Matariki 2007 - Our connection to the land and water, some say, starts with our connection with the stars and space. In Maori knowledge-lore, we are told about the transition from Te Kore through to Te Po and on toward Te Ao Marama. My guess is that somewhere between Te Po and Te Ao Marama came the birth of Matariki for some, the Seven Sisters; for others, the Mother and her 6 daughters; for me, a moment of sweet sadness as I remember back over the past 4 seasons and once more see the smiling faces of those who are no longer with us.
We spoke about Matariki two years ago (Issue 16, 2005) and have been pleasantly gratified to watch time-honoured traditions, ceremonies and rituals revived today. Like Waitangi Day, more people within Aotearoa-New Zealand want to find out more about Matariki what does it mean? How do we celebrate? Or is it more something we commemorate? Is it for everyone or just for Maori? Well, I've spoken to a few whanau about this and here is what they had to say.
Everyone is allowed to look toward the stars and wonder, to look toward the openness of space and marvel this is what our tupuna did and what many of us continue to do today. The rituals and ceremonies come from feeling the time of the season, knowing the soil and the plant cycle, calculating the amount of water which has fallen and the amount that has since flowed, the situation of family, neighbours and visitors to come. The low coverage of the early morning mist can mean that crops this year will have some protection; the appearance of Matariki and the New Moon are added signs of reassurance a blessing and gift from those who have gone before us. For if the crops are good, it is said, the people will be prosperous.
Is Matariki a celebration or a time to commemorate? Well, it kind of depends on the year you've had but also, the life you anticipate to come. This could be more about attitude than culture, but positive thoughts, mixed with positive outlook, combined with positive signs, can bring nothing but positive, right? For myself, it is a sad time as I look back to see Uncles, Nannies and Cousins who have passed since last Matariki this always brings a quiet tear to my eye. But it is also an amazing time, as we share new memories with friends, family and our baby boy, Atutahi.
And is Matariki for everyone or just for Maori? The star cluster itself are seen the World-over in Japan , Matariki is known as Subaru (ae, just like the car company), while Ancient Greek, Persian, Russian and Native American peoples revered the stars too. We may have been the only people trying to figure out how many kumara needed to be harvested for whanau and expected visitors but Matariki is a global phenomenon actually, a universal spectacle.
So whanau, with all that is happening in our busy lives today, I think it would be nice if we could take a little time out and do something to acknowledge Matariki, as it is the living thread binding us to our tupuna and everything, time and space included, into one. There's an awesome page provided by Te Tai Tokerau Tourism with some awesome ideas, an image gallery courtesy of Te Ara, a useful Astronomy Guide and a cool site from the Stardrome Observatory to provide inspiration and we do hope you look toward Matariki, close your eyes and give thanks for all you have and all you and your whanau will receive.
Mauri ora - Potaua, Nikolasa & Atutahi
As you know we began podcasting last issue and have now archived 6 past issues (for now we are only broadcasting our features but plan to include the Maori Minute, a brief daily synopsis of all news and events relevant to Te Ao Maori.
All our podcasts are available from our website for download or as streaming audio. You can also sign up with iTunes (if you've got an iPod - only click on the link if you have iTunes installed) and get each episode as we load it to the iTunes Store), so check them out and tell us what you think!). Alternatively we are listed with several top podcast directories, such as PodCast Alley and Podcasting News. You can also subscribe for updates by clicking here.
Feel free to download it to your iPods and MP3 players or even listen to it on your computer. Whakarongo mai e hoa ma.
TangataWhenua.com is currently testing a new browsing technology called SNAP Shots - we've created a test site which we would like you to view and let us know what you think, based on your feedback, we will decide whether to use it or not.
Simply put, Snap Shots enhance links with visual previews of the destination site.
For website users this is an enhanced way to navigate the net, because links are no longer blind, you are able to quickly and easily preview the link before clicking.
Why website users are enjoy Snap Shots because:
It lets them know if they can trust the site
They may not wish to register for a site
It helps them remember if they've been to a site already.
They can determine if the content is safe for work
Go Hokianga Whanau Challenge - A Whanau challenge similar to the amazing race, with challenges taken from Survivor and fear factor will take place June 9 at Opononi Area School and Omapere Beach. Does your whanau have what it takes to be the ultimate whanau of Hokianga? Contact Karen Turner 09 405 7345 fax: 09 4057329
for a registration form. Be in quick places are limited.
