The other week, Nikolasa and I were walking through the Rotorua Food Court, when a group of rangatahi passed by. One of them spun around and shouted "Hey, you're that Google Maori fulla, ey?" I gave them the quick eye-brow raise and they all let out a chorus of "chur bro". I liked that, the Google Maori Fulla.
It was amazing honour to bring one of the World's biggest internet companies to Aotearoa and to host two of their brilliant team members here in Rotorua.
We are blessed to have been members of the Google Maori project, joining the crew over a year ago and so I'd like to trace the whakapapa of the project and drop a few nuggies of knowledge for any aspiring IT-Toa out there.
On 23 July 2008 we were able to realise the culmination of a dream, we were joined by over 250 of our whanau from all over the motu here in Rotorua to celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Maori 2008 and to launch the Google Maori Project. And everyone involved received a standing ovation? Can you believe it - a standing ovation. Who gets those nowadays? With an awesome show of support and aroha, the packed auditorium thanked the many, many members of the Google Maori Translation Team with applause, with haka, with waiata, with conversation. But let's go back...
In the beginning, there was Google...
The Google Maori Project has many entry points, so let's start with the roots. Google is the most widely used search engine on the internet today and was created to help organise the world's online information (by 2 uni drop-outs I might add). In 2001, Google began a programme known as Google in Your Language, which was designed to give anyone the tools to translate Google services into languages in which they are fluent. Because of this forward thinking, the Google homepage appeared in 117 languages. The language options include Basque, Bengali, Filipino, Punjabi and Zulu.
It was in 2001 that Engineering Director for Google in New York and a fellow Kiwi, Dr Craig Neville-Manning, reached out to Dr. Te Taka Keegan with the idea of translating Google into Maori. How it works is that there is a list of terms, words and phrases that directly correlate to the main Google site in English and each phrase is translated alongside its accompanying programming code. Each individual phrase or word is translated and entered into a corresponding box next to the original message. The word went out for volunteers and the crew got underway with the work.
A few years later (around 2004/05), the Aotearoa Maori Internet Society joined the team. Most notable amongst the new members was Karaitiana Taiuru, another online pioneer who led the way to have maori.org.nz and iwi.org.nz sub-domains recognised; he was also joined by revolutionary Maori leader Teanau Tuiono and the original digital master, Ross Himona. Again, the call was made for volunteers to assist and the project again picked up momentum. About the same time, Ara Tai Rakena had been living in Christchurch, working on the same project, though largely doing so under the radar. As a Maori language tutor, the project was both a passion and a hobby of his, enabling the extension of te reo Maori usage online.
And then that fateful day in May 2007 came, Nikolasa and I were roaming the vast cyber-scape of the internet and happened across the Google in your Language option. We clicked in and scrolled down, looking at all the options on offer and saw something was terribly amiss, where was the Maori language option? We refreshed the page a few times to make sure it wasn't a page-load issue and sure enough, no Maori. The Russian and Chinese languages were there (Chinese actually had 2 versions; traditional and simplified); Hebrew and Welsh were there; heck, the Klingons from Star Trek, Bork Bork Bork from the Swedish Chef on the Muppets and even Elmer Fudd were there, but no Maori.
Now, being a rather militant pair, we said to ourselves "something has to be done about this" and in the following issue of our ePanui RANGIKAINGA, we sent out the word to our readership about what we had found. It was with interest that the only other Pacific language option available was Tongan, so we asked the question "why isn't te reo Maori available as a Google language option?" and received some very interesting feedback. A small group formed to "start work" and we researched the 'hows' and 'whats' of such a project.
It was then that journalist Yvonne Tahana, working with the New Zealand Herald, approached us to write a story about the Google Maori Project for Te Wiki o te Reo Maori 2007, little did we know that the project would make front page of the NZ Herald and attract a huge amount of interest from around the world. Our Google Maori team then expanded to over 30 people, when Ara Tai Rakena made contact. Ara taught us much about the process of the translation task, showing the mahi he had done to date and giving us access to the main page of translations.
Though we had started down the path, two crucial things came to light - the first was that no official Google Maori group had been established (which Google suggests as a way to connect interested parties); the second was that all this effort was not being properly coordinated. We came to realize that there were now 3 groups working on the same project, with little contact between each. We linked up with Ara and formalised the work by initiating the Google group recommended for official translation purposes. It was then another stroke of keyboard luck that Nikolasa sent a brief message to Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Maori, the Maori Language Commission. Within days, we heard back from CEO Huhana Rokx who said that Sharon Armstrong would be in touch and support for the project was available.
Like the saying goes, luck introduces you to genius and we were lucky enough to be introduced to
Wiha Te Raki Hawea Stevens (who also worked on the upcoming movie Rain of the Children which we cover below). Wiha had worked with Te Taka on the Maori language versions of Microsoft Office and Windows XP (and is currently working on Vista and Office 2007), so brought considerable knowledge and expertise of technological translation to the group. Together, we set forth on a fantastic voyage, slowly encouraging all three groups to combine and to collaborate with the translation efforts of over 1,600 phrases, made up of more than 8,000 words. Over the next 10 months, the list was discussed, translated and populated.
There were emails nearly every day, asking whether one phrase was more appropriate than another; whether this word was more suitable than that word. The rate and pace of the project heated up in late November, though cooled during the Christmas holidays (everyone needed a break by then) but re-ignited again by the end of January. Some had hoped for a release during Waitangi Day 2008 but with the huge amount of work required, it was thought best to wait for the translators to let us know when was most appropriate.
It was about late March, early April 2008 that Wiha coolly emailed, saying "I think we're nearly there".
Though the end got closer, new messages were being uploaded every other day and required translation. With
skilful
minds, Wiha and Te Taka were joined by Wareko Te Angina and all worked tirelessly through the translations. From our end, the Google Maori Project played out like an evolving drama-comedy-action movie. Friends were asking when they could expect to see it live; others in the team wanted to know specifics around why certain words were selected and if it were regionally-biased, as opposed to 'generalised Maori'; others again wanted to know if we would be launching the Google Maori Project once all was completed.
It became increasingly clear that the effort required some sort of celebration to announce the launch, as well as some way to recognise the collective mahi done to get the project completed. We again approached Te Taura Whiri to see what we could be done and again, as a group, came up with the idea that it could be ready for Te Wiki o te Reo Maori 2008. What brilliant timing!! We had been sending emails to the Google in your Language team to let them know what we were thinking. Thankfully Craig put us in touch with David Griswold, Public Relations Associate for Google Worldwide. He confirmed that the project could be ready by July 2008 and in our excitement, let the wider group know, we were four weeks out and suddenly in countdown mode.
