15,000 Descendants of Ngāpuhi arrived in Whangarei today for the Ngāpuhi Festival. This is the first time the festival has been held in Whangarei and large numbers of people arrived at Ōkara to celebrate their connection to each other. However, leaders are already discussing other locations for the festival in the future. Whatever the future holds, the leaders are stressing the importance of unity and maintaining the mana of the event. Raniera Harrison reports live from Whangarei: Willow-Jean Prime (Te Kapotai, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi), Rāniera Tau (Meme Poari, Te Rūnunga Ā Iwi o Ngāpuhi), Julian Wilcox (Kaiwhakataki Whatārangi), Chris Henare (Kaiako Matua, Muriwhenua).
The Tāmaki Herenga Waka festival is underway on Auckland’s waterfront showcasing Māori history, heritage and culture. Local and International guests have been welcomed along with dignitaries from Iwi and Hapu and many politicians. Kapa Haka, contemporary Māori culture and a waka parade have been entertaining the crowds. Leah Te Whata reports live from Auckland – live interview with Hoturoa Kerr regarding the importance of the festival and the importance of everybody embracing their responsibilities in caring for the oceans, beaches and waterways.
Roughly 500 people marched through Huntly to oppose the use of. Methamphetamine. The rally was organised by local youth who want to make it clear that drug dealers and users are not welcome in their community. This follows a major police operation in the town in December which seized large amounts of P, firearms and cash. A hui wil be gathered in 2 weeks to discuss the issue further. Raniera Harrison reports: Jack Berryman (Ngāti Whāwhākia), Leitari Tepana (Kaiwhakahaere Matua), Corey Rees (Pirihimana Ā Rohe o Mua), Lionel Wairau (Te Whakatōhea), Tame Iti (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Wairere).
Oranga Tamariki is to be given more the $27 million to support children and young people in care or the custody of Youth Justice Services. The extra funding from the Government is to provide safe places for children in crisis situations. Ka whakawhānuihia ake ngā noho tamariki, Ka whakamātauhia he rautaki whakapakari mō te tamaiti, Ka whakatū ara whakawhiu I ngā rangatahi, Me te whakapakari rautaki mahi. However, Paula Bennett of the National Party says these are not new measures. Talisa Kupenga reports: Tracey Martin (Minita Take Tamariki).
A recipient of the Outward Bound award at the William Wallace Awards now wants to use her experience in state care and the Youth Justice System to help others. Tiamaaria is now mentoring youth who are placed in care with whom she shares a similar pathway. She wishes to continue this work and become a personal trainer in the Navy and is working in the Outward Bound education programme. Leah Te Whata reports: Tiamaaria Wehi (Te Ākitai Waiohua), Nancye Caldwell (Kaitoko I te ora).
2018 Pasifika Youth Cup will get underway at Mount Smart with two age groups, the U16’s and U19’s, playing in the competition. Featuring teams from Tonga, Samoa, the Cook Islands and Fiji the competition will showcase pride and passion. The New Zealand Māori U18 team challenged the Samoan in the finals of the three day event. The NZ Māori U16 team finished third, as Tonga and Samoa met in the final. Taroi Black reports: Sione Moala (Tonga U16), Kiardyn Hatch (NZ Māori, U16), Presley Sau Leota (Samoa U16).
New Zealand Breakers players are taking on the challenge of learning te reo Māori in 2018. 2 players are learning the language at AUT in an effort to improve communication within their team and with their whanau. The players advise that people commit to the language, not be afraid and to speak it with friends. Eru Paranihi reports: Jordan Ngatai (Ngāti Toa), Derone Raukawa (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Raukawa), Anahera Hare (Kaiako).
Nearly200 teams are playing in the National Māori Basketball tournament being held in Rotorua. As the number of teams participating grows, so does the pressure on the hosts as the number of administrators doubles. Te Arawa have been hosting the tournament for the last 3 years, but a new location may be needed to meet the demands of a larger competition. A decision on who will host next year’s tournament will be announced soon. Mere McLean reports: Rangatihi Pene (Kaiwhakahaere), Jeff Green (Kaiako, Kapa Poitūkohu Māori).
James Te Mēte is the first Māori to secure a leading role at the Pride Gala. This black tie event celebrating the LGBT community has the theme Rainbow Warriors: Pride and Peace this year. Te Mēte is organising and directing he gala and is looking forward to helping to shape it’s artistic presentation. Taroi Black reports: James Te Mēte (Ngāti Ranginui),