Stephen Paewai, chief executive of Dannevirke Maori health provider Rangitane o Tamaki nui a Rua since 2001, has been appointed to the MidCentral District Health Board's community and public health advisory committee. He was nominated by the board's iwi partner. Mr Paewai is a Canterbury University Bachelor of Commerce graduate who has been a director of the Tararua Primary Health Organisation (PHO) since 2004, and a director of Tararua REAP since 2006. We here at RANGIKAINGA want to congratulate Stephen on the appointment ~ kia kaha, kia manawanui.
Te Kaunihera O Nga Neehi Maori - the National Council of Maori Nurses held their AGM in April. Click here to view the report and minutes.
Join in this year's 'World Smokefree Day' activities on Thursday, 31st May, as residents of Mangere celebrate their town centre's 'smokefree status'. Mangere town centre is an open air shopping complex and is also thought to be the first centre of its type in New Zealand to go smokefree.
"Mangere locals and their children can now enjoy an afternoon's shopping without having to endure the unpleasant effects of other people's cigarette smoke", says Heber Fruean of the Heart Foundation's Pacific Islands Heartbeat Team.
As well as creating healthier and more pleasant environments, smokefree policies have other benefits. Evidence shows that the 'denormalisation' of smoking (for example, creating smokefree environments and reducing the visibility of smoking) contributes to stopping people taking up or going back to smoking. Research also shows that denormalisation is key to reducing the number of young people who might start smoking.
The day's celebrations start at 10am and include an official presentation from the Heart Foundation's Medical Director, Professor Norman Sharpe, to Sir Barry Curtis, Mayor of Manukau, to acknowledge Mangere's smokefree achievements. Other events include jump rope demonstrations from local schools who have completed the Heart Foundation's 'Jump Rope for Heart Programme', lots of delicious heart healthy food from local 'Healthy Kai' retailers and special guest appearances from ONE News presenter Wendy Petrie, the NZ Warriors, David Tua as well as local politicians.
Tobacco smoking is estimated to kill nearly 5,000 people per year. One in five non-Maori smokes compared with one in two Maori and one in three Pacific people. Recent studies suggest that Maori smoking rates have decreased to 45 percent (down from 50). Tui Ora,
has recently published their newsletter for 2007. It includes details about the addition of new board members and the success of their Youth Transition Services programme. Click here to check it out. Tui Ora is an integrated health service organisation committed to enhancing health and wellbeing.
Tui Ora evolved from a dedicated 4 year joint venture relationship between the Taranaki Iwi Health Forum - Te Whare Punanga Korero Trust and the former Midland Regional Health Authority.
With the emergence of Tui Ora and the majority of Maori Providers uniting under this umbrella there is greater synergy, to work co-operatively and to work "smarter" with all Providers, in delivering integrated services to consumers.
The NZ Herald recently reported that a compromise has been developed on the highly contentious proposal of a trans-Tasman regulatory agency for medicines and therapeutic products.
This is related to the Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill which passed its first reading in Dec 2006, submissions closed in Feb 2007 and
the Bill is now before a select committee. The Government is in the process of consulting with other parties about a compromise, but it is not yet clear if there are enough votes for it to pass with National, Green, Maori and ACT parties all against it as well as the independent MP Taito Philip Field and newly independent MP
Gordon Copeland
.
The compromise would still establish an agency but give makers of New Zealand-based complementary products the option of being regulated by it instead of forcing coverage on them.
A domestic regulatory regime would exist for those who opted out.
If the makers of complementary products wanted to expand into the Australian market they would have to come under the trans-Tasman agency.
Prescription medicines and medical and surgical devices would be covered by the trans-Tasman agency, which would be run in Canberra and Wellington and governed by the two countries' Health Ministers.
There is not enough political support in Parliament for the original bill, which forces all therapeutic products into a trans-Tasman regulatory regime.
Australia has promoted a joint agency for many years and it is not certain that it would rather have a halfway house instead of no house at all.
The bill has been vigorously opposed by the Green Party and Maori Party as well as the alternative and complementary medicines industry.
They have suggested that New Zealand's sovereignty would be compromised by a joint agency because products for domestic use would have to comply with Australian standards.
Labour introduced the Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill in December and, with support parties NZ First and United Future, had enough backing to send it to a select committee.
