Indigenising the Media: Alternatives to the Mainstream. Advocating for the continued development and support of indigenous media networks.
We read a thought-provoking article the other day - it was titled "Maori media production, civic journalism and the foreshore and seabed controversy in Aotearoa". It got us thinking about how profoundly important having indigenous-centred Maori-focused media is to communities throughout Aotearoa and throughout the World. This article reminded us that "citizens often learn about what is happening in different communities; what issues are important, and how these issues should be resolved via news reports. Media are now central to intergroup relations and can extend awareness and dialogue between groups (Hodgetts, Masters & Robertson, 2004). However, not all communities are represented equally or have the opportunity to represent themselves on their own terms."
The article goes on to say "...media portrayals of minority groups often maintain distinctions between 'us' the majority audience addressed by reports and 'them' the minority audience portrayed by these same reports (Adebanwi, 2004; Hall, 1997). Indigenous voices, including those of Maori in Aotearoa New Zealand, can be disadvantaged by news coverage, which often functions to silence Maori, while relying on non-Maori voices to frame issues concerning Maori (Barclay & Lui, 2003; Rankin & McCreanor, 2004). More pointedly, mainstream news media have played a central role in processes of colonisation; being used as a tool for convincing colonising and colonised groups that what was occurring was in the interests of 'everyone' (Adebanwi, 2004; Spoonley & Hirsh, 1990)."
The article concluded by saying "...there were signs showing that a critical shift is taking place. A shift seen with the advent of Maori Television, the creation of 'Hikoi', a documentary produced by Te Whenua Harawira and Tere Harrison, and renewed Maori media production (Hodgetts, Barnett, Duirs, Henry & Schwanen, 2005)."
It's important to note however, that Tangata Whenua have always been active in the field of media production.
In 1842, Te Karere O Nui Tireni (49 issues available to view in te reo Maori with abstracts in English) became the first newpaper to be published in te reo Maori.
In 1893, Ihaia Hutana began publishing Huia, a fortnightly Maori newspaper and continued to do so until 1895 (when sadly the venture folded due to a "lack of means rather than lack of energy". Two years later in 1897
Hamuera Tamahau Mahupuku (Ngati Kahunganu) began the publication, Te Puke ki Hikurangi, edited by Parakau Maika. It is incredible to still be able to access the work of these pioneers. To view the archived newspapers from between 1842 and 1932 click here.
Maori print media then developed into being a key medium from which to give voice to Maori needs, wants and aspirations. There was a continued need to highlight indigenous success stories, areas of concern to Maori and perspectives which reflected living in Te Ao Maori. As a result the emergence of publications such as Tu Mai, Mana, Te Karaka, Pu Kaea, Kokiri Paetae came about. Runanga, Marae and Hapu have similarly recognised the value print media and continue to use it as a vehicle for sharing Maori messages by Maori people.
Radio broadcasts were another fundamental step in the advance of more self-reflective media content, starting with the nation's first broadcast in 1942. Ruia Mai became the country's first Maori-owned, Maori language radio station when it launched in 1996 (click here to listen to their audio stream). We now have
Whakaruruhau o Nga Reo Irirangi Maori, the Federation of Maori Radio Stations representing over 20 Maori radio stations around the motu. Click here to check out Irirangi.Net and here to listen to Waatea 603am.
The digital age continues to evolve. What we see is a move towards more egalitarian mediums for reflecting and distributing indigenous centred news and information. Maori-in-Oz continues to share valuable news and information with whanau in Australia and here in Aotearoa. Aotearoa Cafe, the largest Maori discussion forum on the internet continues to lead the way. One day we hope that both TangataWhenua.com and RANGIKAINGA will be part of this continuum and in the mean time are simply enjoying the ride.
Wondering if any of you have checked out the Free Hug campaign which has been traversing the digital airwaves over the past month and becoming part of both people's consciousness and their more recently their actions?
If you haven't heard about it click here for some background info or simply click above and watch the video. However, to cut a long story short in 2005, Juan Mann "was just an odd guy" standing in the Pitt Street Mall in Sydney, Australia offering "free hugs" to passing strangers. He befriended Shimon Moore, the lead singer of the Sick Puppies, who he happened to offer a free hug too. They became friends, and Moore decided to
chronicle
Mann "doing his thing" with a borrowed video camera. The "free hug" campaign began to spread with the city council trying to ban it by attempting to impose a huge liability insurance requirement (25 million - in case anyone was injured from being given a free hug) on him for offering free hugs in public. Mann and his friends began a petition campaign, and after presenting over 10,000 signatures to the city council, the calls for a ban soon died away.
