Aroha Awarau of the Auckland City Harbour News recently reported on Joshua Te Whata a AUT student whose dream is to give deaf Maori a voice on the marae.

Once Joshua's degrees are completed he will become the second qualified trilingual interpreter, translating between Maori and English using sign language. Joshua's mother is deaf and sign language has always been part of his life. "I thought it would be awesome to support deaf Maori and to interpret their words on the marae" he says.

Joshua, 23, is currently studying for a two-year diploma of sign language interpretation at AUT. Another challenge that Joshua faces is the fact that he has got to learn Te Reo Maori too.

His father, from Ngati Porou, a fluent Maori speaker never spoke the language at home. Joshua says his father grew up in a time where speaking Maori was discouraged. "So he's busy juggling his interpretation studies with Te Reo classes. Although not being able to speak Maori has been a disadvantage, it's encouraged me even more to fulfil my goals," he says.

Te Kotahi a Tuhoe has released their latest edition of Te Maunga Express. Click here to download it.

A reminder that Strange Resting Places (produced by Taki Rua Productions) are now taking bookings. The season opened on July 3rd and will close on July 21. This play features Rob Mokaraka, Paolo Rotondo & Maaka Pohatu and is directed by Leo Gene Peters. The play sold out to audiences at the Auckland Festival in March 2007.

Strange Resting Places will now be performing in Wellington at BATS Theatre! In this play about culture, there is no shortage of Maori and Italian hospitality! Stories inspired by the Maori Battalion in Italy. Performed in Maori, English and Italian, with live music and numerous hilarious and moving characters. BOOK NOW AT BATS BOX OFFICE 04 802 4175 book@bats.co.nz $20pp or $13pp for groups of 8 or more. The New Zealand Herald suggested that this was “ … a spellbinding little gem of a show that will have you laughing a lot and crying just a little…"

The Bartlett Reunion will be held on 21-23 March 2008 at Mihiroa Marae, Pakipaki. The next planning hui is at Hastings on Saturday 14 July. Chairperson of the committee is Derek Bartlett, Vice-Chairperson is Nema Bartlett and the Secretary is Shar Kingi. Contact in Hastings 021 594 523 or shar.tony@xtra.co.nz. If you require any further clarification please make contact with Sonno and Robyn Bartlett in Turanga 06 8688 670 or stbartlett@paradise.net.nz.