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Monday, May 13, 2019

Mole News


Financial disputes schemes failing Maori and Pasifika
The government-approved disputes schemes to which people wronged by a bank, insurer, or lender can appeal for help are hearing too few complaints from Māori and Pasifika New Zealanders.

When Dr Carla Houkamau from the University of Auckland evaluated the responses of a small sample of Māori participants in financial capability courses she found some people were deterred from engaging with banks because they saw them as racist.

Some wonder whether there's a cultural aspect to willingness to complain......
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/112528545/financial-disputes-schemes-failing-maori-and-pasifika

New Zealand government announces marine protection plan for coast of South Island
DOC and Fisheries NZ were working with Kāi Tahu, because the iwi was interested in helping manage marine protected areas in the region, she said......
See full article HERE

Plans to keep sculpture that challenges visitors to Waiheke
The bronze sculpture by Waiheke Island artist Chris Bailey, called Te Werowero, was installed at Matiatia ferry terminal as part of the Sculpture on the Gulf exhibition in March.

Dan Harrop, who has lived on Waiheke for six years, saw the sculpture and thought it was too beautiful to only be there for a few weeks.

The sculpture is intended to act as a kaitiaki or guardian for the island, which welcomes visitors and challenges them to respect the island's culture, wāhi tapu, and fragile natural environment, Mr Harrop said.

It will cost $50,000 to keep the sculpture and Auckland Transport has offered to pay half, matching dollar for dollar on the fundraising campaign......
See full article HERE

The Auckland hapū taking control of whānau health
Auckland hapū Ngāti Whatua Orākei is turning to private health insurance to remove the barriers its people face in the public health system.

It comes as the Waitangi Tribunal examines why the public health system is failing Māori.

A year ago Ngāti Whātua Orākei partnered with providers Nib to offer health insurance for all its people. Anahera Rawiri is helping to lead the rollout of the scheme through Whai Rawa - the financial arm of the hapū.

"We tried to take control of our destiny - what I would say is that we're here.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

12 May  2019

$98 million Māori pathway created to break reoffending cycle in Northland, Hawke's Bay prisons
A whānau-centered pathway to tackle Māori reoffending rates will be introduced at Northland and Hawke's Bay prisons, the Government has announced.

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis said the $98 million investment from the 'Wellbeing Budget' was a "major first step" to breaking the cycle of Māori reoffending and imprisonment by changing the way Corrections operated.

"We are acknowledging that our system does not work for the majority of Māori," Davis said......
See full article HERE

Road Safety Signs – Te Reo Māori and English
Download these road safety signs in Te Reo Māori & English! Set up your own road and use old wrapping paper cardboard tubes to stick these signs onto for a fun activity to try during Road Safety Week!......
See full article HERE

Children's Comissioner says Oranga Tamariki approach must change
Children's Commissioner Andrew Beecroft says Oranga Tamariki has no choice but to change its approach.

Ministry figures showed the number of Māori new-borns taken into state care rose from 110 in 2015 to 172 last year.

From 1 July, new legislation will be implemented, meaning Oranga Tamariki will need to partner with Iwi and Māori Organisations in decision making......
See full article HERE

Iwi want law change to commercially farm trout
Central North Island iwi are calling for a law change to commercially farm trout. Aotearoa is the only country in the world where it is illegal to buy or sell the fish and an iwi leader says the outdated law is locking them out of a lucrative business.

Tuwharetoa traded trout in the early 1900s but in 2019 it is illegal to commercially farm the fish.

Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust Manager Tiwana Tibble says, "It's crazy that New Zealand is the only place in the world that hasn't yet got to the level where you can farm trout."....
See full article HERE

Limited Māori ECE resourcing for 50,000+ QLD Māori
Te Kōhanga o Ēkara at The Mulberry Bush has been operating in Brisbane Australia for three years. Sharing te reo and tikanga Māori with their tamariki has been their drive since the centre's inception, however, issues of funding and resources have presented its challenges.

Kaiako Sharna Te Hau says, “We're dedicated to providing an environment for our children to live in a Māori world with our teachings and customs so they can see their culture every day and know where they come from and who they are.”

More than 50,000 Māori are estimated to live in Queensland and the whānau from Ēkara are hoping to eventually expand their services......
See full article HERE

Valuing the priceless
But despite the problems being well-recognised, and the solution being reasonably well-recognised, we have seen little policy progress.

And the reason for that is also well-recognised. Successive governments have feared that making administrative water allocations, like irrigation consents, look more like tradeable property rights will result in Waitangi Tribunal claims around water.

