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Peace is dead. All around us, we witness acts of violence, hear rumours of cruelty; look away when random acts of illegality occur. War is being waged across the World; economic tyranny hurts families here in Aotearoa. Colonisation is as real a condition as racism, and both cast dark shadows over many of our daily lives. Resentment builds in the streets, while fear grips at the throats of crimes' victims and crushes all hope and relief from the innocent. Peace has passed and we are all now mourning its loss.
In one tradition, the bird of love possessed a powerful and enchanting song, calming all who rose early and humbling those who passed in the night. One day an argument broke out between the people over the ownership of the magnificent bird – the argument turned into a fight, the fight into a battle, the battle into a war. Many lives were lost. When the people returned, they found
the bird had gone. A deep cry of sorrow issued from the throats of the old women and the hearts of the young men bled. Hope was lost. Before the bird of love left the forest, however, she had whispered her most beautiful call into the ear of a sleeping baby. In the child's hand was a single purple tail feather. Peace was born.
Another korero I remember hearing tells of a huge split between Nga Atua over the family garden. After clearing the weeds in preparation for harvest, the sons and daughters of Ranginui and Papatuanuku sat together and asked “after our parents die, what happens to the family garden?” To this the senior shouted “it is all mine”, while the favourite interjected by calling “no, it'll be all mine”. The voices and pace of the discussion rose at an incredible rate, to which the fiercest muttered “how dare you disrespect our parents, who are still living, and squabble like gulls over shellfish, over something not yours” - the battle lines had been drawn. Peace would not return to the lands and the garden was lost.
What makes us abandon the ways of peace and run head long into battle?
The thread of history is twisted with knots of war – from the battles between the gods to the flight of ancestors from Hawaiiki; from the coerced signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Waitangi to the confiscation of the foreshores and seabed 165 years later.
That same thread is also marked by moments of transcendent peace - peace could be felt when Ranginui and Papatuanuku held each other in tight embrace; peace could be heard with the birth of a new child into the hapu; peace was practiced when Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi stood in defense of their people and with love in their heart. The story of Parihaka has been heard around the World, and their lessons of love have gone on to create and inspire leaders of peace.
Because that's what we so need today – despite all the negatives, all the pain, all the bad, there is space enough to find hope and heart enough to create peace. But this requires that we all draw deep and value peace, making compassion an instinct and opening ourselves up for meaningful contact. Otherwise, my first words move from conjecture to prophesy…
Last weeks issue on Power drew a number of responses – a few of you enjoyed and related to the feature, one of you wanted to also start a similar conversation on ‘mana' and some wanted to know how they could help RANGIKAINGA this year. To those who enjoyed last week's issue, thanks; to you who wanted to discuss mana, I'll look into it and will get back to you; and for you who are offering assistance – please hold off for a fortnight and we'll get back to you too, at the moment we are focusing on increasing our subscriber list, so if you know someone who would appreciate this panui, by all means pass it on.. All others, please enjoy and email us with any query you may have.
The Census 2006 was today/tonight/yesterday. Were you counted? Did you want to be counted?
And this week's new subscriber prize goes to Belinda Allen. You'll be receiving a cool Nuku the Rangatira sticker. If you want to win one of these choice stickers, answer this simple question and go into the draw: What is the name of the exhibition currently being hosted in Pataka (Porirua Museum) related to Gilbert Mair? Email your answer, name and mailing address here and we'll announce the winner next issue.
Thanks to all who have voted for us, your feedback has been astonishing!! For those who are still keen on voting for www.TangataWhenua.com you still have time, we really could win it! Just go to the 2006 People's Choice Net Guide Web Awards website, voting closes online at 5pm on 13 March 2006. We'd love if you took the time to vote for www.TangataWhenua.com as the Best Government or Community Site. Click on this link, enter your details and give us your vote. Make us famous in Aotearoa!