It had no guarantees beyond that and support for the bill slipped after Taito Phillip Field left Labour and changed his mind.
If the compromise gets enough support it will be introduced when the bill returns to the House. [Much thanks to the NZ Herald for this article].
If you are in Hawkes Bay there are countless events to celebrate Matariki there is a there's a great site which promotes all of the events celebrating Matariki this year. Events include fine dining, Maori hand game competitions, Maori Music Awards, Fireworks, Fashion Shows, music and dance and run between 1 June - 1 July in various towns (including: Hastings, Wairoa, Dannevirke, Waipukurau and Masterton).
For further info contact Terangi Huata 06 873 0041.
Matariki Music Festival 2007 will be held 4 June at George Nepia Memorial Park, Rangitukia.
This festival aims to bring in the Maori New Year Ngati Porou style! Come and enjoy the sweet sounds of a variety of Ngati Porou musicians. Contact Te Runanga o Ngati Porou 06 864 9004.
The Otangarei Community Festival will be held 9 June in Otangarei, this event is about celebrating whanaungatanga and collectively acknowledging the ancestral threads which bind and reflect who we are as whanau, hapu and iwi.
For more details contact
Carol Dodd 09 459 1410.
A wananga entitled 'Te Hau a Matariki...' has been organised by Te Runanganui o Ngati Hikairo (ki Kawhia Moana) Health & Resource Management committees to coincide with the raise of Matariki, celebrating the Maori New Year. The programme will include the learning of traditional moteatea; a presentation around 'Navigation by the Stars' & a special performance by Te Karito Kura Wananga... The wananga will run from 16-17 June at Waipapa Marae, Kawhia. Contact Hinga Whiu 07 8710 755 for more details.
The event organisers for Toi Ake Tuwharetoa 2007, which is to be held June 15,16, 17 have confirmed that Whirimako Black will perform at Te Hau Matao, the Toi Ake Tuwharetoa Maori Art & Design Expo fashion show.
Tickets are still on sale from The Maori Shop (Turangi), the Taupo Museum, or contact Events Turangi. Click here for more details. Congratulations to Flo Putaura (Turangi Credit Union) who won a double pass to Te Hau Matao by listening to Tuwharetoa FM.
We often highlight talented and emerging Maori
artists
and were recently directed to the incredible and
ethereal
works of Himiona Grace. Grace is from Paekakariki and is of Ngati Porou, Toarangatira, Raukawa and Te Ati Awa descent. He draws his inspiration from that which surrounds him, the land, the sea, the sky and the people "living with the culture and beauty that is Aotearoa". Truly incredible stuff.
Grace is also known for his work as a musician (Nga Pou Wahine, Purapurawhetu) and has also worked as a cameraman. He has assessed and catalogued over 3000 video tapes deposited by Te Mangai Paho after the controversial demise of Aotearoa Television of which over 330 hours will be selected for the National Television Collection to be available for public viewing and research.
To view his breathtaking, strong and dynamic work, click here e hoa ma... or to contact him send him an email.
From the 14th of July to the 29th September, Auckland City Libraries Tamaki Pataka Korero will be hosting an exhibition on the Hokianga. As part of this exhibition a blog has been created. The blog will be used to communicate and engage with the community highlighting and exploring features of the exhibition before it opens. Your input and feedback is very much welcomed and you are invited to contribute, korero and share.
If you have any questions feel free to contact Auckland City Libraries for more information, or check out their website.
For those of you (like us) who love indigenous news and views check out Maori TV's Native Affairs which is offering incisive, timely and relevant affairs of the indigenous kind.
This prime time current affairs show, dishes up debate, analysis, opinion and insight getting to the core of the most challenging stories in Aotearoa today. The hour long show airs Sunday nights at 8pm. Native Affairs is an edgy taste of Maori perspectives in current affairs and tackles the tough subjects as well as the moving.