"That would be the end of a quirky story, and it certainly isn't the first time someone has tried the stunt of offering public hugs, as this 2004 story from the New York Times shows. Except for this. After Mann's grandmother died, Moore decided to mix the video he had taken with the Sick Puppies song All the Same, to lift his friend's spirits. He did an amazingly good job, posted it on YouTube on 22 September 2006, with the following caption":
"Sometimes, a hug is all what we need. Free hugs is the real life controversial story of Juan Mann, A man whose sole mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives.
In this age of social disconnectivity and lack of human contact, the effects of the Free Hugs campaign became phenomenal.
As this symbol of human hope spread across the city, police and officials ordered the Free Hugs campaign BANNED. What we then witness is the true spirit of humanity come together in what can only be described as awe inspiring.
In the Spirit of the free hugs campaign, PASS THIS TO A FRIEND and HUG A STRANGER! After all, if you can reach just one person..."
In less than a week the
video drew more than 1 million hits and drew nearly 7,000 comments. A little over a month later it has been viewed over 6 million times with well over 13,000 comments. Juan Mann (not his real name but meant to remind us of what 'One Man' can do) even featured on Oprah recently. The phenomenon is now spreading all over the world with similar displays taking place in China, Israel, Spain, Brazil, Japan, Venezuela, Korea, Germany, France, Mexico and Canada (to name a few).
Sam Rosen of the Verticality Group highlights that the Free Hugs campaign works because "it's grassroots. Not coming from a corporation. Feels authentic. In fact, the only item promoted is the music."
Micah L. Sifry, a
political
analyst, who writes for the Personal Democracy Forum asks us to
ponder what this might teach us about politics, the internet and the zeitgeist.
He goes on to suggest that "compared to this kind of personal, intimate, knowledgeable and highly engaged voice... top-down corporate communications come across as stale and stentorian -- the boring, authoritarian voice of command and control. The glaring difference between these styles is the strange attractor that has brought tens of millions flocking to the internet. There's new life passing along the wires. And it hasn't been coming from corporations."
But really we just wanted to pass a free hug on to you. Ka aroha ki a koe, me ki to whanau! Kia ora!
If you love getting TangataWhenua.com'sRANGIKAINGA ePanui (the only one of its kind in Aotearoa by the way) please take the time to officially subscribe with us by clicking on the following link. It's free, takes seconds and makes our day! Plus all subscribers will go into the draw to win one of two Nuku the Rangatira window stickers, which have been a big hit on TradeMe. We'll
announce
the winner in Issue 20.
Whanau, we have a question. TangataWhenua.com is in the process of examining our current organisational structure and are seriously considering creating a Charitable Trust from which to manage and develop TangataWhenua.com (including RANGIKAINGA). We have found that our vision, aims and objectives all focus on empowering and strengthening the community (both digital and land-based) which is a key requirement of becoming a Charitable Trust.
We would love to hear your
thoughts
on this matter, the pros and cons. We are also seeking potential Trustees, those with experience in indigenous media, online communications and communities as well as those with valuable business, marketing and advertising backgrounds.
This is an exciting period in our development and we would greatly appreciate your insights, experiences, advice and perspectives. Click here to send us an email. Looking forward to your replies!
The Pacific Region Indigenous Doctors Conference (PRIDoC) is being held at the Rotorua Convention Centre 6-10 December 2006. PRIDoC provides a forum for Indigenous doctors and students from across the Pacific to share their knowledge relating to the health of indigenous peoples and the training of the indigenous doctors of the Pacific region. The focus of PRIDoC is on improving health of indigenous people within the Pacific region through educational, research and service delivery activities of the indigenous medical practitioners.
The PRIDoC Congress is held every two years: most recently in Hawaii (2002) and Australia (2004). Delegates will come from New Zealand, Canada, United States, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
The theme of this congress is Rapu Oranga: In pursuit of Excellence in Health. This theme captures the energies and passion of respective works in health research, indigenous health workforce development and in the provision of health services to indigenous people. For more information contact
Lizzie Dryden, ph: 03 379 0390,
fax: 03 379 0460.