Now, if you've ever been involved in launching a product or service, you'll know how hectic things can get - which venue is best, which VIPs do you invite, who can do the catering, will the Google Maori page even be ready by then? After lots of txts and emails, we now had two weeks to go and then, an unexpected turn happened. Our (new) baby girl Hiona got incredibly sick with bronchiolitis, forcing us to rush her into hospital in the small hours of a cold Saturday morning. She started in the Rotorua A&E, was transferred to the Children's ward but got really low and was checked into ICU. Our hearts were racing as our baby was sick and the launch date loomed ever closer.
In hospital for a week now, Nikolasa and I looked after Hiona and her brother Atutahi and thought we'd never make it. Google Maori had been a project of passion and a labour of love (which we had not received a cent in personal funding for) but now our family was in crisis and we had many people looking toward us at a very critical time. Family and friends circled around and said if we could get this far together, we could get over the finish line together.
The venue had been set for Taiwere site at Te Wananga o Aotearoa (where I had been Events Manager last year), the day agreed for the Wednesday 23rd July (which was a year to the day of the original NZ Herald article), during Te Wiki o te Reo Maori and following the launch of i-Papakupu (the online Maori dictionary completely in Maori being launched in Wellington on 21 July 2008).
The VIP list now included a small crew from Google, the team from Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Maori, some of our original Google Maori team, guests from every point of Aotearoa – and we were still in hospital. With only 12 days to go, everything was set but little had been organised. Nikolasa and I then had to click into our classic tag-team mode and while one of us was at the hospital with Hiona, the other would be at home with Atutahi, making phone calls, sending out emails, answering phone calls, cleaning the house. And wouldn't you believe it, all the kaumatua and kuia who had followed our journey were not available on the day. Aue, aue.
The nurses gave the all clear, allowing Hiona to come out of ICU and Nikolasa agreed that she would stay with baby while I got out there and got busy. I group emailed everyone to assure all that we were on target for the launch on the 23rd, contacted Yvonne Tahana to update her on our progress and to let her know we were about to go live, wrote to David Griswold to find out his details for their arrival, started registering up to 300 people (the venue capacity) with half of the seats being reserved for students – who were still out due to the school holidays and looked for a catering crew. And there was still the issue of no kaumatua able to speak for us as the hosts, with most being called away to the Central North Island (CNI) settlement negotiations with the Crown and others being asked to attend hui outside of Rotorua. Yes, you could feel my heart thumping all the way out in Ngongotaha by that stage.
OMG... 3 days until launch.
Our caterers had fallen through. The venue was site-prepared but with only Nikolasa and me on deck, we had to scramble to get ready. David Griswold, Commications Associate at Google would be accompanied by Ashley Gorringe (pictured with Potaua), another Kiwi from Hamilton and the Google Marketing Ninja for Australia/New Zealand over in the Sydney offices. This was to be the first time ever that Google would send representatives to a Google in Your Language launch.
Te Taura Whiri kindly donated the necessary funds to make the day a success but we still had no time and few people on the ground. Whanau unable to attend wanted to join the launch by viewing through streaming video but our venue required IT clearance that couldn't be navigated and the room was filling up quickly. Schools had now re-opened from their holidays and our guest list included 70 tauira. Our numbers now pushed past 180. The media interest was growing and growing and our energy was going and going. Still no kaumatua nor kuia, OMG, OMG!
2 days until launch...
Two more schools ask if they can be a part of the launch, as do 30 more people. Our seating arrangements were packing up and we knew that many would just turn up on the day. I again called every person I knew in Rotorua, leaving messages and personally inviting them. A few phone calls of support finally came through from whanau wanting to assist, "my father can come; my father-in-law would like to help; my uncle is on his way; your auntie is coming to see you, your Nannies will be there". David from Google was flying in the next day and would be joined by Ashley on the day, so all good there. Our VIPs were on track and reserved seating was set aside. The children were now better, the whanau were getting ready to chip in where they could and the clock started ticking down...
24 hours to go...
Catering sussed. Whanau set to arrive. Stage arranged. Our beloved Tino Rangatiratanga flag kindly borrowed from the office of Maori Party MP for Waiariki Te Ururoa Flavell raised and in the whare (Koina - that's us!!). Tino sussed (because in the end it's all about doing it for ourselves!). Counting down to launch time.
12 hours to go...
David Griswold from Google let us know that Google were excited about the project and that all will be ready by 11am tomorrow.
We talked with David and learned more about Google as a company, its vision and values. We also talked about Google's phone application (Android), Google Earth, Google Maps and more randomly music camps for rangatahi. He was a really interesting cat. That night we returned to the venue to ensure all was sorted and found my dad quietly getting things ready, tumeke... This night we knew we had one of the longest nights ahead as we prepared programmes, organised a speaking schedule and wrote a speech.
1 hour to go...
Nikolasa and I had 4 hours sleep between us but the paper side was complete, people were coming through the door and we were now playing host. It was funny - we had connected with so many people via email and had never met face to face so weren't surprised when guests saw us as a ushers and the people handing out the programmes. Plus we looked too young to be doing mahi such as this.
Into the auditorium went waves and waves of people. The catering crew were ready for lunch, our kaumatua Te Rangipuawhe Maika had agreed to open and close the proceedings.
We called upon Iriapa Hohepa and Te Reo Irirangi Houltham to sit beside our Google whanau to provide translations and insights into the formalities (pictured here), te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori were kei roto i te whare, the dance crew Fearless (pictured below) were ready to get on stage and get down and artist-extraordinaire Piripi Christie was ready to rock the people.
Toru....Rua....Tahi.....Show time!
We opened with a karakia from koro Te Rangipuawhe, before Iriapa went on stage to welcome all and to introduce me. I took the stage, nervous as and proceeded to thank all and every for joining with us, to introduce members of the project (thank you again Huhana, Ashley and Te Taka) and to inform whanau about what Google Maori was. Up until that point I had had difficulty in understanding the project but at that moment, it all made sense.
Countdown to launch...Toru...Rua...Tahi!
And there it was. Google Maori.
If you still haven't seen what I'm talking about, go to www.google.co.nz and you will see Google.co.nz offered in Maori. Click there. For Maori speakers and learners of the Maori language, you can now search in Maori. Simple.
