A new report reveals one in four children are involved with child protection services. The report “Cumulative Prevalence of Maltreatment among New Zealand Children” has uncovered from hard truths about child abuse in Aotearoa. The report by AUT examined the lives of more than 55,00 children and found that a large number hard experienced some sort of neglect, emotional, physical or sexual abuse. In a statement, Tracey Martin, the Minister for Children, said the numbers were too high and distressing, but not surprising. Martin also stated that they want to ensure that tamariki receive the right help and support and the entire child care system is being reviewed. Rukuwai Tipene-Allen reports live from the Auckland Newsroom: Kaiwhakawā Andrew Becroft (Kaikōmihana Tamariki).
The new Government’s Pacific mission has arrived in Tonga and announced a $10 million dollar package to assist in recovery from Cyclone Gita. Roughly 2,000 homes were destroyed or badly damaged, many communities remain without power and some school still lack essential supplies and materials. Some families and one school are now living and working in tents, but health issues have been well managed according to medical teams on the ground. Talisa Kupenga reports live from Tonga: Talita Kafoa (Kainoho), Doctor Lemisio Saale (Medical Outreach), Doctor Staverton Kautoke (Pasifika Medical Association).
The National party have announced Amy Adams will be their new finance spokesperson following the retirement of Steven Joyce. Heta Gardiner reports live from the Auckland Newsroom: Speculation mounts on who may be the next senior National party MP to announce their retirement. Does the National party reshuffle mean a greater chance of winning the next election?
The Ngaruroro River in the Hawkes Bay is being choked by a build-up of weeds on a waterway which the people of Kohupatiki Marae have been fighting to clean up for years. The latest attempt to clean up the river involves a net being established to serve as a barrier across the Karamu stream. Last year the weeds were so thick that it was killing fish within the waterway. Aroha Treacher reports: Aki Paipper (Kaitiaki, Awa Kohupatiki Marae), Tihau Bishop (Kaimahi Taiao).
Some of Auckland’s top business leaders are working in the kitchens to prepare a meal in aid of the city’s homeless and rough sleepers. The Auckland City Mission Cook-Off aims to raise funds and understanding about food insecurity. Guests at the banquet include people from Papakura Marae, the Manukau Urban Māori Authority and staff from the Auckland City Mission. Each year the Auckland City Mission distributes 13,000 emergency food parcels and feeds 41,00 people which requires $1.5 million dollars in food alone and receives no Government funding. Mānia Clarke reports live from Saint Matthews in the City Church: Chris Farrelly (Kaimīhana it e pokapū o Tāmaki Makaurau).
Representatives from Tegel will appear before Dargaville residents at a town meeting to discuss their proposed poultry farm. The proposed broiler chicken farm at Arapohue would be the largest in the Aotearoa if it goes ahead. Northland MP Matt King has invited the representatives in order for people to have all the information and residents are being urged to engage with the submission process of the Kaipara District Council and the Northland Regional Council.
Over 100 tamariki received new shoes thanks to the Brown Buttabean Motivation programme. The Programme was sponsored by the ASB Bank to support children leading a healthy lifestyle. The Buttabean Motivation Programme aims to improve community health amongst children and parents by increasing participation in sports and fitness. Dave Letele (Buttabean Motivation).
Alexis Pritchard is aiming for a podium finish at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Pritchard was among the first women to compete in boxing at the Olympic and Commonwealth games and had even retired from boxing, before a new appreciation of the sport and an increased belief in her talent made her change her mind. She placed fifth at the London Olympic games in 2012 and ninth at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth games. Rāhia Timutimu reports: Alexia Pritchard (Kaimekemeke).
Auckland United have defeated Hutt City United 9-2 in the Men’s Club Softball Championship in Lower Hutt. The Auckland team are looking for revenge after losing to Lower Hutt at the National Tournament, and an early win is important as the weather may close down play for the rest of the Championship. Eru Paranihi reports: Thomas Enoka (Auckland United), Kallan Compain (Auckland United).
Kawa Roes delivers a weather report with a Māori perspective: The Lunar Calendar – The Moon moves into the Korekore Rawea phase.