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 What is indigenity? What is ethnicity? Is blood really thicker than water?
Read on for a brief exploration into the of Blood Quantum Theory.
The issue of what it means to be Maori has once again been raised with comments made by National's leader Dr Brash who was recently quoted as saying:
"He [Judge Baragwanath] continues to talk as if the Maori remain a distinct indigenous people. There are clearly many NZers who do see themselves as distinctly and distinctively Maori - but it is also clear there are few, if any, fully Maori left here"... making them "different from other indigenous people around the world".
The inflammatory and offensive comments came after the Herald on Sunday asked Dr Brash to comment on a speech by High Court judge David Baragwanath to the Law Commission in September in which he emphasised the need for more Maori in the legal profession and highlighted the possibility of needing separate legal processes to deal with Maori communities.
Dr Pita Sharples quickly responded by pulling apart the erroneous assumptions that Brash's argument was based on. At the heart of Brash's (false) reasoning is the theory of Blood Quantum. Blood Quantum which literally means blood quantity, is an idea that can be traced back to 1705 colonial America, when laws were adopted "denying civil rights to blacks and Indians who at that time were assumed to be inferior races. Many states instituted these laws as a way of deciding who had equal rights to whites and encouraged people of color to relinquish their identities so as to be able to enjoy the rights freely given to others" (Rose & Sampson, 1999). Importantly, Dr Sharples highlighted that "culture is not about the amount of blood you have, it is about beliefs, philosophy, customs and aspirations."
Interestingly, these definitions still hold true in the US and over 300 First Nations tribes require between 1/4 and 1/8 to participate in the federally-sponsored enrollment process (which allows one to become an official member of one's tribe - so long as you are only on one roll (sound familiar?). They even have a
Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood to prove your indigenous 'authenticity'. Many are fighting to abolish this arcane practice but because the US government sees any change to these laws as more money out of their federal purse, change will be slow.
Consider this... "set the blood quantum at one-quarter, hold to it as a rigid definition of Indian, let intermarriage proceed as it had for centuries, and eventually Indians will be defined out of existence. When that happens, the government will be freed of its persistent 'Indian problem'" (Limerick, 1987). Exchange Indian for Maori and you can see the problems that emerge when the government begins to legislate
indigeneity
and ethnicity. We must remember that when we begin accepting
colonial definitions of indigenousness the result is deprivation, oppression, genocide and ultimately extinction
(Yunkaporta, 2006).
Kia ora to Dr Sharples for his intelligent and informed response to such ignorant and arrogant comments. For an excellent background paper check out Blood Quantum: A Relic Of Racism And Termination by Jack Forbes
(Powhatan-Renape-Lenape), Professor
Emeritus in
the Native American Studies Department at the
University of California, Davis. If you are interested in the complexities and realities of tribal enrollment in the US please have a look at Understanding the History of Tribal Enrollment.
 What are your thoughts whanau? Korero mai and have a say by contributing to our forum. We appreciate the time and effort you take in expressing your opinions and insights.
When Ella met Bob - And we heard from one of our mates that Ella Henry appeared on 'Dragons Den' last week, looking for $250,000 to support her business idea of producing and marketing a unique paving system. She found both an angel and a devil in Bob Jones, who took up the offer of financial support and sent in his own bid for the hand of Ella! Even saw a picture of Bob and Ella in one of the Women's magazines, with the story talking about the indecent proposal. I must admit, it was quite a cool and funny story when I heard it, so a massive congratulations to Ella Henry and Bob Jones for creating an awesome business hook up and good luck with the venture. Look forward to hearing more.
TangataWhenua.com Donation Appeal - Apologies whanau, the link we provided was not working so if you are still able to assist please click the link below to view our details, aroha mai! We continue to explore various
strategies
to assist in meeting our day-to-day running costs. We are thankful for our cherished sponsors and advertisers who have helped
enormously, however we continue to struggle. So we ask again humbly for your help.