Koro Te Rangipuawhe issued a supportive karakia to launch Google Maori and we were now live. We gave away tshirts during the breaks between speakers, made the launch lively and good for the wairua - it was Maori all the way. David and Ashley were blown away by the hospitality, whanau were overwhelmed by the kai and Nikolasa and I felt humbled by being amongst such awesome talent. I was a sook and cried but hey, that's just me.
There were interviews with TV1 news, Maori TV's Te Kaea, Te Karere, Raukawa TV; radio interviews with Radio Live, Radio Toa Atiawa FM, Te Pumanawa FM, National Radio. Nikolasa was on Te Karere, my dad on Raukawa TV. Our sister Judith (who held Hiona during the launch - thanks sis) was really proud of her bro and sis and the Google Maori team celebrated over some delicious soup. The whanau went home on a high, heads and hearts full, some with tshirts, all with pens and stickers. We farewelled our guests from Australia, from Wellington, from Auckland, from Gisborne, from Otautahi and started to pack down. The day seemed surreal and was extra-special as we shared our success as Maori with whanau from throughout the motu.
That was a couple months ago now. The excitement (and the pain!!) has eased back into their normal rhythms and we've had a bit more time to reflect on things. Yes, the Google Maori Project is also known as Google Aotearoa but if you click on language options via Google's homepage and then click on Maori (it's Google Maori there). Yes, there is still on-going translation of the Google frontpage and many of the other pages still need translating and we are keen to be involved in that group. No, we did not make millions nor did we receive any Google shares and yes, we have been offered many, many projects to be involved in and are always looking for more.
Some of the feedback has ranged from "great for learners of the Maori language" and "a true testament to Maori innovation"; we also heard that "this work is unfair as it relies on volunteers and since Google is wealthy, why didn't they pay" to "free translation work undermines paid translators" - all very valid and to be discussed in later issues. Nikolasa and I personally feel that our involvement was an honour and to bring this stage of completion is a testament to the collective reach of this ePanui (yay RANGIKAINGA) and our contacts made through TangataWhenua.com. We take on board the challenges and share the praise with the entire team. For me, I was more than pleased to be involved as it taught me a lot about myself, the support we look toward and the people we know - geniuses, every one.
So now that Google Maori is complete, what next?
We have been approached by an international software company to design Maori-language tools for the classroom and for marae, have been asked to work on recording whanau and marae stories and safely housing them for future generations and been asked to be part of a Maori & IT for TV. We will look to support our Pacific whanau to get their own languages up there as a Google language tool and are preparing to open a TangataWhenua.com office in Rotorua sometime in December (just looking for the putea to pay for 1 admin person and office costs). As a shameless plug, we are available to speak in November about Maori and IT and if you need any help on things related to Indigenous IT or Maori communications, we're your people.
Many thanks again to the Google Maori Project Team, to nga whanau at Google, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori for their generous support, Te Wananga o Aotearoa for the great venue and to our own whanau. I want to thank our tamariki, Atutahi and Hiona, for being darn good kids and all my heart to Nikolasa, without whom none of this awesome adventure would have been possible.
Love Life and Mean Google Maori Mean.
Potaua
We would like to welcome ACC and their Safety Begins at Home campaign to TangataWhenua.com and to Rangikainga. Interesting factoid - did you know that more accidents happen at home than they do at work? Please click on their banner below, take the quiz and be in to win one of five $2,000 Mitre 10 vouchers and a selection of home safety products.
The Maori Health Directorate (Nga Korero) Newsletter highlights issues relevant to Maori health, profiles Maori health and disability service providers, examining their role in relation to whanau, hapu, iwi, Maori health organisation and DHBs. This publication also applauds and celebrates achievements in Maori health. The most recent issue was made available 1 September 2008 and is available by clicking here.
Rotorua's Daily Post recently ran an article detailing the various arguments surrounding the proposed fluoridation of the city's water supply, something that is already being done in Aotearoa. In Rotorua there have been several attempts to flouoridate the water but the District Council has refused to change their policy each time. Over the next year or so there will be public blind taste tests and a campaign to educate people as to the benefits of water
fluoridate. In reading a sample of public opinion it seemed that many were uncomfortable with the notion of adding anything to water so no doubt providing people with accurate information is crucial.
The use of water fluoridation first began in New Zealand in Hastings in 1954. The decision to introduce fluoridation water has been made by local authorities who have the power to supply water for their district (section 379, Local Government Act 1974). There has been little change in the proportion of the population served by water fluoridation. At present there are over 84 fluoridated water supplies in the country.
In our whanau, we are all too aware of the state of our tamariki's teeth. Over the years we've seen the removal of over 30 teeth (between 5 children) all before the age of 5 with over 40 fillings. This of course also includes countless
abscesses
and painful rotting teeth, something as adults we all know we hate, so just imagine how it must before our pepe. No doubt the rot is a result of too much sugar and not enough brushing... so we DO wonder how valuable the inclusion of
fluoride
in our water will be.
Nikolasa grew up in a country where water fluoridation is standard and from my understanding hasn't had any negative effects (no strange growths anyway (LOL) well not yet at least), the research out there is overwhelmingly favourable, with increasing patches of commentators disputing scientific findings (see below for a video link to this). The World Health Organisation considers fluoridation to be a easy cost-effective way of strengthening teeth and reducing rot. So what is fluoride and how does it work if it is put in our water?
Fluoride is a natural element found in air, soil, fresh water, seawater, plants and lots of foods.
The most widely known and used topical fluorides are incorporated into toothpastes.
Fluoride works in three ways to help protect our teeth from decay:
Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay by strengthening the tooth surface.
Fluoride interferes with the growth of the bacteria which cause cavities.
Fluoride helps to repair the early stages of tooth decay.
So what is fluoride?
Fluoride is an 'ion' (an electrically charged atom) of fluorine, the 17th most common element in the earth's crust.
In living tissues, fluoride has always been present in animals (mainly in dental enamel and bone) and in plants.
The concentration of fluoride found in soils varies from place to place. In seawater it is found in various concentrations. It is also present in almost all fresh ground water at varying concentrations.
Water fluoridation is a proven public health measure to reduce dental caries.
The current level of fluoride found in the water supplies in New Zealand is not effective enough to be of benefit. Therefore, increasing the fluoride found in the water supply to a safe level ensures oral health benefits to population of reticulated water supplies.