We argue that it is time to cut this Gordian knot. If iwi have water claims in particular areas that have not been extinguished by Treaty, sale or contract, then it is a fundamental issue of natural justice that those claims be recognised and fairly treated. Resolving iwi water claims, through negotiation with local iwi and hapū, also then allows us to move forward towards better freshwater management systems......
See full article HERE

Kiwifruit: Iwi look to increase stakehold
Māori have stamped their mark on the kiwifruit industry with plans to increase their stakehold in the future by utilising more land.

Māori Kiwifruit Growers Inc chairman Tiaki Hunia said the group formed in 2016 to create a collective voice.

''We have always maintained the view that what is good for Māori is great for the industry.''

Its members, which include collective owners and iwi, account for more than 180 orchards in New Zealand.
See full article HERE

Te reo Māori only netball tournament a hit
The Puni Reo netball tournament in which players, referees and spectators only speak te reo Māori has proven a great success for a second year running.

More than 500 kids, in 55 teams from 35 schools, took part in the event in West Auckland yesterday.

Eruera Lee-Morgan says, "It's not all about winning. At the end of the day, te reo Māori is the main winner."

The tournament was a great occasion to celebrate the language, which was spoken all day, and a fun experience for the kids as well......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

11 May  2019

New Māori name created for submerged continent Zealandia
Zealandia, the mostly submerged continent on which New Zealand sits, has been given a Māori name.

GNS Science, which played a big role in bringing the existence of Zealandia to the world's attention, said the New Zealand Geographic Board had wanted a Māori perspective considered for the name.

That would be achieved by making connections between the places where Māori migrated from, and whenua/land and kiwa/sea, GNS said. That was widened to a name that was acceptable to both Māori and Pasifika.

GNS approached Associate Professor Mānuka Hēnare, of Auckland University, to recommend a Māori name that reflected the nature and position of the continent......
See full article HERE

Taranaki iwi welcome $27mil energy centre announcement
Taranaki iwi have welcomed the government's $27mil pre-budget announcement to go towards building a clean energy centre in Taranaki. The centre will help lead the country's transition to a low-carbon economy.

Taranaki iwi chief executive Wharehoka Wano says, "We do expect some local jobs but I am yet to hear the Māori voice or perspectives in the initiative."

"Iwi strategies are strongly tied to looking after the environment so we expect to be across this," says Wano.......
See full article HERE

He Oranga Tamariki CEO Must Go
The CEO of He Oranga Tamariki must be held accountable for the increased removal of Māori children, states Associate Professor Leonie Pihama of Te Kotahi Research Institute, University of Waikato.

Statistics show that over the past four years there has been a significant increase in the number of Māori Newborn babies taken by the state with figures, obtained from the Ministry by journalist Michelle Duff in December 2018, showing an increase from 110 in 2015 to 172 in 2018. Over the past months, we have also seen the increase of child abuse inflicted on Māori children in the state system.....
See full article HERE

DCC preparing waterfront plans
The Dunedin City Council is preparing the city's waterfront regeneration plans as it waits for a decision on a bid for a multimillion-dollar chunk of the Provincial Growth Fund.

A memorandum of understanding, committing to support the project, has also been signed by the DCC, University of Otago, Port Otago and Ngai Tahu, as well as Damien van Brandenburg and businessman Ian Taylor, who first floated the concept.

The council also planned to work with Ngai Tahu, as a key stakeholder, to ensure any development reflected the cultural significance of the area and its importance to iwi, she said......
See full article HERE

Historic graduation for Māori researcher at the University of Otago
Chanel Phillips (Ngāti Hine) has become the first doctoral graduand of Te Koronga, the Māori postgraduate research excellence group at The University of Otago.

Te Koronga co-director Dr Anne-Marie Jackson says, “Chanel exemplifies Māori research excellence in her level of scholarship and in who she is as a person. She puts the aspirations of her communities at the centre of her research and is a seen face in the work she undertakes.

A total of five Māori postgraduate students graduated today. All researchers have undertaken Māori research topics utilising Māori research approaches.

Chanel Phillips (Ngāti Hine), Doctor of Philosophy, A Journey to Belonging: Explorations of Māori Perspectives of Water Safety. Funded by Health Research Council.

Terina Raureti (Ngāti Raukawa), Master of Physical Education, Kia mārama ai te ihi, te wehi o Mukukai: The influence of swimming on whānau engagement with water.

Nikki Timu (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Kahungunu), Master of Physical Education, Māori perspectives on the use of haka within New Zealand sport.

Ben Hanara (Ngāti Kahungunu), Postgraduate Diploma of Physical Education, Mā te tai o Tangaroa, Mā te mauri o te wai. Tangaroa: Atua of human movement

Shane Witehira (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu), Bachelor of Physical Education (Hons), Mā te Whakapapa ka ora ngā Tauira Māori.....
See full article HERE

Baby grab shows need for Māori solutions
A Māori sociologist says a case where midwives were locked out of Hawkes Bay Hospital while Oranga Tamariki and police tried to seize a newborn baby from his mother shows how the system is broken for Māori.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

10 May  2019

Māori seek direct input into govt's climate change policy
Māori leaders in the fight for climate change say the government needs to let Māori determine climate change policy - not just be consulted.