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 The report, Asthma in Maori (1991), by Health Research Council Post-doctoral Fellow, Dr. Lis Ellison-Loschmann, Ngati Toarangitira, Te Atiawa, Ngati Raukawa and Ngai Tahu, "found that asthma mortality continues to be higher in Maori and asthma hospitalisation rates remain disproportionately higher for Maori than for non-Maori". Research has shown that asthma rates are similar in Maori and non-Maori children but that deaths due to asthma are greater in Maori children. Beyond childhood the two groups diverge further with asthma rates in Maori adults increasing as they get older, the opposite of non-Maori adults whose prevalence decreases with age. What that's saying is that Maori are no more likely than non-Maori to develop asthma, but once they get it, it is more severe and tends to last longer.” This study found that access to healthcare continues to be a major concern which impacts on severity and morbidity. To read more about this research click here.  Our whanau experience with asthma runs deep. Countless nieces and nephews, aunties and uncles (and myself) have been in hospital and live with the daily affects of asthma. When our son, Atutahi was born we hoped that he would not have to deal with it. We thought that we did everything right. Nikolasa didn't drink or smoke, ate healthy food and even stayed away from peanuts but to no avail (baby being born pre-mature didn't help of course). It's been tough but we HAVE learned to manage Atutahi's asthma by being aware of his triggers, using his spacer and by sticking to his Asthma Plan to the letter. Research such as Dr. Lis Ellison-Loschmann's is invaluable as it highlights the inequities that exist and helps in finding solutions that reflect Maori needs and understandings.
Applications are invited for the Ministry of Health Hauora Maori Scholarships 2006. The scholarship was previously known as the Ministry of Health Maori Health Scholarships. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist students to undertake or complete an NZQA accredited course in health and disability studies, in order to build Maori workforce capacity in the sector. Hauora Maori Scholarships are open to any person who is:
Applications must be received no later than 5pm, Monday 10 April 2006. For more information visit the Hauora Maori Scholarships website, where Application and Guidance Forms and Application Forms are available. Contact: Huhana Rokx, email: huhana_rokx@moh.govt.nz, ph: 04 460 4782, fax: 04 495 4496. |
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 We had a great deal of interest from our readings regarding the Maori Housing plans and Housing New Zealand Corporation's Home Ownership Education Programme running in Invercargill, which we highlighted in issue 3. With houses as expensive as they are, the prospect of building your own home is becoming more and more a possibility especially if you have access to land. In the past the Papakainga Loans offered by HNZC were overly burecratic, not user-friendly and required 15% deposit, which resulted in an 80% decline in loan uptake between 1992 and 2004. More recently there has been renewed effort (both in government policy, programme alternatives and funding) at assisting low and middle income families into homes of their own. It is anticipated that these current programmes will lead more Maori realising their dreams of homeownership. We came across a really interesting design guide called Ki te Hau Kainga - New Perspectives on Maori Housing Solutions which you are sure to enjoy. The guide put together by Rau Hoskins, Rihi Te Nana, Peter Rhodes, Phillip Guy and Chris Sage explores Maori-focused housing patterns and general design and planning principles and goes on to examine specific design issues, such as food gardens and indoor/outdoor flow. The guide concludes by providing two interesting design concepts.  While looking online for a Maori-designed jewellery box for our brother's 21st birthday, we happened across some amazing artwork. The art of Theresa Reihana (Ngati Hine) features native flora and fauna of Aotearoa-New Zealand, traditional Maori arts and cultural influences that reflect the connection of Maori to the sea and sky and the natural world around them. Her works are visually stunning and the piece, Aramoana, is particularly impressive. Her upcoming exhibition begins at The Depot, in Devonport, Auckland on March 12. You can also check out Theresa's work in Kerikeri and Kaitaia.
 The whanau of Waihou-nui-a-rua marae (Waimirirangi) will be having a Whanau Big Day Out on Sunday 2 April in Wenderholm Regional Park, North Auckland starting at 10am. The day will begin with a karakia and there will be fun and games throughout. It will be a time to celebrate whanau and get to know one another. Bring yourselves, sunscreen, blankets and chairs, kai and lots of water. For more information contact: Mihiteria King 027 220 8389, Camron Muriwai 09 438 3070, and Jessica Collins 09 438 7567. Click here to view the panui.