Research concludes that water fluoridation is safe and effective. There is no proven evidence that fluoride, at recommended levels in water supplies, causes any negative health
effects
.
In excessive quantities, fluoride can cause white flecking on teeth.
Millions of people all over the world safely drink fluoridated water every day.
Many parts of the world have received naturally fluoridated water for thousands of years. Large human populations have now been using community water fluoridation for more than 50 years and there is no persuasive evidence linking optimal fluoridation with any adverse health effects. With hundreds of millions of people continuing to receive the benefits of fluoride in drinking-water, the absence of documented adverse health effects is particularly convincing.
No doubt water fluoridation alone will not save our teeth but considering the reality of most whanau, it may be darn good start... Or not, there are increasing calls to end water fluoridation, click here to check out news coverage about the issue?
What are your thoughts? Email us.
TangataWhenua.com is proud to announce the Rotorua Webhealth Wellbeing Expo, to be held at the Rotorua Convention Centre Saturday 27 September 2008, 9.00am - 3.00pm. This free event, in conjunction with Rotorua Trust and Te Puni Kokiri, is where you will find 100 health and social services in one place at one time who can give you the information you need.
Vincent Ward's deeply personal and incredibly moving film, Rain of the Children, unravels and re-imagines the story of Nanny Puhi, the Tuhoe kuia he documented in 1978 for his early film In Spring One Plants Alone.
Then she was 80 and caring for her adult son and Ward was 21, a young art student capturing her traditional way of life... Nanny Puhi believed herself to be cursed, and this unknowable curse is what preoccupies Ward now.
Whaea Puhi, he discovers, was an extraordinary woman. Chosen by Tuhoe prophet Rua Kenana to marry his son, she survived the 1916 police raid on Rua's Maungapohatu community and went on to have 14 children.
Cutting between early footage, his own to-camera narration, contemporary interviews with Tuhoe, and
magnificently
recreated historical sequences (featuring Rena Owen as the older Puhi among a superb cast of Maori actors); Ward reveals both the heartrending background of Puhi's belief in the curse, and her lasting power over him.
We've got FIVE Rain of the Children Movie Posters to give away all you have to do is email us one question you'd like to ask Vincent Ward about the movie, the best questions will receive the posters and we might even be lucky enough to get them answered (no promises though)! The contest closes September 18 - email us your question to go into the draw (one per person please).
Here is what a few commentators had to say about the film:
"It showed the world and us . It woke me up" Bingo Keepa (Tuhoe) - Te Tira Hou Marae representative
"Visually marvellous, and very tactile! One of the great NZ films." Judith Binney - Professor of History, Auckland University
"An extraordinary and beautifully crafted film "
Bob Harvey - Mayor, Waitakere City
"I will treasure this film forever" Robin Scholes,Producer, Once Were Warriors
The film was Gran Prix
winner, voted by audiences who viewed over 250 feature films at Poland's largest film festival. Below is the trailer (powerful e hoa ma):
TangataWhenua.com had the
privilege
of communicating with Vincent Ward who told us that unlike most major motion pictures the first screenings will be held in larger Maori rural areas (especially those accessible to Tuhoe) before the screenings take place in larger cities (tumeke for acknowledging Ngai Tuhoe and Tangata Whenua Maori in this way).
The premiere will to be held in Rotorua and Gisbourne on 10th September and in Wairoa on the 11th (and also possibly Tokoroa) It will also open in Whakatane, Whanganui and Kerikeri on the 11th.
Rain of the Children will then open in larger centres a week later on the 18th. Click here for full release dates (scroll down to the bottom of the page to view).
About the Director - VINCENT WARD was awarded an Order of New Zealand Merit in 2007 for his contribution to film making. Ward has earned international acclaim with a reputation for making films with a unique vision, on material that is always human.
Since his debut feature Vigil (1984), Ward's films have consistently earned critical acclaim and festival attention whilst achieving a wide distribution. Vigil, The Navigator (1988) and Map of the Human Heart (1993) were the first films by a New Zealander to be officially selected for the Cannes Film Festival. Between them they garnered close to 30 national and international awards (including the Grand Prix at festivals in Italy, Spain, Germany, France and the United States).
The Navigator - a Medieval Odyssey won the major awards at both the Australian and New Zealand film industry awards. What Dreams May Come (one of Nikolasa's all time
favourite
films), starring Robin Williams, was nominated for two Academy Awards (best production design and best visual effects) and won the Oscar for best visual effects in 1999.
Whilst in the US, Ward wrote the story for Alien 3 and developed material that was the basis of Last Samurai, selecting its director, and acting as executive producer on that project before writing and directing River Queen.
Ward began writing and directing films at 18. In 1978-1981 he conceived, directed, and produced the documentary In Spring One Plants Alone, which won the Grand Prix at Cinema Du Reel (Paris) and a Silver Hugo at the Chicago Film Festival. In Spring One Plants Alone provides the starting-point for RAIN OF THE CHILDREN.
After the great success of the premier screening in Wellington, Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa is taking, Whiri Toi: Creation of our minds and hands in art, to the nation. Check out the dates below with more to be confirmed.
Whiri Toi, a new documentary by film-maker Lala Rolls and Island Productions, is presented by Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa: Maori Weavers of New Zealand. Get an insider's view of the 2007 Maori weaver's national gathering held at Maraenui Marae in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. The hui has taken place every second year since 1983 and continues to celebrate weaving and its place within contemporary Maori arts.
Screenings have been held in Te Kaha, Auckland, Christchurch, Palmerston North and Tauranga. The following screenings are still to come:
Kawerau/Whakatane Where: Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi, Whakatane
Date: 5 September, 10am - 12noon
Taranaki
Where: Hawera Community Hall
Date: 1 November
Other venues, dates and times to be confirmed. Please check again for updates! For more information please email Kate Ricketts, Operations Assistant: kate@maoriart.org.nz.Tuhoe - History of Resistance http://www.maoritube.com/item/S9M3P4132MMK6FXP What promises to be a spectacular celebration of culture, oral, performing and visual arts will take place in Hastings NZ from 12-16 November 2008 under the umbrella of Takitumu Festival 2008. This inaugural premiere event is being hosted by the Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc.
The inaugural event, hosted by Ngati Kahungunu Iwi, and will bring together for the first time, the traditional and modern Maori Arts and Culture of Takitumu. There will be over 1,500 artisans, craftspeople, musicians, performers, singers and actors from eight iwi and three Pacific nations of Takitimu descent over five days. The festival village will encompass 5 stages, an art trail, food and craft fair, kiddies playground and interactive forums.