The Ngati and Healthy Programme, a Ngati Porou Hauora diabetes prevention project, won the supreme award in Wellington last week, as part of the 5th annual Whanau Ora Awards, which recognises innovation in the Maori health sector (Gisborne Herald, 6 Nov 2006).
The programme is designed to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes through community health promotion and education. It was deemed by the judges to epitomise the concepts of sharing of knowledge and skills to benefit both Maori and the wider community.
The Ngati and Healthy programme is a collaborative effort between Ngati Porou Hauora's Te Puia Springs staff and Otago University. The team also won first place in the whanau whanui (large organisation) category. The Ngati and Healthy initiative has been labelled a success by those in the New Zealand health sector, with Health Minister Pete Hodgson showcasing the programme in Australia earlier this year. Click here to download a poster detailing the project (pdf).
The success of this programme no doubt has stemmed both from the passion and committment of this community. The fact that the community defined and developed the the programme's focus, aims, outcomes and benchmarks is critical in its overall effectiveness and sustainablity.
Speaking of the drastic importance of understanding diabetes, remember whanau that Diabetes Awareness Week 2006 is coming up. It will be held from 21-27 November and will focus on preventing diabetes complications, particularly those of the gums, teeth and mouth. 21-27 November 2006 is Diabetes Awareness Week There are 125,000 people in New Zealand with diabetes. 11,000 people have Type 1 diabetes. Approximately 115,000 people have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that 115,000 are undiagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and 300,000 are at risk.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) says the growing burden of diabetes is falling hardest on those who are disadvantaged in accessing the essential care they need. No person or community should be overlooked in respect of diabetes care, prevention and education. There is a range of complications that may develop with diabetes. Parts of the body that can be damaged include the eyes, heart and blood vessels, kidneys, feet, nerves, and gums, teeth and mouth.
Objectives of Diabetes Awareness Week 2006:
Increase awareness of preventing diabetes complications
Motivate people with diabetes to take action to manage their blood glucose levels, eat healthy food, do regular physical activity, and be smokefree
Motivate people with diabetes to look after their gums, teeth and mouth
Advocate for access to essential healthcare for all people with diabetes.
For further information contact Diabetes New Zealand Incorporated at their National Office: Revera House, 48-54 Mulgrave Street, P O Box 12 - 441, Wellington. Ph: 04 499 7145, fax: 04 499 7146. Email them or visit their webpage.
The book Maori Peoples of New Zealand, Nga Iwi o Aotearoa was launched at Te Papa Museum on 31 October 2006. The keynote speaker at the launch was Emeritus Professor Ranginui Walker. Professor Walker noted that an outstanding feature of the book was that most of the iwi entries had been written by members of those iwi. This reflected positively on the depth of scholarship within the Maori community.
Professor Walker, also spoke about how the book had originated from Te Ara, The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Te Ara Wananga, the Maori advisory panel (scroll down the link to see others one the panel) of Te Ara, chaired by Professor Walker had worked with Jock Phillips, general editor and then Maori editor Rangi McGarvey to put together the Maori New Zealanders section for Te Ara. This section was later published in Maori Peoples. He thanked Dr Phillips and Dr Walker for their work in approaching iwi to tell their stories for Te Ara.
The book was launched by Mahara Okeroa, Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage. He noted the book consisted of iwi entries as well as chapters on tribal organisation, canoe traditions, and Maori origins. And the book launch coincided with TeAra.govt.nz just reaching a total of 1.5 million visitors. Also, while the book has been published in English, all of the chapters are available on Te Ara in Maori.
The concluding speech from Professor Tamati Reedy, author of the chapter on Ngati Porou wrapped the occasion up nicely with an apt saying regarding both the book and Encyclopedia:
Kotahi tonu te hiringa i kake ai a Tane ki Tikitiki o Rangi;
Ko te hiringa i te mahara.
There was only one power that allowed Tane
to ascend the heavens; the power of the mind.
"The background to Ngati Porou, if you want to find out about that story, you can find out. If you want to find out about Ngai Tahu, the early history of Ngai Tahu, and the early history of Ngai Tahu, you will find those stories there. It is really a gathering together of the traditional stories of all the iwi around the country," Dr Phillips said.
Dr Phillips says the book is a complete history of all the major iwi and features around 400 images.
One News reported on the dawn ceremony which was held at Auckland Airport on Saturday morning.
The ceremony was to bless and open the Auckland Airport Marae which was a project of the late Dame Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu. Although the Maori Queen did not live to see her project completed, hundreds of others will benefit from her vision of an Auckland Airport marae.