For those weavers among us, be part of an amazing flax weaving experience. Sit in beautiful surroundings and weave ancient and modern vessels and patterns. The workshop will be held 23-24 March in Kaiteriteri in Kimi Ora Spa Resort. Cost is $149 and includes all material, bed & breakfast. For more information contact: Katarina Tawiri-Suter of Te Ara Aio Flax Creations, TeAraAio@clear.net.nz, ph: 03 318 0005.  As part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival 2006 top recording artists from around Aotearoa will be bringing music to the words of Hone Tuwhare. Featuring Te Kupu, Hinemoa Baker, Mahinarangi Tocker, Dallas Tamaira, Graham Brazier, Don McGlashan and others. Performances will be held March 11, 12, 13 at 8.30 at the Wellington Town Hall. Tickets are priced between $40-$60, click here to book. For information contact: New Zealand International Arts Festival, email: nzfestival@festival.co.nz, ph: 04 473 0149, fax: 04 471 1164.
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Te Raranga Maori Business Association will be hosting its most enterprising initiative to date, a Business Leadership Conference for its members at Mills Reef Winery, Bethlehem, Tauranga on 20th April 2006. The focus of the conference is on Developing Enterprise, Developing Assets, Developing People and Developing Lifestyle. Tahu Potiki, CEO of Ngai Tahu will be delivering a presentation, along with other experienced and inspirational speakers. For more information contact: Rachael Tata info@tmba.co.nz.  There is a new fund for strengthening whanau which is now available. Expressions of Interest (EoI) close by 24th March. Te Kawai Toro is a new funding programme starting in 2006 aimed at supporting projects run by Maori organisations that will benefit whanau. Projects must be about promoting and strengthening whanau development. Funding is available for projects of up to three years starting in 2006. Click here to see if its worthwhile applying. Thanks to CommunityNet Aotearoa, March 2006 for this panui.
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Just a small update, Maori Auctions has recently introduced fees for sellers. When placing an auction you can now choose to pay extra for certain features to enhance your listing, such as homepage feature and bold listing. There is also an auction success fee of 3%. All members received a $10 credit when they joined. RANGIKAINGA would like to congratulate Maori Auctions for this development as we see it as a big step to strengthening and building a successful and sustainable Maori-owned, Maori-focused online business. |
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 Ngati Hine Forestry Trust Special General Meeting will be held on 25 March at Northland Polytechnic Marae, Whangarei. The powhiri will begin at 8.30am. Lunch will be served at the conclusion of the hui. Contact: Marie Tautari, ph: 09 459 6425, fax: 09 459 6426.
Ngati Porou Ki Hauraki Trust Hui-a-Iwi will be held March 11 at Rakairoa Marae, Kennedy Bay. The hui will be held to ratify the NPKH Trust constitution and Te Runanga rules. The powhiri will begin at 10am. For more information contact: Lynda Hale, ph: 07 868 3356. Waikato Maniapoto Maori Land Court Public Workshops will be held on March 30 at the Maori Land Court in Hamilton. There will be two free sessions. 10am Maori Reservations and at 1pm Trustee duties. For more information contact: Erana Brewerton, ph: 07 957 7908 or 027 453 4419, fax: 07 957 7881.
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Just reminding you that the last day to enrol in the PGDipMPD is Friday, March 10 in the School of Maori and Pacific Development at the University of Waikato. The Post Graduate Diploma in Maori and Pacific Development can be taken totally online either full time (2 papers a semester for one year) or part time (1 paper a semester over two years). The following papers are being offered in A semester (27 Feb to 2 Jun): Resource Issues and Comparative State Policies and Indigenous Development. This is a great course that will further your professional development and help you give back to your whanau, hapu and iwi. Click here to view their 2006 Handbook. For more information contact SMPD's Academic Programme Manager, Louise Tainui.
The deadline for Te Raparahi Lands Trust Education Grants (Putaruru) is 31 March. Applications for education grants are now available for beneficiaries attending tertiary institutions in this current year. Contact: Grayburn Ross and Partners, ph: 07 883 7179.  For budding Maori librarians take a look at the website of Te Ropu Whakahau. TRW was born from a need to provide professional and cultural support to Maori working in libraries throughout New Zealand. There was also a need for Maori voices to inform policies and practices relating to the care of Maori material in libraries and archives, and the provision of library and information services generally. There is an interesting resources section and for those interested there is information regarding their Te Ropu Whakahau Hui-a-Tau 2006 which will be held in April.