We feel that charging for subscriptions may result in some whanau not being able to access our service, which is a key principle of the panui. So, with this in mind if you are able to help us and donate much needed funds to help keep RANGIKAINGA going we would be forever grateful. We understand that not everyone is in the position to support us financially, so we are asking those who can afford to contribute to do so. If you are interested please click here to access our account details. Ki roto i kotahitanga.
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 This is an open invitation to those interested in traditional Maori healing and rongoa Maori. A special workshop is being held at Tanatana Marae, Waimana, this coming Thursday (5th October) starting at 10am. The workshop will discuss what rongoa is, how it is used and will talk about the challenges today and into the future for rongoa. For more information, please call Maui Hudson on 04 914 0795 or on the cell at 027 206 1183. Thanks to the whanau at Te Wairua o Te Ora in Waimana for this panui.
 Nga Maia, a national collective of dedicated Maori Midwives, Midwifery Students and Whanau from diverse backgrounds whose kaupapa is focused on Mama, Pepi and Whanau while providing a Matauranga Maori world view of pregnancy and childbirth will be holding their "Hui a Tau 2006" Nga Maia National Hui 2006.
This year's annual Hui is being hosted by Te Waipounamu and is scheduled for the 16th & 17th October 2006 at the Te Rangimarie Centre, 360 Gloucester Street, Otautahi, Christchurch. They is a great line up of key note speakers, for more information click here. Contact: Krissy Bishop ph: 09 307 4949 ext 26014. 
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 TangataWhenua.com was saddened to hear about Tukorehe Marae at Kuku being extensively damaged by an electrical fire after being featured in Mitre 10's Marae DIY in January 2005. Whanau of the marae are however relieved that a ornate and precious honour roll was saved and most of the building was left intact. Thanks to the quick thinking of marae members living close by, who smelled smoke and raised the alarm. The electrical work which was completed during the TV makeover by a qualified electrician, had been certified, and the repairs would be completed by Christmas as the marae was insured. Aroha for your loss. To read the full story click here.
Muaupoko/Raukawa will be holding their Whanaungatanga Day at the Horowhenua Event Centre in Levin on 29 October. There will be kai, entertainment, presentations, iwi, hapu, and marae exhibit displays, outdoor activities for rangatahi and much, much more. The event begins at 4pm. For further information contact :
Mahanga Williams, phone: 06 367 5952, mahangawilliams@xtra.co.nz.
 Ngati Pikiao welcomed the Te Arikinui, the Maori King, Kingi Tuheitia. It was his first
official
visit outside the Tainui rohe (region) since he succeeded his mother, Dame Te Atairangikaahu on August 15 and highlighted the deep ties the King has with Te Arawa and Ngati Pikiao. In an article for the Epoch Times,
Te Runanga o Ngati Pikiao Trust media spokeswoman, Raiatea Tahana-Reese
recounts the following whakapapa links between the Kingitanga and Pikiao.
"Ngati Pikiao has a long history going back to their ancestor Hekemaru. Hekemaru was the progenitor of the royal dynasty established when Potatau Te Wherowhero became the first Maori king in 1858. The flagstaff that overlooks the stately Mahinarangi at Turangawaewae marae was gifted by Te Pokiha's father, Hemana, aptly named Pikiao."
 "The story goes that Pikiao was sent to the Waikato urged by his father Kawatapuarangi to seek a woman that would bear him a male heir.
He and his wife Rakeiti had three daughters and in spite of her pleas for patience that she will bear sons, Pikiao followed his father's advice and sought the beautiful and high ranking chieftainess, a puhi named Rereiao.
She lived at Pirongia maunga and was jealously guarded by the fairy people, patupaiarehe, and despite male suitors Pikiao was the one to overcome her guardians and took Rereiao as his wife."
"They had a son, Hekemaru whose descendants established the Kingitanga when in 1858 Potatau Te Wherowhero was crowned the first of five Maori kings.
King Potatau was succeeded by his son King Tawhiao, who was followed by his son King Mahuta.
King Te Rata came next and was succeeded by his son King Koroki Mahuta.
Based on the strength of her whakapapa (genealogy) King Koroki's daughter the late Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu became the first Maori queen and the longest serving monarch."