"The marae has been on the back burner for 30 years, but the Maori Queen started the project two years ago to give those who die overseas a dignified arrival back home. The marae will also be used for official ceremonies, educational purposes for airport staff and is open to people of all cultures."
The wall carving and panels are the work of Tainui carvers and weavers. The people of Manukau were also heavily involved in the project. The marae will be open for public viewing next week. Click here to view video coverage.
We reminded everyone last issue about Hula Haka's Mitre 10 DIY Marae. This issue we wanted to let whanau know that the DIY on Waipatu Marae in Hastings will screen 16 Nov at 8.30pm. The god of the winds, Tawhirimatea, throws everything at the hapu before their huge marae project can be completed. Has the bad weather blown it for the team?
The DIY Marae episode on Tanatana Marae in Waimana will be screening on November 23 at 8.30pm. Nestled in the heart of the misty Urewera Valley, this is one marae that needs a very different kind of makeover, meaning the team has to get extra-creative.
AKA Productions are in the process of producing a fishing show hosted by Pio Terei called “Tangaroa
with Pio”, which will be screened on Maori TV Monday nights at 10pm.
For the new series, AKA Productions are looking for whānau, hapū, individuals, kaumātua, fishermen and other coastal people who might like to appear with Pio on the show.
So far they have gone from Gisborne to Oakura, from Leigh to Pouto. Now they are looking to cast their net even wider.
Potential Areas to Visit:
1. Waikaremoana / Wairoa / Mahia / Napier 3-4x episodes
2. Taranaki / Wanganui / Wanganui River 3x episodes
3. Tauranga / Whakatane / Te Kaha/ Raukokore 4-5x episodes
4. Rotorua / Taupo 3x episodes
AKA Productions are looking for 3-4 people in each location, to film a different aspect of life alongside Tangaroa. Filming would happen from mid-January to mid-March 2007. Life with Tangaroa is pretty broad – it could be a fishing trip on a boat; collecting shellfish; waka usage; surf-casting; eeling; river life; netting; hand line rock fishing; diving for kina; gathering karengo or exploring aqua-culture developments. Pio is always keen to enjoy some of Tangaroa’s taonga, so no doubt kai will be shared.
Do you know anyone based in the above areas that sounds like this?
Able to speak Maori, but not essential if they’re chatty in English
Has a story to tell about his/her relationship with Tangaroa & the
area
Able to demonstrate, or take us on a Tangaroa expedition
A bit of a character/hard case! Happy to appear & chat on camera
Has knowledge of the area, tikanga, history, fishing practices or has
someone else in the whānau we can talk to about these things
Lively, passionate about management of coastal areas and resources
Any age – all the whanau is always good
If you have any contacts you are willing to share, please contact Pirimia Burger, researcher for AKA Productions by the 1st of December, 09 817 9406, 021 610 097. After this date please contact the production company directly:
AKA Productions, Aroha Shelford (Producer),
P O Box 4345,
Kamo,
Whangarei, ph: 09 4355 470. The Tainui Waka Kapa Haka Showcase will be held Thursday 7th December 2006, Founders Theatre, Hamilton 6.30pm to 10.30pm. This showcase is a celebration of Traditional & Contemporary Maori Performing Arts from throughout the Tainui Waka region and features:
Combined performance by Te Iti Kahurangi, Taniwharau & Tamarau (Top 3 Senior Groups at 2006 Tainui Waka Regional Kapa Haka Festival);
Rakaumanga Juniors (1st at 2006 Tainui Waka Regional Primary School Competition, 2nd at National Primary School Competition)
Rakaumanga Seniors (1st at Tainui Waka Regional Secondary School Competition & 1st at 2006 National Secondary School Competition)
- go Hera!
Raroera Kapa Haka (1st Tainui Waka Roopu at 2006 Mata Wananga National Competition)
Te Pou - o - Mangataawhiri (New senior group at 2006 Tainui Waka Regional Kapa Haka Festival)
Fusion Dance Group (1st Dance Group at 2006 Search for the Stars Competition)
Te Iti Kahurangi Super 12 (Curent Super 12 National Kapa Haka Title Holders)
Te Whare Tu Taua o Waikato
Special guest artists - Aguamenco & Adam Whauwhau
MC's - Rahui Papa & Mabel Wharekawa-Burt
Limited tickets remain. To purchase tickets now at Ticket Direct Outlets. Visit www.hamiltonevents.co.nz for further event details.