The Iwi leaders forum this week set up the National Māori Climate Network and says Aotearoa should declare an environment and climate emergency.

Climate Change Iwi Leaders Group chair Mike Smith said Māori are likely to be impacted more so than other communities because of climate change.

Mr Smith said Māori not only need to be consulted but be determining policy around climate change......
See full article HERE

$20m Captain Cook commemoration ignores Māori pain - critics
A movement to boycott this year's commemorations of the 250th anniversary of Captain James Cook's landing at Tūranganui-a-Kiwa is gaining strength.

More than $20 million is being spent on events and resources to mark the anniversary of Cook's landing in Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, later named Gisborne, in 1769.

Indigenous rights advocate Tina Ngata said his landing was not a cause for celebration.

"Māori are still very mamae and we are still labouring under the historical and enduring rights violations as a result of the event that they are commemorating this year," she said......
See full article HERE

Māori take charge of museum vision
A museum curator says nominations for the taonga Māori section in this year’s Museum Aotearoa Awards shows the ways museums are now working to help iwi and Māori communities tell their own stories......
See full article HERE

Kaitaiki principles need to be in climate response
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says a spirit of kaitiakitanga needs to underpin New Zealand’s approach to climate change.

She says the briefing on the Bill included a video with comments from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s Ngarimu Blair.

"He said if we’d always, as a nation and in fact as a world principles of kaitiakitanga what kind of conversation would we be having now? It would probably be a very different one. The need to continue to adopt those Māori principles when it comes to our relationship with the environment will just continue to be even more important. It's just a shame we haven't done more of that up until now," Ms Ardern says.....
See full article HERE

Tasman District Council to appoint fulltime kaihautū
Tasman District Council is to recruit a permanent, fulltime kaihautū to provide strategic leadership and help it become more "culturally responsive".

In a report, council chief executive Janine Dowding said a kaihautū would also support the development of enduring partnerships with the eight Te Tau Ihu iwi and Ngāi Tahu. They would be responsible for fostering positive engagement and outcomes for iwi, Māori and the wider community......
See full article HERE

Iwi's message to Govt over taken baby: 'Not one more child will be uplifted. We will intervene at all costs'
That's the powerful message from Ngati Kahungunu Chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana to the Government after a standoff involving police at Hawke's Bay Hospital over a seven-day-old baby boy about to be uplifted by Oranga Tamariki earlier this week.

On Thursday Tomoana and chairman of Takitimu District Māori Council Des Ratima spoke to Hawke's Bay Today about the incident.

Ratima backed Tomoana's call that "not one more child" will be taken......
See full article HERE 

Child stealing undermining communities
"How are we expected to see healthy flourishing communities in the future when this is happening right from birth to the most vulnerable communities and significantly to Māori and this has been happening for decades now," Ms Hutchinson says.......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

9 May  2019

Historic abuse in state care - Government sets out response
The Government has agreed on a set of principles to guide how government agencies and the Crown responds to the Royal Commission into historical abuse in state care and in the care of faith-based institutions.

The six principles are:

• manaakitanga – treating people with humanity, compassion, fairness, respect and responsible caring that upholds the mana of those involved;

• openness – being honest and sincere, being open to receiving new ideas and willing to consider how we do things currently, and how we have done things in the past;

• transparency – sharing information, including the reasons behind all actions;

• learning – active listening and learning from the Royal Commission and survivors, and using that information to change and improve systems;

• being joined up – agencies work together closely to make sure activities are aligned, engagement with the Royal Commission is coordinated and the resulting actions are collectively owned; and

• meeting our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi – honouring the Treaty, its principles, meeting our obligations and building a stronger Māori-Crown relationship through the way we operate and behave......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

8 May  2019

First Māori on the Supreme Court bench wants a focus on his culture
Justice Joe Williams says it's daunting to be the first Māori judge in the Supreme Court but he's determined to see more value put on the Māori culture.

He's previously held roles as the Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court and chair of the Waitangi Tribunal - and was appointed as a Judge of the Court of Appeal last year.

Justice Williams said it was important that Māori in the courts came to see their culture was valued, and it was up to the system to signal that it valued Māori culture.

He wanted to see more tikanga Māori and culture and identity programmes in prisons, and cultural training also needed to be targeted at officials, he said.

"I think it is happening and it needs to happen quickly, not just the prison population but those who create the prison population - the officials, the corrections officers, the probation officers, all the way through to the judges.

He said it could be as simple as pronouncing Māori names and place names correctly, understanding concepts of whanaungatanga, mana, tapu and local whakapapa......
See full article HERE

VUW decides: It will not be changing its name
Victoria University of Wellington announced today that it would not be changing its name.