To read this article in full click here. To read a detailed article recounting the special day click here.
 We have heard through the kumera vine from whanau in Engarani (England) that the wharenui, Hinemihi o te ao tawhito at Te Wairoa, is due to be restored by
Jim Schuster (heritage adviser for the New Zealand Historic Places Trust), the great-great-grandson of Tene Waitere, one of two carvers who carved the wharenui in 1880. In 1886, Mt. Tarawera erupted and the whare was one of the only dwellings to have survived.
Governor William Hillier later bought the whare for £50 and transported it back to Clandon Park in Surrey as a souvenir (hmmm). It is one of three whare known to exist in Europe (with two in Germany) and has been there since 1891.
 James Ihaka from the NZ Herald reports that, Hinemihi is a popular attraction with thousands of visitors each year and is considered a "beacon for Britain's Maori community, including Ngati Ranana and Te Kohanga Reo o Ranana, who want to use it as a base for cultural activities." However, due to its age it is in need of serious repairs. There is talk about bringing the whare back but only when the time is right. It is good to hear that Hinemihi will be getting the attention she deserves and we look forward to the time when she comes home. To read a great article by Renee Kiriona of Arawa News Online click here.
 For all you artists out there, a new residency opportunity for professional New Zealand visual artists is being offered by Asia New Zealand Foundation in partnership with the Korea Foundation. The six week residency in Seoul will run from November 25 and will be hosted by the National Art Studio of the Korean National Museum of Contemporary Art.
The residency is aimed at an emerging or mid-career artist between the ages of 24 and 49 years working in genres such as painting, drawing, photography, media, screen or installation arts – but not in industrial or ceramic arts. Asia:NZ will cover the cost of a return airfare, insurance and a daily stipend. The Museum of Contemporary Art will cover the cost of accommodation.
 Professional practising artists with a record of achievement in the preferred genres of arts practice are invited to submit a written application to Asia:NZ by no later than 5pm on Friday, September 29, 2006. Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. For further information, contact Asia:NZ culture director Jennifer King at 04 470 8704 or email jking@asianz.org.nz. Thanks to Asia:NZ for this panui. Having lived and worked in Korea for two years we highly suggest taking this opportunity, Korea is an amazing country and well worth the stay.
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 The Maori Business Expo will be held in New Plymouth on the 26th of October. This one-day expo will feature exhibits featuring the best of Taranaki Maori business products and services. For more information contact:
Emere Wano of Tihi Ltd, emere@tihi.co.nz or
maoribusexpo@tihi.co.nz, ph: 06 759 6947, fax: 06 759 6498.
Also of special value will be a Conversation@Breakfast with Kia Kaha Clothing on the morning of the Expo. Enjoy a
breakfast
session with Matene Love of Kia Kaha Clothing, sharing insightful business knowledge and experience. Contact Emere (details above).
 With an impressive history of more than 1,000 years of business enterprise, Maori are considered amongst the most entrepreneurial people in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Maori population in New Zealand is growing, and with it the number of Maori businesses. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2006 reports that 25% of the Maori population are expecting to launch a start-up in the next three years compared to 13.1% for non Maori. With this in mind the following event is not to be missed:
The "Managing and Developing Maori Business and Traditional Knowledge" conference will be held in Rotorua (Rydges Hotel) on the 23 & 24 November. The two-day programme seeks to provide cutting edge solutions for everyday questions in modern Maori enterprise while offering practical and relevant business information. This conference also seeks to explore the intersection between Maori and business ethics. Featuring an outstanding faculty and including a number of instructive case studies, the event will cover:
- Partnerships with central and local government and the private sector
- Innovative ideas for Maori land development
- Small town economic development and revitalisation
- International lessons for using traditional knowledge for economic development
- The interface between traditional knowledge and intellectual property law
- Case studies of small businesses in Aotearoa
- Practical tips for Maori entrepreneurs going global
For more information contact:
Ellen Delaney, ellen.delaney@lexisnexis.co.nz, ph: 09 368 9502,
fax: 09 368 9500. To download the brochure of the full programme, click here. Or click here to register.