This week, Veteran Maori broadcaster Derek Fox, Maori Party MP Dr. Pita Sharples and Hone Edwards, TVNZ's former kaihautu (guardian) join us to talk about the comments TVNZ CEO, Rick Ellis, made to the Maori Affairs Select Committee Next they cross to Samoa following the death of Malietoa Tanumafili II and look at the issue of succession to the Malietoa title. They go on to remember the 29th Anniversary of the Bastion Point protest as well as our late Maori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu, as Tainui commemorated the 40th anniversary of her coronation
Fronting is Julian Wilcox, backed by a team of reporters including: Wena Harawira, Jodi Ihaka, Taiha Molyneux, Annabelle Lee-Harris, Semi Holland and Marisa Balle. Native Affairs Executive Producer is Colin McRae, Producer, Sharon Hawke along with Associate Producer Wena Harawira.
Well now that the budget is out and picked apart, the generally the response has been flat and unimpressed. The total budget was $3.3 billion and of that just $170 million has been earmarked for Maori (this equates to just over 5% by our calculations). The Maori Party have strongly
criticised
the lack of support for Maori saying "the last few budgets confirm the fact that this government has little respect for the Treaty and for treaty rights, and has no genuine regard to the health, education and employment needs of Maori."
$7.6m for Maori broadcasting (keeping in mind that there are 22 iwi radio stations alone) - of course we'd never expect online Maori broadcasters to be included in that... maybe one day...
Experiences have always been at the heart of Rough Guides. A group of writers and adverturers began writing the books 25 years ago and wanted to inspire their readers to break away from established routes, to find pleasure in remote islands or in street culture. Rough Guides 25s are a collection of ideas and inspirations, and each selection is gold dust. Pick any experience and you will enrich your travelling life.
A new, purpose-built aquaculture centre was opened on May 25 at Mahurangi Technical
Institute
(MTI) in Warkworth. Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton who opened the centre said in his presentation that "we can't develop eel aquaculture until we can breed eels in captivity. So this facility and the research it does is very important. It is among the top three institutes in the world in the area of research on breeding eels. And it aims to be the first in the world to produce commercial quantities of eels in captivity. If we can succeed in this, we will be able to develop a self-sustaining eel farming industry. We won't hammer the wild eel population."
Anderton stressed the importance of recognising the benefit the institute will have for Maori economic development, saying "Eel have been here for eighty million years, so it's no surprise that long before Europeans sailed to New Zealand, Maori were catching and eating eels and trading in them. And eel is still on the table at any number of functions."
He went on to highlight the profound role that aquaculture will play for Maori in the future. In forty years over 40 percent of New Zealand's workforce will be of Maori or Pacific Island ancestry, so Maori economic development is New Zealand's economic development. Anderton went on to say that New Zealand needs Maori business to succeed and prosper and that many current success stories are emerging from this sector. Aquaculture can take that success to a new level, helping economic development at both regional and national level and benefiting Maori communities directly.
World demand for freshwater eels is currently estimated at more than 130,000 tonnes annually, worth approximately NZ$1.8 billion, with one kilogram returning an average of NZ$1,600. Apart from the traditional European smoked and jellied eel, eel is used in the Asian delicacy, Kabayaki, as a steamed or grilled spiced dish.
The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FoRST), has put in $630,000 to the Institute's eel research as part of the Technology for Business Growth programme.
MTI
scored a world first in 2005 by not only being the first to successfully breed the shortfinned eel in captivity, but also in hatching commercial quantities of any eel species (both in the larval stage).
What MTI proposes to do now is breed "glass eels" the life stage that is required for ongrowing to market size by eel farmers. Their challenge now is to take the larvae through to glass eels. This may all sound somewhat simplistic to many people but when you understand just how difficult and complicated the eel lifecycle is you realize the enormity of the task and the significance of their achievements.
A recent United Nations report stated that demand for seafood around the world will grow by a third in the next ten years. "There is no way in which that demand can be met from stocks of wild fish in the oceans.
"Aquaculture has almost limitless potential for New Zealand. It's the fastest-growing sector of our seafood industry. Already aquaculture has sales worth around a million dollars a day - and the industry wants it to grow to be worth a billion dollars a year - $3 million per day - to New Zealand in less than twenty years."
When Transit NZ declined the application to fly the Tino Rangatiratanga/Maori Independence Flag on the Auckland Harbour Bridge during Waitangi Day Commemorations this year, some people just wanted to throw themselves off it.
Recently that is just what two dedicated wahine toa did.
Indigenous people's rights, independence and self determination are just some of the reasons Tia Taurere spokesperson for Te Ata Tino Toa and Mera Penehira draped themselves in our beloved Tino Rangatiratanga flag to bungy off the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
"Creative Resistance is one way to raise awareness to our struggles. The Maori Flag is banned yet we are constantly seeing other flags flown on this bridge, it is out right racist" said Ms Taurere.