The Hetaraka Whanau Reunion will be taking place 29 Dec - 2 Jan at Oturu Marae in Northland. For more info contact
Thomas Henry,
email: goodaytom@yahoo.com or
ph: 09 270 4966.
Kia ora to Maori Television which won its first TV Guide Best on the Box People's Choice award for its ANZAC Day special. The all-day broadcast in April won the Best Documentary category, beating five other nominations including musician Dave Dobbyn's One Night in Matata and newsreader Simon Dallow's What Lies Beneath documentaries.
The TV Guide awards are unique in New Zealand in that they are voted for by the viewers. This year, more than 240,000 votes were made by 10,000 people. Tumeke Maori TV!
You continue to do us proud! Kia manawanui!
The Maori Trade Marks Advisory Committee has assessed a large number of trade marks which incorporate a koru device. Recently this has led to the following comments and guidelines.
The pitau (also known by the name of ‘koru') is considered one of the fundamental motifs of Maori art. In customary Maori arts - such as whakairo rakau (wood carving), whakairo kohatu (stone carving), whakairo iwi (bone carving), kowhaiwhai (scroll painting) and ta moko (Maori tattooing) - it is rare to see pitau as a singular emblem, since it usually appears in more complex patterns made from reflections, repetitions and rotations of its form.
Contemporary interpretations, as a customary cultural signifier, liken the pitau to the unfolding of a frond and the concepts of natural generation, growth and nurturing. Following the acquisition of new media and ideas with the arrival of non-Maori peoples, the pitau quickly became associated with Maori identity. A number of Maori signatures on the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi are single or complex pitau, drawn in simulation of the signatory's own moko. (image)
Non-Maori and various organisations have also used the pitau to indicate a localised identity. In the late 1980s, some commentators began to question whether it was appropriate for non-Maori and corporate New Zealand to use Maori devices such as the pitau for their own gain and this debate continues today.
Since the threshold of ‘offensiveness' under the Trade Marks Act 2002 is much higher than that of ‘appropriateness', and the cultural origins of designers and applicants are not part of the assessment process, processes under the Act cannot answer questions of this type with regard to trade marks. However, as the contemporary interpretation of pitau is a Maori symbol of natural generation, growth and nurturing, then product or design associations that are at odds with this interpretation may be deemed to be offensive or likely to offend.
Therefore, where a Maori word in a trade mark contains a pitau, or a device that could be interpreted as a pitau or part of a pitau, it will not be referred to the Maori Trade Marks Advisory Committee, unless the trade mark contains an association with genetic technologies as Maori attribute spiritual and cultural significance to this image.
As a result, IPONZ proposes to amend the Practice Guidelines on the Maori Trade Marks Advisory Committee and Maori Trade Marks. A full version of this proposal is available at the IPONZ website.
Comments on this proposed practice are invited and should be sent to theodore.doucas@iponz.govt.nz by 20 November 2006.
AUT University is set to present Maori Expo 2007, on August 31st 2007 at the Aotea Centre, Queen St. Once again this event promises to be the signature Maori extravaganza of previous years and more.
Event programmes will be listed over the next few months which will include fashion shows, leading Maori entertainment such as Katchafire, KORA, DJ's CXL, Poroufessor, Manchoo and world class dance crews such as DZIAH. The ever-popular debates will feature leading sports personalities and artists, as well as political discussions between Maori Members of Parliament.
The education section will host 'learning villages' of community organisations who will provide a career planning service and the ever-popular rangatahi kapa haka performances are sure to keep crowds entertained, featuring special mokopuna items throughout the day.
For any queries contact Renata Blair, ph: 09 921 9468, 021 651 918; fax: 09 921 9207 or go directly to the website.
Applications for MAF's Sustainable Farming Fund are set to open in November. The purpose of the Sustainable Farming Fund is to support projects that will contribute to improving the financial and environmental performance of the land-based productive sectors.
The Fund aims to help the land based sectors solve problems and take up opportunities to overcome barriers to economic, social and environmental viability. It will do this by bringing together “communities of interest”. These are groups of people drawn together by a shared problem and/or opportunity in the sustainable use of resources.
The Fund focuses on projects that are practical and show value for money. For more information including The Projects, Funding Criteria, Who is Eligible to Apply, the Sustainable Farming Fund Brochure click on the links.