Whaia Nga Taumata will be held in Hamilton on 10 November 2006. This full-day, hands-on workshop will provide help and advice on best-practice governance for Maori organisations. Throughout the workshop, participants are given opportunities to relate the content of the workshop to their own organisations so that the learning is real and relevant. The workshop is designed to be of immediate and practical benefit to board members and senior managers of larger Maori organisations. Contact
David Gray for more
information
, david@whaiangataumata.co.nz, ph: 027 488 9459,
fax: 09 238 7410.
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 A group of Tuhoe have begun blockading a forest in the Eastern Bay in active protest at its sale to an American conglomerate. A gate has been erected by demonstrators on the road to Matahi Forest near Waimana (27km southeast of Whakatane). This course of action was taken by the "Omuriwaka Marae hapu management committee following the sale of the forest last year by Carter Holt Harvey to Rayonier, a Florida-based multi-national company. Omuriwaka kaumatua Tom Te Pairi said: "Rayonier have brought stolen property, so that is why we are at the gate there turning them away." The metal gate has been erected on the Matahi Valley Road at a point where it crosses Maori-owned land. It is understood that Rayonier bought the forest last year as part of a $435 million purchase from Carter Holt of 94,300 hectares of timberland.
Former Waitangi Tribunal director Ian Shearer said Tuhoe was in a strong position to air complaints about their forests as no deed of settlement has been signed and Tuhoe have "at least another 12 months before the report and recommendations come from the Waitangi Tribunal," he said. "Thus Tuhoe have more bargaining power, and the Government has an ongoing obligation to ensure the land is put to correct use until the settlement is agreed on," Dr Shearer said. Office of Treaty Settlements director Paul James said the Matahi Forest was not part of the Treaty negotiations. "Matahi Forest is privately owned land," he said.
Ngati Awa are also said to be upset
over the sale of forest interests, in particular the Omataroa Rangitaiki No. 2 block. We'll keep you updated on this one e hoa ma.
 The Te Arawa Lakes Settlement Bill passed on 14 Sept, 69 to 50 with ACT, National, and two Maori Party MPs voting against it.
The Act provides for the transfer of settlement assets and other redress agreed in the 2004 Deed of Settlement, and the full and final settlement of Te Arawa's historical Treaty of Waitangi claims in relation to 14 lakes around Rotorua.
The settlement package contains a formal Crown apology and cultural redress including title to 13 lakebeds in the Rotorua area, although the Crown will continue to own the water column and airspace above the lakebeds. The settlement also includes financial redress of $2.7 million and annuity redress of $7.3 million.
This was followed closely by the historic signing of the deed of settlement on 30 Sept at Te Pakira Marae. Over 500 Te Arawa members along with Government ministers were present to commemorate the
official
signing between the iwi and the Crown. This was the first deal to be organised via direct negotiations with the Crown, circumventing the Waitangi Tribunal. The settlement has been estimated to be worth over $200 million and would see the return of 50,000ha of Crown forest land, more than 1000ha of land and the chance to buy selected Crown-owned commercial properties and geothermal assets. The settlement makes Te Arawa one of the North Island's largest landowners.
There have been some reports
criticising
the amount of the settlement, but former Professor of Maori Affairs Ranginui Walker told NewsTalk ZB that the total amount of about $240 million for the three settlements is not as large as it seems. "He says tribes get three or four cents in the dollar, compared with what was actually taken by the Crown."
"The Te Arawa people were ripped off by the Crown under the [ Thermal Springs Districts Act 1881 p.11] when it was realised that Rotorua, Lake Taupo and the geyserlands were tourist wonderlands, and so the Government went into a deal with Te Arawa to establish the township. The deal went bad and it ended up with Te Arawa losing. Prof. Walker says the Crown assumed ownership of the lakes, so the settlement is belated recognition that the Crown acted in a predatory fashion."
