to search Google totally in te reo Maori. The project was picked up heavily by mainstream media and was featured on the front page of the New Zealand Herald. Interviews were given to National Radio, Radio Waatea, bFM, NuiMF, Native Affairs and Mana Magazine. Recently Te Taura Whiri - the Maori Language Commission pledged their support to assist with the project. The project is expected to be completed by early 2008.

Our Vision

To provide exceptional , relevant , and independent news, events & information to Maori and those working with and interested in indigenous communities in an effort to strengthen online Maori networks and businesses.

Key Objectives

Our goal is to provide an exceptional online news and information service. We will achieve this by:

• Developing a digital space that gives voice to Maori communities around the world;
• Forging strong community networks;
• To use cutting-edge digital technology to engage with our members (podcasts, videocasts, online forums, etc.)
• Being responsive to Maori needs, aspirations and concerns;
• Providing up-to-date and relevant coverage of news, information and events affecting Maori; and,
• Creating a platform on which Maori community and commercial exchanges can be developed.

We hope to continue to provide this valuable service by actively seeking sponsorship and advertising support from organisations, businesses and community groups willing to tautoko the kaupapa and wishing to make use of this cutting-edge and unique digital opportunity.

Our Newsletter is now viewed monthly by over 9,000 readers nationally and internationally. In addition we also receive over 30,000 unique visitors to our website each month. We hope to increase this number as we create and develop TangataWhenua.com.

We thank you again for supporting us and look forward to exceeding your expectations.

Potaua, Nikolasa & Atutahi Biasiny-Tule
TangataWhenua.com

E-mail: panui@tangatawhenua.com