The National Māori Radio Network has appeared before the Māori Affairs Select Committee to outline the current state of Iwi radio and their need for increased funding. This was the first time that Māori radio had appeared at a Select Committee, and they took the opportunity to deliver strong statements about the lack of funding and resourcing. This lack of funding is hindering their work in delivering content for their communities and the Network say they require at least 30% more funding to continue working at their current levels. The Radio Network say that many of their staff are paid the minimum wage and new technologies are out of reach without increased support. The Māori Radio Network were also concerned that the draft broadcasting strategy of Te Māngai Pāho no longer included the radio stations. Talisa Kupenga reports: Rino Tirikatene (Heamana, Te Kōmiti Whiriwhiri Māori), Marama Davidson (Te Kōmiti Whiriwhiri Māori), Rawiri Waru (Te Arawa FM).
Heta Gardiner reports live from the Auckland Newsroom regarding the National Māori Radio Network appearing before the Māori Affairs Select Committee and requesting more funding, the absence of Nanaia Mahuta and the need for the next budget to address these financial concerns.
The Whangarei hapū Patuharakeke have raised concerns over dredging in the Whangarei Harbour after the Ngāti Wai Trust removed their appeal against the plan. Refining New Zealand wishes to deepen and straighten the harbour channel and remove over 3 million cubic metres of sand in order to allow larger vessels access to the Marsden Point Refinery. In a letter to the Northland Regional Council the Ngāti Wai Trust Board withdrew their opposition to the dredging plan following consultation with NZ Refining. The Te Kāhui Kaumātua Kuia o Ngāti Wai will meet to try and resolve this matter in way that satisfies all parties. Raniera Harrison reports: Gilbert Paki (Heamana o Mohoa, Patuharakeke), Juliane Chetham (Te Paori Tarahiti o Patuharakeke).
Employers and industry leaders have gathered at Te Puea Marae in Māngere to discuss solutions to homelessness and unemployment. Over the last three years Te Puea has taken in families in need and unemployment is seen as a key driver of homelessness. The marae would like to see an employment pipeline initiative developed with solid support and policies coming from employers and NGO’s. Hurimoana Dennis (Heamana, Te Puea Marae). Corrina Tupouvea (Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora), John Chetwind (CE, Telnet), Ihaka Rehua (Kiritaki).
Pharmac will announce new funding which will see Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis drugs to combat HIV available at a lower cost to those who are HIV negative. Live interview with Whatitiri Te Wake, Kaiārahi Māori, Tūāpapa Mate Āraikore o Aotearoa from the Auckland Newsroom regarding the effectiveness, availability and cost of this pharmaceutical.
A new novel is examining the challenges faced by homosexual Māori men in the first World War and in New Zealand following the conflict. “Tane’s War” is the fictional story of a Māori man who has an affair with a British officer during the war when the penalty from homosexuality was imprisonment. The book is based on some of the 5 actual accounts of homosexuality found at the National Archives. The fictional account of a gay relationship occurs in the 1950’s when Aotearoa was extremely conservative and homosexuality was still a crime. Kawe Roes reports: Brendon Weir (Kaituhi).
The captain of the Warrior Rugby League team, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, has signed a four year contract with the club. This dispels rumours that he was going to shift to rugby union and is one of the longest contracts a player has signed with the Warriors club. He says that he made his decision as he wished to remain close to his family in Auckland and felt there was unfinished business with the club as they head into a new NRL season. Moana Makapelu Lee reports: Roger Tuivasa-Schek (Kāpene, Kapa Warriors).
The New Zealand Kiwis will play against England in the United States of America in June. It is hoped that the match will benefit the international profile of the game. The match will be played at the Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. This opportunity to showcase rugby league in North America follows in the footsteps of the All Blacks, but means that it is unlikely the Kiwis will be playing against Tonga in the near future. Eru Paranihi reports: Te Arahi Maipi (Kaiwhakataki Rīki).
Jerome Kaino will depart the All Blacks and the Super Rugby competitions at the end of this year’s season. Kaino announced that he will be playing club rugby in France and the 34 year old will leave a record as one of the world’s greatest blindside flanker and a double Rugby World Cup under his belt. The All Black has played in 81 tests and is the third most capped Blues player with 127 games completed.
Genah Fabian has defeated Charmaine Tweet to win the WMC Women’s World title. The Total Knock Out victory comes following a loss last year. Genah Fabian (Kaiwhaiwhai, mai i Oakland, Amerika).