The MAORI MARKet 2007 is coming, this new event seeks to showcase and celebrate Maori art and culture, achievement, enterprise and creativity and is a new event for Wellington City.
MAORI MARKet will promote the work of contemporary Maori artists working nationally and internationally. For the 2007 event, outstanding works from 50 specially invited artists will be on display. Works will be for sale.
"This a rare and unprecedented opportunity to view and purchase works by Maori artists of such high international calibre."
Supporting them will be works by other Maori artists and international indigenous artists Dempsey Bob (Tahltan/Tlingit sculptor), Dorothy Grant (Haida fashion designer), Lillian Pitt (Warm Springs mask maker/jeweler), Chuck Strickland (Ohlone weaver) and Denise Wallace (Aleut jeweller).
MAORI MARKet Event Programme:
Monday 23 - Sunday 29 April: Special related events (throughout Wellington City and the wider Wellington region)
Thursday 26 April: MAORI MARKet Gala Evening Opening
Friday 27 - Sunday 29 April: MAORI MARKet Open to the Public
Showcasing of dealer galleries, Maori art schools, Maori artists' collectives and individual artists
Artists at work, featuring ta moko, ceramics, carving and weaving demonstrations
Seminars featuring guest speakers
Performances by musicians and storytellers
Maori businesses from the food, wine and knowledge industries.
"MAORI MARKet is an integral part of our 10-year strategic effort to take contemporary Maori art to the world in a sustainable manner. We intend to stage it on a regular basis both here in Wellington City and abroad." - Garry Nicholas, General Manager, Toi Maori Aotearoa.
The Maori Participation Conference will be held in Wellington. The findings of four Maori participation research projects for the Electoral Commission are to be presented at this free conference to be held at the Wellington Airport Conference Centre on Friday, 8 December from 10am to 4pm.
The projects, which were proposed and selected through a tender process, are designed to inform policy and intervention design, along with further research needs to help understand and improve electoral participation by Maori.
Places are limited to 50 participants. Places will generally be allocated in application order with adjustment if required to balance participants from the following broad groupings: iwi, Maori community and NGO; academic and research; politics and politicians; local and central government officials; media, communications and change service providers; research informants. Limited places remain available.
For details of the projects and registration application please click through to the event web site. Please e-mail info@elections.govt.nz with "conference application" in the subject line, your name, position, organisation, which of the above categories you are in, and contact details.
The research reports will be available on the Elections New Zealand website soon after the conference (we'll let you know when), and the Electoral Commission will be seeking further exposure for them at relevant hui and conferences.
Te Runanga O Ngati Whatua will be holding its Annual Hui on 9 Dec at Wellsford Cooperating Parish Hall, Wellsford. The purpose of this hui is for the Runanga to report to the beneficiaries on its activities for 2005/06 and its plan for 2006/07. For more info contact:
Allan M Pivac, ph: 09 438 2870.
Maori sheep and beef farmers are being encouraged to demonstrate their business and farming acumen by entering the Bank of New Zealand Maori Excellence in Farming Award 2007 and competing for the prestigious, Ahuwhenua Trophy. The Maori Excellence in Farming competition was established in 1932 by Sir Apirana Ngata and the award ran for over 30 years before lapsing.
It was relaunched in 2003 to encourage uptake of new technologies and harness the economic potential of Maori land for pastoral farming.
Entries for the award opened Nov 3 and will close on 26 January 2007. Judging will begin in March 2007 and Field Days will be held on the properties of the three regional finalists in April/May 2007. The supreme winner and recipient of the Ahuwhenua Trophy will be announced at a gala dinner in Rotorua on 9 June 2007.
The winner of the Bank of New Zealand Maori Excellence in Farming Award 2007, will also receive $40,000 made up of cash, services and farm products supplied by sponsors including a King Quad 700 Suzuki ATV. Regional winners will get $15,000 in cash services and farm products.
This year the event celebrates Maori excellence in sheep, beef and goat farming. Entry to the Bank of New Zealand Maori Excellence in Farming Award 2007 is free and entry forms are available here.
For those who enjoy documentaries detailing New Zealand's past, Maori Television will be featuring the occupation of Bastion Point in their archival slot, He Raranga Korero (Wednesdays at 9.30pm).