 As most of you will already know speakers of Te Reo Maori are now able to use Office 2003 and Windows XP in Maori. Microsoft New Zealand in partnership with Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori (The Maori Language Commission) and Waikato University's School of Maori and Pacific Development have developed Maori Language Interface Packs for Windows XP and Office 2003. The Language Packs allow you or your organisation to install a reo Maori layer over an existing installation of Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Office applications including, Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint. These packs are free to download and they enable Maori language speakers to work more easily in their preferred language. You can request a CD copy of the Language Interface Pack by calling 0800 800 004. There is a postage and packaging cost of $15. Click here to download the packs for Office 2003 and Office XP. |
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 Wednesday 22nd March will see the start of the Maori Stage Kapa Haka performances. Thursday 23rd March will see the Diversity Stage dance performances, including Chinese, Indian, Korean, Pakistani and Sri Lankan dance the continuation of Kapa Haka performance on the Maori stage and Speech competitions on Cook Islands, Samoan and Tongan stages. Friday 24th March and Saturday 25th March will see dance performances on all five stages: Maori, Cook Islands, Niue , Samoan and Tongan. For more information contact: Craig Seuseu, email: festival@smcgroup.co.nz, ph: 09 579 7038.
“Wuzzup to the Class of 2006!!” Good luck to everyone who is now back in the classroom and let the learning begin… May I recommend a few websites that you can use all year ‘round. The first is Tear Away magazine online – the voice of young New Zealand. Tear away is a school icon and has been running for ages (I remember reading it way back). The magazine is published monthly and can be picked up at school, from your library, Jay Jays, Sounds, Blockbuster Video and now, can be seen online. Mean… The next is the informer – Taiohi magazine is published four times a year and check out what the Taiohi website has to offer:
Speaking of Te Mana, their website is a look behind the scenes and details the learning infrastructure and pedagogical architecture supporting this successful programme. The TV ads are choice and the message is strong, so let's help more Tauira reach their full learning potential. Kia Ora to the whanau of Te Mana!  Matua Mason Durie will be giving a talk in Nelson on the 16th of March. He will be speaking on Effective Interventions with Young Maori: The Aotearoa Reality. This forum is presented by Kia Piki 4 Life at Whakatu Marae. Contact: 03 577 5953 or email terewa@kiapiki4life.co.nz
Finally, a few games that will help to with your “learning”:
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| If you're a player, a supporter, a coach or one of the countless volunteers helping the country keep moving, thanks to you for keeping people fit!
 Now, we've only heard about some of the Marae Games being played at the moment – if you have any stories to share, please send them here. On the local scene, the Super 14 Rugby comps are in full swing, the pavilion is near capacity at the cricket grounds and the mountain bike champs are being fiercely contested in Rotorua, to read more click here.
 An active body relies on an active mind and the new SPARC programme “Healthy Eating in Active Schools” will really help teachers and students alike. The Healthy Eating in Active Schools booklet is an introduction to a school community approach to healthy eating. It links with the Active Schools initiative by illustrating the elements of a school community that encourage and support healthy eating. RANGIKAINGA also wanted to know what you thought about the food on offer at our kids kura – are fish and chips ok or should more healthier alternatives be offered? What do you think? Send your thoughts here.
 The inaugural Indigenous Sports Conference is set to take place in Rotorua on the 17th and 18th of March 2006. The conference is about presenting contemporary models of best practice that successfully blends culture and sport. Identifying sports management systems for building successful environments and celebrating the contribution of indigenous peoples in the world of sport. So it is now time to take stock of the impact that Maori sports men and women are having (and have had) across amateur and professional sports, so this conference will be an incredible forum to talk across codes and to discuss the future for indigenous sports. For more information call 07 348 0848 or email. | |
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Managing Director: Potaua Biasiny-Tule RANGIKAINGA Web Site: http://www.tangatawhenua.com/rangikainga.htm Copyright © 2006 RANGIKAINGA Indigenous Media Network Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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