"This Festival will be like no other as this will be the first time ever that we, the people of Takitumu Cook Islands have been invited to attend and participate in this historic celebration," said Pa Ariki Paramount Chief of Takitumu. Other Pacific nations who have also been recognized as the foundations to the journey that the Takitumu Waka took traversing the Pacific from Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Rarotonga and Tahiti finally reaching Aotearoa, have also been invited to attend and celebrate this occasion.
Tickets will go on sale nationally 25 June 2008 - $30 for a 5 day pass with an early-bird special beginning 19 September 2008 for $20 (a
bargain!) For more info visit their website.
We have a couple of whanau reunions that we'd like to panui out to you e hoa ma: Hei te mutunga o tenei tau ka tu te hui a whanau kei te Marae o Kereru i te rohe o te Horowhenua.
He hui whakawhanaunga tenei mo nga uri katoa a Hokowhitu Makarika. Ka timata te hui a te ra toru tekau o Hakihea a tae atu ki te ra tuarua o te tau hou.
E kohikohi ana nga rehita inaianei. Tena whakapa mai i mua i te mutunga o Pipiri.
Mo etehi atu o nga korero whakapa atu ki a Maaka McGregor. I runga I te waea pukoro 027 247 2948, me te imera ranei minaaka@xtra.co.nz
A whanau reunion for the descendants of Hokowhitu McGregor is being held at Kereru Marae, Koputaroa in Levin.
The reunion will run from 30th of December 2008 until 2nd of January 2009.
Registrations are being taken now & whanau should register before the end of June.
For more info please contact Maaka McGregor.
Phone 027 247 2948, or email minaaka@xtra.co.nz
The descendants of Robert Kershaw and Moururu Pango Tarawhiti are looking for other whanau members for the upcoming Reunion in 2009 to be held at Waimarama Marae. Phone 021 796 727 for more information.
The national Maori in Tourism conference will be held in Rotorua on the 8th-10th September. The conference involving will focus on themes around upskilling Maori and connecting Maori with the tourism industry. For further programme details and registration forms click here.
Is a joint initiative between the Maori Trustee, Poutama Trust, and FoMA. The aim of Tekau Plus is to assist Maori in the creation of 10 high value businesses and/or brands, each strategically positioned in niche markets and earning in excess of ten million in foreign revenue within ten years and together building a Maori Export Club worth over $100 million.
This year's conference will again be held in Rotorua at the Distinction Hotel formerly the Grand Tiara. Further details and registration forms will be available shortly on the FoMA website www.foma.co.nz.
Kei te kimi matou i tetahi tangata tino u kia eke nga akonga katoa ki te tino taumata. Me tino kaha hoki ki te toro atu ki nga momo tatai-a-rohe. Kei Kirikiriroa tenei turanga
A person with a passion for student achievement and excellent relationship management skills is needed for a new regional role in the Central North Region, based in Hamilton.
Correspondence School students come from a diverse range of backgrounds from all areas of New Zealand. We have a new regionally-focused approach to learning delivery and want to establish stronger connections with families, whanau and their communities, and work in partnership with other agencies, to provide a focus on engagement and achievement for all our students. The Kaiarahi role will be instrumental in achieving this. This new role has two key responsibilities:
Providing inspirational management and leadership to our regional staff
Initiating and maintaining effective networks with stakeholders: students, iwi, government agencies, community organisations, to deliver and support educational services to our students.
Applicants need to be passionate about making a difference for all students and have:
Experience in a similar role, perhaps in teaching, wider education sector, social services, guidance, careers or leading a community group
Proven strong relationship management skills
The ability to establish and maintain community networks
The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people and audiences.
Applications close Friday 5 September 2008, and are to be sent to hemara@kpsolutions.co.nz. For more information please call Hemara Hollings on 0800 577 658.
This has been one of the wettest and coldest winters on record and we've all been hugging the fire, sitting right on top of our heaters and hot water bottles. I personally feel like the guy on the Pink Bats ad, not wanting to venture out into the cold on some mornings. Well, a new site has been launched to help small to medium businesses save on energy costs - click here to learn more.
Just a reminder whanau - the Companies Office will now only accept annual returns that are filed via the Companies Office website. To file your next annual return you will be required to use the Companies Office online services.
Kaimoana.net is an incredible new web-service for Maori everywhere!! Maori Iwi can benefit by joining Kaimoana.net to access free services relalvant to Maori Customary fishers, fisheries and to learn more about the role of Kaitiaki.
Kaimoana.net is a an internet based free database service for Kaitiaki, Iwi and Hapu organisations to record and analyse their customary take of Kaimoana. It is funded by a South Island Ahuwhenua Trust. Best of all Kaimoana.net is 100% Maori owned.
The purpose of the Kaimoana.net website is to consolidate all the results of customary food gathering seafood catches throughout New Zealand, and provide centralised consolidated reporting to various stakeholders. Information collected from customary fishing authorisations is important in helping manage our fisheries. This helps in fisheries management, sustaining the fishery and minimising the effects of fishing on the environment.
The information provided through the customary fishing regulations will help Kaitiaki to develop management plans to ensure fish can be caught now and in the future. Kaimoana.net divides the North Island into 73 tribes and tribal groupings, and the South Island, Stewart Island and the Chathams Islands into 11 tribes. The database includes 3718 fishing spots in New Zealand and is designed for Regulation 27, North Island and South Island Kaimoana permits. Get clicking whanau and then, get fishing (as always, all donations of kahawai, koura and
flounder
graciously accepted, kia ora!!)
Here are some valuable Small Business Resources:
Fundamental Principles of Progress - "I often ask my clients why they think they are in the predicament they are, and I'm not surprised by the answer. Because there are some fundamental principles that apply everywhere.
It's always explained to me that the number one problem is there is no vision for the future.
And "where there is no vision for the future, there is no future". Without a vision, nothing happens - with a vision, miracles occur.
This principle can be applied everywhere in life and even applies to personal relationships.
Things fall apart because the people in them don't have a vision of the future they want to create with each other. That's not to say that a new vision won't inspire miracles. But that's another story.
Lack of leadership "be a leader and lead the vision." A Leader needs to stand inside the vision and lead. And if there's no vision, how do we do that?
"You create a vision, stand in the future that the vision defines, look backwards from there, and see what's missing. And then, look - not at what's wrong, not what's bad, not even what's good, but at what's missing."