Accomplished film and television producer Tainui Stephens (Te Rarawa) fronts the show's fourth series which includes studio-based interviews with contemporary commentators at the end of each episode. Upcoming highlights of He Raranga Korero include:
Bastion Point: The Untold Story – Wednesday November 15 at 9.30pm: This 1999 documentary looks at events before and after a dramatic chapter in New Zealand's race relations history, the year-and-a-half long occupation by Auckland tribe Ngati Whatua at Bastion Point. In the studio, Stephens interviews former Justice Minister Sir Douglas Graham and Ngati Whatua tribal elder Joe Hawke.
Bastion Point: Day 507 – Wednesday November 22 at 9.30pm: The only film crew, led by Merata Mita, permitted in the occupied area of Auckland's Bastion Point by Ngati Whatua of Orakei documents the 507th day when the protestors were forcibly removed by the police and military forces. Stephens interviews iwi members Joe and Taiaha Hawke in the studio.
If you are interested we have come across two excellent sound recordings which chronicle the occupation of Bastion Point, Takaparawha, which for 507 days and ended in 1978 with a paramilitary exercise which evicted many of Joe Hawke's supporters. This programme backgrounds (28mins) some of the circumstances in which the people of Tamakimakaurau, Ngati Whatua, lost their lands since the time that settlers arrived from Great Britain. Joe Hawke talks about his ancestors, their settlement in the Auckland area, and how successive governments have had a hand in the de-settlement of his people.
The second programme (5mins)
introduces coverage of the eviction of protesters from Bastion Point, Auckland, where Maori land rights activists have been occupying land they claim to be theirs. Protesters perform haka, the Assistant Commissioner of Police Bill Overton and Commissioner of Crown Lands George McMillan addresses the crowd from an open Land Rover, the protest leader Joe Hawke says they will rebuild the marae, and David Steemson reports from the Auckland Central Police Station where protesters are being charged.
This year's 14th Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Conference will be held in Rotorua from 30 November to 4th December 2006. The theme of this year's conference is: Decolonizing/anti-colonial early childhood research and practice.
This is the first time New Zealand has hosted this conference with the University of Waikato playing a key role. This interdisciplinary conference is a forum for teachers, researchers, advocates and practitioners pursuing alternative perspectives in early childhood education, systems of child care and social provision, childhood "carework", and early childhood studies.
For further information visit the conference website by clicking here or by contacting the conference organiser: Calder & Lawson Events,
PO Box 4219,
Hamilton East 2001, fax: 07 856 0960.
There are a limited number of 'hardship grants' to assist with registration fees for international student delegates. Written requests must be emailed to the host conference committee for consideration. Email registrations@hot.co.nz.
The New Zealand Association for Research in Education (NZARE) will be hosting Manaakitanga: Feel the Spirit Conference held 5-8 Dec 2006 at the Grand Tiara Hotel, Rotorua. NZARE seeks to promote and foster educational research in New Zealand. Annual conferences are held around the country, normally at the end of each academic year, with emphasis on presentations of academic research. For more information contact Eddy van Til, ph: 03 313 2097, fax: 03 313 2097.
The School of Linguistics & Applied Language Studies will be holding a Research Seminar entitled, Revisiting Weka and Waiata: Familiarity with Maori words among older speakers of New Zealand English by Dr John Macalister. The seminar will be held on 8 Dec 2006 at Hunter 324, Hunter Building (University of Victoria), Kelburn Parade, Wellington. This seminar reports on a survey of Maori word knowledge conducted with a group aged 55 years and over, and compares these results with those for senior secondary students. For further information contact Dianne Bardsley, ph: 04 463 5644.
Shoutouts to Waimana School teacher Helen Te Wara for helping to create the passion and drive for her team of 14 budding cyclists (including two teachers and an array of parents) to complete the annual Rotorua to Ohope Fun Ride attracting 245 riders on 13 November."Te Wara said riding in the 100km race was part of the school's drive to get children active. "We had 47 kids trailing to make it to the race. They had to put in the effort and show commitment by turning up to trainings. We got parents in on the deal as well," Te Wara said.
Kristen Edge of the Rotorua Post (13 Nov 2006) reported that "extra bikes were bought off the internet, fundraising was done for high visibility vests and a parent paid for printed shirts. The team have trained for 16 weeks and cycled over 100km each week during two training sessions. "I'm so excited ... it's my first race," bubbled 11-year-old Melody Wihapi. Classmate 10-year-old Qushla Boynton said training every week would pay off on the steep hills.
All that training did pay off, four hours and 25 minutes later the first of the Waimana team rolled into Ohope. The Waimana team were given a special mention before the official prizegiving started in Ohope. Tumeke whanau!