Just recently Maori MP Hone Harawira was also appalled that Transit allowed the European Union Flag to fly in recognition of European Day. "The flag has long been recognized as broadly representing Maori aspirations. It has been flown at Waitangi, and in all the hikoi, both church and iwi based, for almost two decades".
Keep your eye on the skies, Te Ata Tino Toa intend to keep organising on this kaupapa, there is obviously a real need for our symbols to receive due recognition, because these are the things that remind us of who we are and the obligations and responsibilities that we have for the next generations, even if it means that we have to take it to the bridge" said Ms Taurere.
Click here for the previous Transit New Zealand's "Flag Policy" which angered many because of the "adhoc" way in which Transit NZ "adhere" to their own policy". An example of this is the flying of corporate flags (i.e. the Loyal flag during the America's Cup) which represent NO country and are NOT recognised by the NZ Government (two criteria for flying a flag on the Bridge according to Transit NZ.
This is interesting considering the words of the Transport Minister, Hon Annette King, who said on 2 Feb 2007 that it was "not reasonable to expect this [flag] policy to be changed at short notice on the eve of Waitangi Day. The government is prepared to consider whether Transit's policy should be broadened in future and on what basis."
Transit will apply this policy from June 1st (jeez that was quick!!) and finally admitted that they were wrong to fly the European Union flag, as it was not a county.
Instead of "possibly broadening the policy" Transit has taken the extremist tact and completely disallowed ALL flags to fly. Begging the question, are they SO opposed to flying the Tino Rangatiratanga flag that they will deny all flags (bar the NZ flag)?
Dr Pita Sharples of the Maori Party makes a similar point, "Instead of focusing on that issue, addressing Treaty responsibilities and acknowledging the tangata whenua of this country, Transit New Zealand appears to have thrown its hands up in horror, and got rid of all the flags of other countries as well. Flag bearing should be a "wondrous occasion" and New Zealand should be as inclusive as possible", Dr Sharples said.
We will continue to bring you regular updates on this, whanau ~ watch this space >>> The Ngati Wai Trust Board will hold a series of Hui in response to a request from the Ministry of Fisheries to assist them with facilitating consultation re the Aotea Marine Reserve Proposal. The proposal has the potential to adversely affect customary and commercial rights. The Board also wishes to discuss with iwi a blanket Rohe Moana. The hui will be held June 23 at Motairehe Marae in Aotea (Great Barrier). The powhiri will begin 9.30am. For more info contact
Addie Smith 09 430 0939 ext 203.
Ngati Ranginui Iwi members are invited to apply for an Education Grant to assist with their 2007 tertiary course fees. Applicants must be registered on Ngati Ranginui Iwi Beneficiary Roll. You don't have much time left as applications are due by 4pm, Friday 1 June.
For more info call 07 571 0934 or 07 571 0936. For more info contact Ngati Ranginui Iwi Inc. Society's office, 1st Floor McLean House, 25 McLean Street, Tauranga.
Abbott, M.W. (2006). Do EGMs and problem gambling go together like a horse and carriage? Gambling Research, 18, 7-38.
Abbott, M.W. (in press). Situational factors that affect gambling behavior. In G. Smith, D. Hodgins, & R. Williams (Eds.), Research and Measurement Issues in Gambling Studies.
The 'Two Nations, Ten Cultures?' combined APSAD and Cutting Edge Addiction Conference, will be held in Auckland , 4-7 November, 2007.
This large event will bring together the two major addiction conferences in Australia and New Zealand. The programme focus is on the role of culture - in its various manifestations - in the understanding, prevention and treatment of addiction. A secondary theme is based on the word 'combined' - combinations of factors in the development of addiction, co-morbidity, partnerships in research, prevention and treatment.
To avoid a clash with this major conference, it has been decided to delay the planned 2007 International Gambling Conference until 2008 and include a strong gambling stream within the Combined APSAD and Cutting Edge Addiction Conference. One of the keynote plenary presentations will focus on gambling. It will be followed by presentations and posters that address 'culture' and the issue of 'combined' as it relates to gambling problems and addiction. The conference will provide a unique opportunity for those of us working in gambling to interact with leading practitioners and colleagues from the wider addictions field and examine parallels and differences in our thinking and practice. It will also provide a focus on the important issue of co-morbidity and its implications for research, policy and professional practice.
