Te Hui Ahurei a Tūhoe began today with discussion of its tribal policies and politics. A group called Te Kohinga are asking that Te Uru Taumatua review its Trust Deed and its organisational structures and this issue is expected to be part of the Iwi debates this Sunday. Mere McLean reports live from Rotorua: Waiarani Harawira (Te Kohinga).
People packed the Rotorua International Stadium to enjoy the tamariki's Kapa Haka as Mataatua ki Rotorua welcomed Tūhoe back to Rotorua. 3 Teams will be competing in the Te Hui Ahurei o Tūhoe festival competition. Mere McLean reports: Alyssa Webster (Mataatua ki Rotorua), Kimiora Webster (Mataatua ki Rotorua).
The police are warning drivers to take care on Northland roads this Easter as the road toll statistics for the area show it to be increasingly dangerous. The police intend to have an increased presence on the roads this Easter weekend in the hopes of reducing fatal accidents. Raniera Harrison reports: Sergeant Mark Brown (Te Tari Pirihimana), Bill Edmonds (Kainoho).
A group of South Auckland rangatahi are celebrating Easter because of its Christian significance and are hoping to bring that message to youth this weekend. According to the latest census, fewer Māori are engaging with Christianity, a trend this group hopes to reverse. Mānia Clarke reports: Cammy Ball (Waikato, Ngā Puhi), Grace Tautahi (Ngāti Porou, Ngā Puhi), Kaayden Takawe Kingi (Te Arawa, Ngāpuhi), Clifford Thompson (Minita Matua).
Te reo Māori is being taught at the Mana Academy in Utah, an American school which honours many cultures and whose students are 85% Polynesian. It hope that its embrace of many cultures will lead to better educational outcomes for the tamariki. Pere Wihongi reports: Anapesi Kalii (Tumuaki), Mitchell Rudolph (Ngāpuhi, Te Rawara).
Imports and exports to Papua New Guinea, our second largest Pacific export market, remain cut off after a series of earthquakes damaged airstrips and runways. The chairman of the New Zealand Papua New Guinea Business Council is planning to commission an aircraft to deliver much needed aid supplies. Leah Te Whata reports: Tamati Norman (Heamana, Kaunihera Pakahi o Aotearoa, Papua New Guinea).
Descendants of Pikiao, a chief of Te Arawa, are retracing his footsteps to the Waikato maunga of Taupiri. This is the first time that members of Ngāti Pikiao have seen the site where Te Ao Whaaki Pā stood 600 years ago and they will travel to Pirongia in coming days. Taupiri Marae is hosting 80 students from Te Kura o Whangamarino to allow them to reconnect with the genealogy, the region and the King Movement. Mānia Clarke reports: Matiu Mear (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue), Hone Nuku Tarawhiti (Kaumātua), Rehua Mihaka (Pouako, Te Kura o Whangamarino).
Honey Hireme wishes to play in the new NRL Women's competition having had success with the Kiwi Ferns and Black Ferns in the past. Hireme says that 2 other Women's NRL clubs have approached her to talk about contracts for the upcoming competition. The Warriors, The Broncos, The Dragons and The Roosters have all been named as teams to compete in the inaugural NRL Holden Women's Premiership. Tamati Tiananga reports: Honey Hireme (Kaitākaro Kiwi Ferns, Kaitākaro Black Ferns).
The All Blacks Sevens will play at the Honk Kong tournament of the World Rugby Sevens Series in April. The team will include many new players as veteran players will be attending the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
The Chiefs are preparing to face the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition. The Highlanders have made significant changes to their team due to injury.
A Maraenui tamariki has qualified for the Australian Scooter Championship after winning the Under 14 Scooter Championship at the National Competition. His family are currently raising funds to enable him to travel to the Australian coneptition. Aroha Treacher reports: Zion Kiripatea (Toa), Tyler Maunder (Kaieke Paparetireti), Thor Laresen (Toa Papa Retireti U12).
The lunar calendar – the moon is in the phase of Ariroa.