Asking what's missing removes all the judgements, blame, fault and problems and allows an objective analysis of what needs to happen to go from where you are, to fulfilment of your vision. And then you get to work putting the pieces together one by one. It's an awesome process and produces amazing results.
Introducing Tui Katene & Associates - Business Motivation programme. This programme is designed to empower Maori in business with the focus, training and accountability needed to achieve consistent results in the most important areas of your life. Just like a sports coach helps you improve your game, this programme will support and challenge you in achieving the results you desire and deserve.
"Knowledge is Power". So the first step will be for you define with clarity the results you are committed to achieving. Next, you will assess where you are right now and where you want to be, and what's in between.
We will help you identify the things that keep you from achieving the results you desire and deserve, and then work with you to create a game plan. Your plan is your "Road to Success." It is not based on hope. It is not based on theory. It is modelled after those who have already achieved real results.
You will work with a highly skilled coach selected to closely match your individual needs. You will take massive, intelligent action to achieve your goals. Your coach will empower you by holding you accountable to the commitments you make. Your coach will help measure, monitor and manage your progress, and along the way support you to take consistent action that leads to the results you demand.
You are about to enter a partnership that will change your life. We take that responsibility seriously, and we deliver. You must step up to the challenge. Commit with a passion and a focus that your life deserves. This system of coaching has helped a wide variety of people produce phenomenal results. We don't pretend that our partnership will be effortless, but if you're committed and driven to make it work, we promise it will be extraordinarily rewarding.
For more information on this programme or inquiries, please contact Tui Katene - Principal Partner Tui Katene & Associates.
Mobile: 021 032 9210.
Email: tkassociates@kol.co.nz.
In the Budget 2008, the Government indicated it would be seeding the idea for a new Maori Bank Aotearoa New Zealand using unclaimed monies (up to $35m) from the Maori Trustees Office. This idea has always been controversial and was destined to run into considerable
resistance. We here at Rangikainga understand the rationale for such an institute and can foresee the need for capital able to support Maori initiatives but spending money that is not yours will always run into issues, in addition to strategically invest in
innovative
ideas a very large putea is needed and from our understanding will not be available.
Do you have any comments to make about a Maori Bank? Do you agree that unclaimed monies should be used to start such an initiative? Would you ask for a "withdrawal" from the Maori Bank once they opened for business? Please send your email here.
Te Runanaga o Ngati Porou Annual General Meeting Te Hui a Tau o te Runanga mo nga uri o nga hapu o Ngati Porou mai i Potikirua ki Te Toka a Taiau. TRONP will ve holding their AGM 30 November 2008 for more information visit the NgatiPorou.com website.
All historic claims to the Waitangi Tribunal are now closed. The Government decided enough was enough and locked the doors on any further historical claims to the Tribunal at midnight, 1st September. To a generation suckered in by talk of a Treaty Gravy train, the end is now in view. But to Maori who have had to endure over 160 years of deliberate alienation, nothing but frustration can ensue. This decision was short-sighted and reveals the hurry to cover up history, rather than to remedy and offer redress. We will follow the 200 claims filed in the last few weeks before closing and will add comments to this controversial decision. Update: We have just heard that the Whanganui hearings are about to resume, that the East Coast hearings are gearing up and that Ngai Tahu have put in a claim against the
Emissions
Trading Scheme - more details on these soon.
Whanau ma - we need your advice. Is it a good idea to advocate for Maori wards in all local governments? Engagement between local councils and tangata whenua have been abysmal and guaranteed
representation
is one way to increase participation - what do you think?
If you've been paying attention, you will know that there is an election coming up soon (no the date hasn't been set yet). Next issue, we will be bringing you profiles of all Maori candidates but for now, we would like to introduce Angeline Greensill, Maori Party candidate for Hauraki-Waikato:
No Tainui, no Ngati Porou, no Ngati Paniora hoki ahau. Ko Angeline Ngahina Greensill taku ingoa.
Kia ora koutou. My name is Angeline Ngahina Greensill. I am 58 years old, am married to Alan Greensill, have 7 children, 10 grandchildren, have roots in Whaingaroa, Raglan and currently live in Hamilton.
I have always been involved in politics - politics of the people, politics of the land. My mother, Eva Rickard, played a pivotal role in challenging the Government to return land back to our hapu over 30 years ago. Her victory changed the political landscape of Aotearoa-New Zealand and it is in her memory that I stand as candidate today.
My candidacy is built on creating a solid today and a better future for everyone in our electorate - this is called WHANAU ORA. Over recent months, I have visited many homes throughout Hauraki-Waikato and have been struck by three things - how proud many whanau are; how a lot of whanau urgently need support and the large amounts of uncertainty regarding the future. My commitment is to learn more about these very personal and intimate issues over the coming weeks.
As a trained teacher, I currently lecture in Geography Studies at the University of Waikato. I have a Bachelors in Law, Social Sciences and am studying toward a Masters in Social Sciences. My personal and academic experience has opened doors for me and I am an Executive member of Te Waka Kai Ora (National Maori Organic Food Producers Association), as well as remaining an active advocate for our Tainui hapu ki Whaingaroa.
There are a number of important issues throughout Hauraki-Waikato - some are related to the Treaty of Waitangi, others to the homes in which we live. My personal commitment is to visit every town and community, to meet group leaders and talk to individual whanau. As part of the Maori Party team in Parliament, we can see many positive changes looming on the horizon and for this, we need your support. So please, get involved and I'll keep you informed along the way. He aha te me nui? Ko koutou! That's right - YOU ARE!!
If you would like to support Angeline, please contact her on hauraki.waikato@gmail.com or check out her Bebo page. Keep an eye out for Angeline's webpage which we'll update you on, once it is live.
Good luck to all candidates, their whanau and all support staff and we look forward to providing more candidate profiles next issue.
Note: We don't think we need to register as a 3rd Party to allow us to post these profiles, from our understanding as long as we don't spend over $1,000 per candidate then we'll be fine, but how does that work when listing these profiles is done free of charge???
The Electoral Finance Act is such a restrictive, hazard-prone, control at all costs type legislation but rules are rules, and we have no money to pay fines so better comply ey...