The Gambling Research Centre is working with the APSAD/Cutting Edge Conference hosts in organising the gambling stream. We will also arrange a social gathering at the Conference for those with a special interest in gambling to meet informally.
The Gambling Research Centre, Auckland University of Technology and the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand have again combined to organise and host the next Auckland International Gambling Conference.
There will be a mixture of plenary sessions with keynote addresses, and concurrent streams with paper presentations and workshops. Full programme details will be posted on this page as they become available. You can also access their websites for further information about the conference:
Photos of the SAM Whanau Fishing Festival which we featured in Issue 8 are online at www.tmav.org courtesy Manu Caddie. We were pleased to hear that there were more than 500 people there on the day, mostly Maori, mostly male with lots of tamariki in tow. Great to hear know that there was such great turnout and thanks to all who supported it.
PUKORO he aha kei roto? What's in a pocket? That's the question children are invited to answer on PUKORO, a Maori language pre-schoolers show made for Maori Television in 2006. It's now 2007, and the second series is about to begin production. The PUKORO team have a vacancy for two presenters.
The ideal person will have these skills:
A high level of proficiency in te reo Maori, both spoken and written
Be aged 17-25 to suit the style of the show
A person who has an affinity with children and who's not afraid to play act and look silly to entertain.
A tuneful singing voice.
Is available from July to September 2007
Can live in Auckland during that period.
If this sounds like you, contact us as soon as possible, before June 10th. Phone Karen Waaka Producer on 027 275 7660 or email your contact details to teokahurangi@xtra.co.nz.
Kia ora everyone ~ the tentative programme for the Auckland Schools Regional Hip Hop & super 10 competitions is here.
Just a note to have your video recorders ready for this Sat 6.00pm on Maori television as they will be screening parts of last year's OFF DA HOOK nationals.
Auckland Regionals,
Sat 9th June 2007,
Freemans Bay Community Hall,
52 Hepburn St Auckland City.
On Saturday, 26 May 2007 young people living in the Clendon community lead a community hikoi against local liquor outlets. The hikoi concluded at Te Matariki Clendon Library.
A public discussion will took place at the
conclusion
of the hikoi which discussed the availability of alcohol in the Clendon community, and how that affects local residents. The underlying messages of the hikoi will be:
The community has had enough of planning rules that enable alcohol to be easily purchased and consumed throughout the Clendon community;
The availability of alcohol has a detrimental effect on the public health and safety of families and whanau within the Clendon community; and
The young people of Clendon want to lead the challenge to law makers to change the rules governing the sale and purchase of alcohol.
The Member of Parliament for Manurewa, Hon George Hawkins, addressed the hikoi. and was joined by Daniel Newman, a member of the Manurewa Community Board; and a representative of the Clendon Community Support Group (CCSG) (the local organisation leading the youth hikoi initiative).
The Goi Peace Foundation and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are inviting young people throughout the world up to 25 years of age to submit essays for the 2007 International Essay Contest for Young People. Entries are divided into two age categories for the awarding of prizes: up to 14 years and 15 - 25 years.
The competition's theme is The Role of Media and Information and Communication Technologies in Building a Peaceful World.' Essays should comment on how media and communication and information technologies can be used to help build a peaceful world. First, second, and third place and honourable mention entries in each category will receive: (1st) 100,000 Yen (approximately US$840), (2nd) 50,000 Yen (approximately US$420), and (3rd and honourable mention) certificates and gifts. Multiple prizes will be given in all but the first place category. The first place winner will be invited to Japan to receive the award - travel expenses are paid by the sponsors.
The deadline for application is June 30 2007. Click here for more details, including guidelines, eligibity criteria, contacts, etc. Tauranga Moana Rangatahi Awards 2007 - E nga mana e nga reo e nga karangaranga maha, nau mai piki mai ki tenei hui whakahirahira Te Po Tohu Rangatahi o Tauranga Moana.
The Awards foster and promote,
leadership, participation, role modeling and excellence,
whilst providing incentives for Rangatahi to fulfill their potential.