 Final submission on Wai 262, known as the 'flora and fauna claim' have been heard by the Waitangi Tribunal ending all final submissions to the Tribunal. During submissions made in Hastings last month, it emerged that rongoa Maori (healing/medicine) could be at risk according to
Ngati Kahungunu lawyer Grant Powell.
Powell argued that "traditional Maori medicine could fall under the control of the Australian New Zealand Therapeutic Products Authority, meaning it could be trademarked and controlled by drug companies." On 10 December 2003, the Australian and New Zealand Governments signed an agreement to establish a joint regulatory scheme for therapeutic products without consulting Maori. Click here to read the full text article.
 Radio NZ reported that Moana Maniapoto also made a submission highlighting the need to develop and create a formal agreement to protect Maori language, customs and images. Moana spoke of the need to implement a system which not only promoted and protected Maori customs, beliefs and practices in Aotearoa but also abroad. She illustrated her point by giving the example of a German company "which threatened to sue her four years ago for using her name Moana to promote her music, CDs and European tour. She was forced to change it and market herself as Moana and the Tribe - featuring Moana Maniapoto."
The Tribunal will hear from the Crown in December and a final report will be sent to the Government
after which evidence hearings will resume. There are four statements of claim for Wai 262, which generally assert exclusive and comprehensive rights to flora and fauna, cultural knowledge and
intellectual
property as taonga protected by Article Two of the Treaty of Waitangi.
 We were interested to see a recent poll conducted by
DigiPoll for the New Zealand Herald. The survey interviewed up to 500 New Zealand voters and was conducted in September 2006. National continues to rise in the polls
despite
recent leadership issues and remains the most popular political organisation in New Zealand. The poll indicated that 45.7 per cent of respondents would support National in the next legislative ballot, while 38 per cent would vote for the governing Labour party. The Greens are in third place with 6.8 per cent, followed by the Maori Party with 4.1 per cent, and New Zealand First with 1.6 per cent. The margin of error is 3.5 per cent.
Te Papatapu Marae will be holding their Annual General Meeting on 8 October at Papatapu Marae in the Waikato. Those attending are asked to please bring a plate to share for lunch at the conclusion of the Meeting. The AGM begins 9:30am. For more
information
contact the
Chairman
or Secretary.
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 For those who have been strong
advocates
of kura kaupapa (Maori immersion schools) recent headlines stating that "Maori immersion students struggle in mainstream" created shock, dismay and anger. MP and long-time educationalist Dr Pita Sharples highlighted that the Ministry of Education's own data showed that in both 2003 and 2004, candidates at immersion and bilingual schools were more likely to gain a National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) than Maori candidates in English medium schools.
Year 11 candidates at bilingual schools were also more likely to meet the literacy and numeracy requirements of NCEA level 1. They were more likely to meet these requirements than both Maori and non-Maori in English medium schools [reference: Achievement at Maori immersion and bilingual schools, update for 2004 results, Siobhan Murray; Demographic and Statistical Analysis Unit; October 2005].
 As of March this year, there were 28,722 students enrolled in bilingual and Maori immersion schools. Dr Margie Hohepa, senior lecturer in Maori education at Auckland University, pointed out that students at immersion and bilingual schools were doing better overall than Maori candidates in English speaking schools. However, she admitted underachievement in science was a concern.
Dr Hohepa said this could be partly due to difficulties recruiting science teachers who were fluent in Maori, and the fact that the academic language was "still evolving". Maori Language Commission chief executive Haami Piripi said it was "a matter of achieving critical mass" and went on to say that, "there are only 57 schools now; when we've got 500 schools, we will have real momentum. Maori immersion education is at a very embryonic stage, whereas English education has been going for a few hundred years." (Sunday-Star Times,
Hill, 24 September 2006).
 The focus for Hui Taumata Matauranga in 2006 is whanau and the role they play in supporting learners through education. The first regional hui for 2006 was held in Palmerston North on the 10th of August and the national hui will be held in Taupo on the 6th, 7th and 8th of October.
For more info contact Paula Rihia, paula@tuwharetoa.co.nz.