Tatai Hono - Ko Koe Ko Au Ko Au Ko Koe is about the journeys we take to find our turangawaewae; to understand where we came from, who we are, and where we belong. For each of us, knowing our heritage is central to identity. For those that have lost that connection - discovering or rediscovering can provide a pathway to follow, restoration of dignity, security and humanity. The key element of this series is Maori rediscovering their Whakapapa and their marae. Toitu te whenua ngaro ai te tangata.
This series will follow your journey as you rediscover your Maori heritage. With the help and support of a kaumatua led research team, we will share the journey back to your marae and your iwi, hapu and whanau. You will share your stories of how you have longed to find the "missing parts" of your life and inspire other Maori. Those chosen to be part of the programme should be strongly motivated in their quest for their whakapapa. Our team of researchers will work with you to initiate the research and throughout the journey you will be guided by our production team with care and respect.
Te Tipu Putaiao fellowships are designed to unlock the innovation potential of Maori knowledge, people and resources for the benefit of New Zealand, with the Foundation offering them to Masters, PhD and Postdoctoral students and to Bridge to Employment recipients.
"The focus of the Te Tipu Putaiao fellowship scheme is to foster the development of New Zealand 's emerging scientists and build a stronger research community. Maori have a positive contribution to make to the research, science and technology sector," says the Foundation's strategy manager for Maori research and innovation, Pereri Hathaway. "This scheme is one way of supporting young researchers and encouraging Maori students into science careers," he says.
The recipients and their projects are:
Amelia Geary, Masters student, Victoria University of Wellington to study titi (muttonbird or sooty shearwaters) of the Marlborough Sounds (Motungarara Island) with the goal of developing new and distinctive approaches to environmental and resource protection that integrate both Western scientific and Maori traditional knowledge for long term sustainable management of muttonbird populations and the fragile island ecosystem. Amelia receives $33,000 for a two year project.
Darnell Kennedy, Masters student, University of Otago (Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Maru) to develop and evaluate a method that compares DNA profiles of the streptococcus bacteria found on teeth and in bite marks on human skin. This can be used to build an effective forensic tool to trace perpetrators of violent crimes while simultaneously profiling the streptococcal found in mouths of Maori and non-Maori. Darnel Kennedy receives $31,800 for two years.
Anne-Marie Jackson, PhD student, University of Otago (Ngapuhi, Ngati Whatua) seeks to identify constraints and enablers for establishing taiapure (coastal patch where the government acknowledges that Maori, as tangata whenua, are entitled to have rangatiratanga over their fisheries), and whether the taiapure process promotes Maori health and wellbeing. Anne-Marie receives $107,500 for her three year research.
Stephanie Rotarangi, PhD student, University of Otago, will help develop understandings of the motivations that lead Maori to make decisions regarding forest management and to understand the impact on national sustainability of current forest use changes with forest management policies important to Maori. Stephanie receives $107,500 for three years.
Dr Hayley Lawrence, Postdoctoral researcher, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research New Zealand, to research the endangered oi (grey-faced petrel seabird), investigating populations on the Ruamaahua (Alderman) Islands off Coromandel, conservation strategies and assisting Maori to strengthen their kaitiaki role for controlling and managing ecologically sustainable harvest policies. Hayley receives $264,000 for three years.
Dr Hayley Lawrence also won a commendation in the 2006 MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards presented by the Foundation to recognise research excellence while also promoting the importance of good science communication.
The fellowship scheme is open to all New Zealanders, providing funding support for students wanting to undertake Masters, PhD and postdoctoral research, as well as supporting employment opportunities for new and emerging scientists through the Bridge to Employment scheme. The recipients receive an annual stipend, tuition fees, research related costs and other expenses.
Dr Paul Moon has been "eaten alive" thanks to the release of his book
This Horrid Practice. We will read the book and review it here next issue, as well as include commentary from others, and hopefully Dr Moon himself. More soon whanau. RotoView is a community focused chat show, covering local Rotorua current events, stories, people, and activities, profiling what's on, who's coming to town and gets you up close and personal with local leaders, personalities and legends.
You can see Rotoview by tuning into TV Rotorua on Thursday 7.30, with replays at Friday: 5.30pm, Saturday: 8.00am, Sunday: 11.00am & 10.00pm and Monday: 3.00pm. Click on www.tvrotorua.co.nz
If you live online (like us) and want to see something cool, check this map out. It's a map of all the big websites today, overlaid on the subway map of Tokyo. Perhaps something like this for Aotearoa using the bus route of Auckland, Wellington or Otautahi might be a go-er. Anyway, check it out.
It is our pleasure to announce the release the first ever Aboriginal and Maori Hip Hop Compilation - SOLID TERRITORY ALBUM. the album was launched on Friday 8th of August, in Tamaki Makaurau.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists Astronomical, Dizzy Doolan and Maupower will hit the stage with local natives, Horomona Horo, Revolution MC's, Miss bMe, Upper Hutt Posse, Dam Native and DJ's Exile, the Morning Steppa and Mr Rivers.
The album comes out of Solid Territory 2007 which was a series of solidarity hip hop gigs in Australia with a focus on unity and support of indigenous reactions to the Northern Territory intervention. For many the intervention was seen as an attack on indigenous communities in the Northern Territory and an affront to Indigenous Peoples worldwide. In order for the Intervention to take place the government had to suspend the Racial Discrimination Act and the Northern Territory Land Rights Legislation.
"When the military come armed into our communities in places like the Northern Territory or like they did in Ruatoki last year it is important that Indigenous Peoples support each other" continues Edmunds. The weekend of the launch marks the United Nations World Indigenous Peoples Day on the 9th of August.
View the Solid Territory image gallery, video and artist links here.
National Manu Korero Speech Competition 2008 will be held this year from 21-27 September 2008 in Rotorua. These comps will see New Zealand's top secondary school students compete for top honours in four speech competition categories junior Maori (Rawhiti Ihaka), senior Maori (Pei Te Hurinui), junior English (Ta Turi Kara), senior English (Te Korimako). The competition recognises excellence in Maori and English language skills. For more info contact: Makoha Gardiner, makoha@xtra.co.nz 027 635 6772.
"ENROL MAORI, VOTE MAORI" That's the message from the organisers of the MAORI SIDE TOUR. Soon to start in September, the tour aims to encourage our youth to take an active role in the political future of Aotearoa, New Zealand and has been devised as a way of engaging Rangatahi Maori in the furore, through showcasing some of Maoridoms musical talent.
The "Maori side Tour" is the brainchild of TV presenter and musician, Kimo Winiata (Tainui, Te Arawa, Mataatua). Kimo says "Rangatahi Maori are naturally into music and what better vehicle for encouraging Youth participation in politics than sounds with a Maori flavour".