A Gala Dinner will be held at the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club Inc, Sulphur Point, Tauranga on Saturday the 23rd of June 2007 at 4pm where the outstanding achievements of both female and male for each category will be celebrated.
For a complete list categories and nomination forms click here.
Entry Deadline is
4pm Tuesday 5th June 2007. Please direct all enquries to Sandra Mauger 07 575 3765 ext 211.
The Whaka Rugby Football Club has a long and successful history of players from near and far. The time has come to acknowledge our past & present players and celebrate the accomplishments of this unique club. This reunion will be an historic event in the history of the Whakarewarewa Club and one that will bring together friends, Whanau and the wider Whakarewarewa Community. The reunion will take place between 2-4 June at Wahiao Marae. Contact Carol Gillies 07 348 4043 for more info.
RANGIKAINGA
ISSN 1177-5068
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09 4057329
for a registration form. Be in quick places are limited.
Join in this year's 'World Smokefree Day' activities on Thursday, 31st May, as residents of Mangere celebrate their town centre's 'smokefree status'. Mangere town centre is an open air shopping complex and is also thought to be the first centre of its type in New Zealand to go smokefree.
The day's celebrations start at 10am and include an official presentation from the Heart Foundation's Medical Director, Professor Norman Sharpe, to Sir Barry Curtis, Mayor of Manukau, to acknowledge Mangere's smokefree achievements. Other events include jump rope demonstrations from local schools who have completed the Heart Foundation's 'Jump Rope for Heart Programme', lots of delicious heart healthy food from local 'Healthy Kai' retailers and special guest appearances from ONE News presenter Wendy Petrie, the NZ Warriors, David Tua as well as local politicians. 
Tui Ora,
has recently published their newsletter for 2007. It includes details about the addition of new board members and the success of their Youth Transition Services programme. Click here to check it out. Tui Ora is an integrated health service organisation committed to enhancing health and wellbeing.
This is related to the Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill which passed its first reading in Dec 2006, submissions closed in Feb 2007 and
the Bill is now before a select committee. The Government is in the process of consulting with other parties about a compromise, but it is not yet clear if there are enough votes for it to pass with National, Green, Maori and ACT parties all against it as well as the independent MP Taito Philip Field and newly independent MP
Gordon Copeland
.
The compromise would still establish an agency but give makers of New Zealand-based complementary products the option of being regulated by it instead of forcing coverage on them. 
The event organisers for Toi Ake Tuwharetoa 2007, which is to be held June 15,16, 17 have confirmed that Whirimako Black will perform at Te Hau Matao, the Toi Ake Tuwharetoa Maori Art & Design Expo fashion show. 
Well now that the budget is out and picked apart, the generally the response has been flat and unimpressed. The total budget was $3.3 billion and of that just $170 million has been earmarked for Maori (this equates to just over 5% by our calculations). The Maori Party have strongly
criticised
the lack of support for Maori saying "the last few budgets confirm the fact that this government has little respect for the Treaty and for treaty rights, and has no genuine regard to the health, education and employment needs of Maori." 
He went on to highlight the profound role that aquaculture will play for Maori in the future. In forty years over 40 percent of New Zealand's workforce will be of Maori or Pacific Island ancestry, so Maori economic development is New Zealand's economic development. Anderton went on to say that New Zealand needs Maori business to succeed and prosper and that many current success stories are emerging from this sector. Aquaculture can take that success to a new level, helping economic development at both regional and national level and benefiting Maori communities directly.
What MTI proposes to do now is breed "glass eels" the life stage that is required for ongrowing to market size by eel farmers. Their challenge now is to take the larvae through to glass eels. This may all sound somewhat simplistic to many people but when you understand just how difficult and complicated the eel lifecycle is you realize the enormity of the task and the significance of their achievements. 
When Transit NZ declined the application to fly the Tino Rangatiratanga/Maori Independence Flag on the Auckland Harbour Bridge during Waitangi Day Commemorations this year, some people just wanted to throw themselves off it. 
For those dealing with issue and
challenges
of gambling there has been an update on the 2006 International Conference on Gambling - '
027 275 7660 or email your contact details to 
Kia ora everyone ~ the tentative programme for the Auckland Schools Regional Hip Hop & super 10 competitions is here.
On Saturday, 26 May 2007 young people living in the Clendon community lead a community hikoi against local liquor outlets. The hikoi concluded at Te Matariki Clendon Library.
