Hukarere Māori Girl’s College has been evacuated following flash flooding in the northern Hawkes Bay. 90 Staff and all students were escorted from the school in the Eskdale area by police along with 100 students from Havelock North Intermediate. The heavy rain also forced the Panpac timber mill in Whirinaki to shut down and many of the roads north of Napier are closed by surface flooding. More heavy rainfall is expected throughout the night and Civil Defence are monitoring the situation in case further evacuations are necessary. Aroha Treacher reports: Lelie Pearcey (Tumuaki, Hukarere Girls College, Mai i Ahuriri), Ian McDonald (Rākau Whakamarumaru).
Local mayors and council members meet with Government officials and the Minister for Tourism over the behaviour of freedom campers. Legislation may be needed to address the behaviour of such tourists which has been highlighted by councils and communities. A working party will be formed within the next month to discuss prospective actions, although any legislation may take up to 18 months to be implemented. Freedom camping has seen many communities struggling with issues such as public defecation and increased rubbish and pollution. With tourism bringing significant economic gains, the working group will be faced with a balancing act between the needs of tourists and the impact on their communities. Mānia Clarke reports live from the Auckland Newsroom: Kelvin Davis (Minita Tāpoi), Meng Foon (Koromatua, Tūranganui-a-Kiwa)
Te Arawa say they will continue to welcome tourists, including freedom campers, but they want tourists to understand the cultural values they are coming to experience. The Rotorua Lakes Council says that not all freedom campers are behaving badly, but some tourists are staying at campervan areas and leaving significant rubbish and litter behind. With tourism bringing over $800 million dollars to Rotorua each year and providing significant employment in the area, the Council would like to see travellers informed of the regulations and act accordingly. Mere McLean reports: Rawiri Waru (Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa).
The Prime Minister has continued her Pacific Mission and arrived in the Cook Islands. She has announced the Government will make changes to the eligibility requirements for superannuation to make it fairer for some of our Pacific neighbours. Residents of the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau aged over 50 will be eligible for the New Zealand superannuation and veterans pensions if they have worked for 10 years within Aotearoa. It is estimated this will cost $3.5 million dollars in the first year. Talisa Kupenga reports live from Rarotonga: Henry Puna (Pirimia o Kuki Airani).
Simon Bridges is expected to reveal the National party’s reshuffled front bench next week. Heta Gardiner reports live from the Auckland Newsroom: Who will be the winners and losers from the re-shuffle? Judith Collins and Nikki Kaye are expected to be promoted as senior male members are leaving. Nuk Korako may benefit from the changes.
Its International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives. It is seen as a day for Māori women to celebrate their social, cultural, economic and political achievements, and Dame Glavish believes that there is no need to be humble when celebrating this. The power of Māori women is seen in their genealogy and Glavish asks that Māori women remain standing strong and believes in the recognition of other Māori in honouring International Women’s Day. She is inspired by women such as Hine-A-Maru and Waimirirangi and although they are not recognised on this day, all Māori women carry that dignity with them. Taroi Black reports: Dame Rangimarie Naida Glavish (Ngāti Whātua).
New Zealand hip hop artist Jess B is making a name for herself on the music scene. She says that she takes being a voice for minorities and women is a responsibility she takes seriously in all aspects of her music. She was the first female guest on the Red Bull Studio’s 64 Bars series which gives a platform for up and coming New Zealand talent. Jess B says that there is no right or wrong way to be a woman and every day should be International Women’s Day. Her debut EP will be released next week. Te Kuru Dewes reports: Jess “Jess B” Bourke (Kairotarota).
Following the Chiefs victory over the Blues, Sean Wainui is set to sign a full time contract with the Chiefs. He was in limbo last year after being told his contract with the Crusaders was not going to be renewed, but a part time contract with the Chiefs as injury replacement gave him hope. He felt that he needed to perform in the match against the Blues to prove to himself and others what he was capable of. Wainui says that the Chiefs embrace of māoritanga has been eye opening and has made him feel that the team could be a future home. Tamati Tiananga reports: Sean Wainui (Chiefs).
Mark Sorenson is thought to be a leading contender at the Hutt Valley Sports Awards. This comes after he led his softball team to their seventh world title in Canada, and winning five titles as a coach and a player. His success is thought to come from the nature of his relationship with the team and the community. Having never been recognised with a Halberg award, the Hutt Valley award may mark some small token of his achievements. Eru Paranihi reports: Mark Sorenson (Kaiako, Black Sox, Mai i Te Awakairangi), Kallan Compain (Black Sox), Thomas Enoka (Black Sox), Nathan Nukunuku (Kāpene, Black Sox).
Kawa Roes delivers a weather report with a Māori perspective: The Lunar Calendar – The Moon moves into the Korekore Whakapiri phase, which means we are approaching Tangaroa.