The longest running case in NZ's legal history was settled today with the passing of the Awa Tupua legislation. The settlement named Ruruku Whakatupua is compensation for a litany of treaty breaches that systematically shut iwi out from management and use of the Whanganui River, looking at some of the key numbers of the Whanganui River claim.
Police and honey industry experts are teaming up in a bid to reduce the rise in beehive thefts. Since July last year, there's been over 400 reports of stolen bees, hives and honey in the North Island region, costing the industry millions. Police say the thefts are organised crime. A central database is being set up for clearer procedures and police are getting advice from those in the industry.
Meanwhile another iwi with strong links to the Whanganui River is just at the beginning of their treaty settlement process. Ngāti Rangi hail from Mt Ruapehu in the Central North Island region. The lead negotiators say they are committed to gaining an agreement that ensures the environment protections as well as a better well-being for their people.
Serious claims of prisoner abuse are being levelled at the Department of Corrections. It's alleged that inmates at Springhill Prison, near Te Kauwhata, are being locked down for 22 hours a day and the practice has been going on for months. However, Corrections is refuting the claims.
The 42nd ASB Polyfest kicked off today at Manukau Sports Bowl. It’s the biggest Polynesian event where students will compete on five stages, performing traditional items from the following cultures - Cook Islands, Tongan, Niue, Samoan and Māori. More than 9000 students from 220 performance groups from 60 different schools around Auckland will be performing at the four-day event.
The Northern Mystics have officially launched their season today and one of their up and coming stars, Ngāi Te Rangi’s Brooke Watt is biting at the bit to get out on the court. It's her first season at the Auckland-based team and for the Wellington native, it might not be for the team she wanted to play for as a kid, but she is happy and ready to play at the Mystics.
Source: Te Karere Youtube page.