It's no secret that Maori participation rates are low when it comes voting, and approx one out of every 3 young Maori between the ages of 18-25 are still not registered to vote. The Young Maori Party are looking to team up with the electoral commission to help target Maori Youth throughout the tour - to get 18-25 years olds in particular onto the roll.
Kimo says "It's one thing to be enrolled - it's another to get our people out to vote. If every Maori person enrolled 5 people in their whanau, we could finally see the balance of power shift in parliament towards Maori interests".
The "Maori side Tour" will travel through 6 of the 7 Maori Electorates and starts in Hamilton at the ALTITUDE BAR on Friday the 12th of September. This first gig features frontliners HOUSE OF SHEM and CORNERSTONE ROOTS, as well as NATIVE SONS and ANATONIO.
The tour then moves through to ROTORUA at the Lake House Hotel on the 13th. The tour ventures to the big smoke of AUCKLAND at the Carlton Bar Newmarket on Friday the 19th, where it is joined by the sultry sounds of MISS BLACK and the hip-hop master DJ POROUFESSOR.
Then continuing up to WHANGAREI on the 20th, the Onerahi Tavern will be rocked by the previous artists, as well as the SONS OF ZION. On the 26th at Latitude Live, NAPIER will go off to HOPE ROAD, NGA MOREHU AND DAVE GRACE, and MATIU TE HUKI will join the tour at the Loaded Hog in LEVIN on the 27th of September.
Although it is a massive undertaking, Kimo believes it will be worth it, "Maori Rangatahi deserve to have a voice in Politics. Why let other political parties shape our realities. The main kaupapa (issue) on this tour is to raise political awareness amongst 18-25 years about enrolling, voting and realising we have a say in our future. Rangatahi Maori know where its at - there's only one independent Maori voice in parliament - and it belongs to us".
For more information on ticket prices and the artist line-up for each region visit www.maorisidetour.bebo.com. For an interview, contact Kimo Winiata on 021 021 051 4465
So get involved rangatahi ma and shout outs to Whenua and the Whanau for hooking us up!!
The Taranaki Maori Sports Awards 2008 will be held on Friday 7th of November at the Quality Hotel Plymouth International, in New Plymouth. These awards are about celebrating excellence and acknowledging achievements and contribution to sport. Nominations are now open and must be received by FRIDAY 29 AUGUST 2008.
Late entries will not be accepted. For more info contact maorisports@tihi.co.nz, 06 759 6947 or visit this website.
And for my $4-blood and guts sports wrap up - who watched the Olympics and thought WOW?!! The entire competition was amazing and my personal favourites were when New Zealand got into the medals (especially Valerie Vili, the rowing and cycling), when Jamaican Ussain 'Lightning' Bolt ran faster than the wind to take the 100m sprint, watching the Chinese divers jump and barely create a ripple to win and the US basketball team were magic. Makes me want to get out there and to start training. London 2012 here I come!! The All Blacks are in fine form, showing both the Aussies and the Boks how its done and notching up an amazing 101-14 win over Samoa in Taranaki.
The Warriors are still in the running to make top 8 this weekend. Southland face Auckland this weekend for the Shield.
Kiwi tennis ninja Marina Erakovic and her partner were beaten in straight sets in the quarter-finals of the women's doubles at the US Open tennis tournament in New York but awesome for getting up there. The V8 Supercar series is off to a cracking pace.
Maori golfer Michael Campbell is confidently heading high into the Swiss Alps after stringing together two top-10 finishes on the European Tour for the first time in nearly five years.
Our nephews Waata and Hekorowakia finished their rugby season playing for Waikite - too much nephews and Atutahi loves to play soccer. That's all from the sidelines and next issue, Maori Martial Arts!!!
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Rotorua's Daily Post recently 
So what is fluoride?
Fluoride is an 'ion' (an electrically charged atom) of fluorine, the 17th most common element in the earth's crust.
In living tissues, fluoride has always been present in animals (mainly in dental enamel and bone) and in plants.
The concentration of fluoride found in soils varies from place to place. In seawater it is found in various concentrations. It is also present in almost all fresh ground water at varying concentrations. 
Vincent Ward's deeply personal and incredibly moving film, Rain of the Children, unravels and re-imagines the story of Nanny Puhi, the Tuhoe kuia he documented in 1978 for his early film In Spring One Plants Alone. 
About the Director - VINCENT WARD was awarded an Order of New Zealand Merit in 2007 for his contribution to film making. Ward has earned international acclaim with a reputation for making films with a unique vision, on material that is always human. 
After the great success of the premier screening in Wellington, Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa is taking, Whiri Toi: Creation of our minds and hands in art, to the nation. Check out the dates below with more to be confirmed.
What promises to be a spectacular celebration of culture, oral, performing and visual arts will take place in Hastings NZ from 12-16 November 2008 under the umbrella of Takitumu Festival 2008. This inaugural premiere event is being hosted by the Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc.
Darnell Kennedy, Masters student, University of Otago (Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Maru) to develop and evaluate a method that compares DNA profiles of the streptococcus bacteria found on teeth and in bite marks on human skin. This can be used to build an effective forensic tool to trace perpetrators of violent crimes while simultaneously profiling the streptococcal found in mouths of Maori and non-Maori. Darnel Kennedy receives $31,800 for two years. 
Anne-Marie Jackson, PhD student, University of Otago (Ngapuhi, Ngati Whatua) seeks to identify constraints and enablers for establishing taiapure (coastal patch where the government acknowledges that Maori, as tangata whenua, are entitled to have rangatiratanga over their fisheries), and whether the taiapure process promotes Maori health and wellbeing. Anne-Marie receives $107,500 for her three year research. 
Stephanie Rotarangi, PhD student, University of Otago, will help develop understandings of the motivations that lead Maori to make decisions regarding forest management and to understand the impact on national sustainability of current forest use changes with forest management policies important to Maori. Stephanie receives $107,500 for three years. 
Dr Hayley Lawrence, Postdoctoral researcher, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research New Zealand, to research the endangered oi (grey-faced petrel seabird), investigating populations on the Ruamaahua (Alderman) Islands off Coromandel, conservation strategies and assisting Maori to strengthen their kaitiaki role for controlling and managing ecologically sustainable harvest policies. Hayley receives $264,000 for three years. 
021 250 3521 or 