 Te Hunga Roia Maori o Aotearoa Hui-a-Tau 2006 (the Maori Law Society) will be held at Te Aute College in Hawkes Bay 5-8 October. The theme for this year's hui is Tino Ranagatiratanga "Te Mana Whakahaere i o matou Whakaritenga" - Controlling our own Destiny. For more information contact:
Aidan Warren, aidanw@mlc.co.nz, ph: 07 838 2079. Click here to view the Hui-a-tau 2006 Flyer and click here to view the
Hui-a-tau Registration Form & Programme otherwise visit their website for registration costs.
 A reminder that Tö Tätau Reo Rangatira: Inaugural Mäori Language Conference will be held November 22-24 at the AgHort Building, Massey University, Palmerston North. The Inaugural Mäori Language Conference will advance te reo Maori as a medium for discussion and debate on a range of issues including education, justice, science and technology, broadcasting and whanau development. Speakers include Chief Judge Joe Williams, Professor Aroha Yates-Smith, Carwyn Jones, Haami Piripi, Hekia Parata, Kevin Prime and Professor Taiarahia Black. For further information contact:
Conference Manager, Sarah Siebert, conferences@massey.ac.nz, ph: 06 350 5117,
fax: 06 350 5669.
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 For those interested, there will be a 5-day Child Protection Studies Programme held in Wellington 25-31 October.
In addition to this, participants will be expected to undertake up to 50 hours of self-directed learning.
The aim of this programme is
to enhance the skills of those who are involved with children, by giving them the knowledge and confidence to take positive action to protect children, and to act effectively when children have been abused.
Enrolments and sponsorship applications are available. For further details contact:
CPS, ph: 07 838 3370.
 For all you dance enthusiasts, if you think you got what it takes then check out Toa Toa - Urban Maori Pacific Dance Champs hosted by Torotoro with a mean $1000 cash prize. The comp will be held on 21 October at the Dorothy Winstone Centre at Auckland Girls Grammar, heats start at 10am. Just get your crew get to boogying and contact Torotoro Studio for more info: info@torotoro.co.nz, phone: 09 620 7441.
Alternatively if you are into the funky stylz check out the classes that Torotoro offer, like ‘Krumpin Haka', ‘Martial Arts Haka', Torotoro Pasifika – Tau Fuata Niue and the United States of Celebration Wananga.
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The Ngati Whatua Touch Tournament will be held 7 October at the Kaiwaka Domain in Northland. Enter your team for a chance to be selected for the Aotearoa Touch team. Contact Kristy Hill,
ph: 09 366 2000 ext 8087.
 The Kai Mata Sugar Loaf Challenge 2006 will be held on 28 October at Kowharewa Bay, Tutukaka hosted by Mitamitaga ole Pasefica Vaa' Alo. This years race is dedicated to Bo & Chrissy Herbert, Conan has said they loved this race so this is a tribute to them. Updated information has been provided so click here to check it out.
There will be some great spot prizes, paddle bags, paddles (Proudly sponsored by Kris from Moananui), t-shirts, beanies and a whole lot of other stuff. If you have any queries, please contact: Ralph Ruka, ralph.ruka@hnzc.co.nz, ph: 09 470 0404, mobile: 021 281 1164.
 The 15th annual Aotearoa Whakataetae Haupoi Maori - National Maori Hockey Tournament will be held in Rotorua over Labour Weekend 2006 (21-23 October). The tournament attracts over 300 players, officials and supporters representing all rohe of Aotearoa.
Contact details:
Jan Nikora, jan@tearawarunanga.maori.nz, ph: 07 348 8338,
fax: 07 348 8206 or check out the New Zealand Maori Hockey webpage.
Tihi Ltd are helping to organise a Maori Basketball Tournament on 4-5 November at TSB Stadium in New Plymouth. Please direct all enquires to events@tihi.co.nz.
Also of interest will be Ra Hakinakina mo nga Kohanga Reo o Aotea which will be held on 15 November in New Plymouth. Ra whanaungatanga, hakinakina me nga mahi a rehia. Contact Emere Wano, emere@tihi.co.nz, ph: 06 759 6947,
fax: 06 759 6948.
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