Te Festival o Kupe will be held 25 Nov at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Nga Mokopuna, 4 Falkirk Street, Seatoun, Wellington.
Nau mai, haere mai He ra whakangahau, he ra hokohoko, he ra kia hui tahi tatou katoa te whanau whanui o te kura. Nga Mokopuna welcomes one and all to its annual celebrations, this year the theme is the Maori explorer Kupe, who discovered the Wellington area. There'll be lots of food, music, fun and bargains to be had by all. Nau mai, haere mai.
If you want to party into the night, then there's a "Super Heroes/Super Villains" social in the evening too. For more information contact Ana Tapiata, ph: 0275 780 772,
fax: 04 380 8854.
The Taranaki Primary Schools Cultural Festival will be held on 1 Dec in New Plymouth. This one day festival seeks to celebrate and promote cultural diversity. For more information contact
Emere Wano, ph: 06 759 6947,
fax: 06 759 6948.
The 2006 Waitakere Sporting Excellence Awards Presentation will be held 17 Nov at
Trusts Stadium in Waitakere. The judges have met and after much consideration have selected the finalists for the 2006 Waitakere Sporting Excellence Awards. This year Sport Waitakere received 120 nominations from a huge range of sports codes. This provided many challenges for the judges as they selected the finalists for 13 categories.
Gabrielle Gofton (Sport Waitakere, Project Leader) says, "the number of nominations received this year really illustrated the range of sporting achievements by athletes in the region and diverse codes that are available for us all to participate in." Click here to download the Finalists List (pdf). Congrats to all! For more details contact Gabrielle Gofton, phone: 09 966 3120.
Congratulations to Aylmer Kenny of Mana College who was among the 6 male "Other Codes" finalists, at the 2006 Wellington Secondary Schools Sports Awards. This annual prestigious ceremony was held at the Duxton Hotel, which hosted over 500 students from 45 Colleges all vying for Wellingtons top sports honours.
Aylmer was one of 4 who had been nominated by their schools for achievements in waka ama, the other 3 nominations were:
Kereama Ransfield - Rongotai College
Peter Goldsmith - Tawa College
Grace Katene - Mana College
As there is no official regional secondary schools waka ama event in the Wellington region. Waka ama is classed in the "Other Codes" category along side Yachting, Tae Kwon Do, Surf Lifesaving, Gymnastics, Marching, Shooting, and many other small sports codes.
Aylmer did well to reach his place as a finalist from 121 nominations in his category. It is with the achievements of these rangatahi and the acknowledgment from their schools that keeps waka ama strong and provides direction for the region and the clubs that support them. Kia ora to WakaAma.co.nz and
Charmaine Matiaha,
Hoe Tonga President for this heartwarming panui.
"Okea ururoa nga mahi katoa"
Go hard in all that you do"
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The article goes on to say "...media portrayals of minority groups often maintain distinctions between 'us' the majority audience addressed by reports and 'them' the minority audience portrayed by these same reports (
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The Ngati and Healthy Programme
The Ngati and Healthy programme is a collaborative effort between Ngati Porou Hauora's Te Puia Springs staff and Otago University. The team also won first place in the whanau whanui (large organisation) category. The Ngati and Healthy initiative has been labelled a success by those in the New Zealand health sector, with Health Minister Pete Hodgson showcasing the programme in Australia earlier this year. 
The book was launched by 
The DIY Marae episode on Tanatana Marae in Waimana will be screening on November 23 at 8.30pm. Nestled in the heart of the misty Urewera Valley, this is one marae that needs a very different kind of makeover, meaning the team has to get extra-creative.
AKA Productions are in the process of producing a fishing show hosted by Pio Terei called “
AKA Productions are looking for 3-4 people in each location, to film a different aspect of life alongside Tangaroa. Filming would happen from mid-January to mid-March 2007. Life with Tangaroa is pretty broad – it could be a fishing trip on a boat; collecting shellfish; waka usage; surf-casting; eeling; river life; netting; hand line rock fishing; diving for kina; gathering karengo or exploring aqua-culture developments. Pio is always keen to enjoy some of Tangaroa’s taonga, so no doubt kai will be shared.
AUT University
The 
MAORI MARKet Features artists who participated in the high-profile 
Maori sheep and beef farmers are being encouraged to demonstrate their business and farming acumen by entering the 
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Congratulations to Aylmer Kenny of 