It announced instead a “branding refresh” that would see it emphasise the word Wellington to differentiate it from other universities.

It also approved a new Māori name, Te Herenga Waka......
See full article HERE

Claim that Pākehā a racist word is 'rubbish', te reo educators say
A woman who took offence to the word "Pākehā" being used at a Christchurch City Council meeting came from a place of "naivety and misinformation", Māori educators say......
See full article HERE

Official status sought for name Aotearoa
Wellington man Danny Tahau Jobe Wellington has presented a petition calling for Aotearoa to become an official name for New Zealand.

The petition was received by Greens co-leader Marama Davidson and referred to parliament’s government and administration committee, which will seek public comment.

He says it was only when trying to get the Aotearoa added to New Zealand’ coat of arms that he discovered the name does not have official status, which he set out to rectify.

"A lot of people might see it as just a name from mai rā ano but it's not, for me it's our language, he kupu Māori tērā, so in that it's our language, our culture, our identity, our history, and everyone can share in that," Mr Jobe says.

A previous campaign he fought was over being allowed to use te reo Māori on birth certificates, so he has seen the value of marshalling public opinion.......
See full article HERE

Iwi excuse for water rights market
Libertarian public policy think tank the New Zealand Initiative says fear of treaty claims has hampered efforts to address fresh water allocation and protection.

Current consent-holders, including farms, industries, commercial users and councils, would see their existing consents converted into tradeable water permits, while Crown negotiation with iwi and hapū would provide a tradeable water allocation and confirm kaitiakitanga over rivers.....
See full article HERE

Ihumātao protesters block Auckland road, vow to stop Fletcher developing 480 new homes
A group of protesters has since early yesterday morning blocked a Māngere public road, protesting against Fletcher Building plans for 480 new residences near the airport.

Qiane Matata-Sipu, a co-founder of protest group Save Our Unique Landscape, said Ihumātao Quarry Rd had been blocked since around 7am yesterday and the group would stay "as long as we have to."

"We are aware of protesters illegally blocking the public access at Ihumātao Quarry Rd and we understand that people have been threatened by protesters and told to leave the area, which is disappointing. We are working with authorities on this," he said......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

7 May  2019

'We miss out': Deaf Māori plead for more trilingual sign language interpreters
Sign language user Eric Matthews said there have been lots of experiences when he's gone to his local marae and found it "really tough".

"There are not many Māori trilingual interpreters, so we really feel blocked and that we miss out. There's a gap there," he said.

Eric Matthews is deaf and learned sign language when he was four. He says there's only one trilingual interpreter in the country, and that creates a huge barrier for deaf Māori.

"What I'd really like to see in the future is lots of trilingual interpreters, so that we can book a variety of people to come and we don't get stuck in the same way we do now," Matthews said......
See full article HERE

Ngāti Hinerangi and Crown settle Treaty breaches
“Ngati Hinerangi’s claims relate to conflict with the Crown in Tauranga. Crown acts of land purchasing left the iwi virtually landless and this contributed to economic and social marginalisation and loss of traditional tribunal structures and knowledge.

“The settlement includes:

* Total financial redress of $8.1 million

* Cultural revitalisation payment of $200,000

* Marae rebuild of $20,000

* Co-governance arrangement over the upper Waihou and Piako river catchments

* Vesting of 14 cultural redress properties which includes part of Wairere Falls (Wairere Falls Scenic Reserve) which is considered a sacred awa to Ngāti Hinerangi.

“It is not possible to fully compensate Ngāti Hinerangi for the loss and prejudice they have suffered. We cannot build the foundations for a positive relationship and begin to move forward if we do not acknowledge what has happened in the past……
See full article HERE

Inequality is Making Kids Sick
The rising rate of rheumatic fever among Māori and Pasifika children is one of the sharpest examples yet of the direct harm caused by New Zealand’s high level of inequality, Peter Malcolm, spokesperson for the income equality project Closing the Gap, said today.

“We as a society need to take responsibility for the social and economic inequalities that underlie this illness,” he said. “Until we do, more Māori and Pasifika children and their families will be forced to pay an unconscionably heavy price.”....
See full article HERE

Over 30 graduates of Kōhanga Reo awarded scholarships
Over 30 Kōhanga Reo scholarships were awarded at a ceremony held in Wellington today. The scholarships will assist students studying at a Doctorate PhD level, at undergraduate and Masters level, all of whom are former graduates of Kōhanga Reo.

Hona Black of Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Whānau a Apanui and Tūwharetoa was the recipient of the top award, the Sir James Henare Scholarship valued at $10,000. The Kōhanga Reo graduate is studying towards a PhD degree. The topic for his thesis looks at how the Māori language is being taught and learned in schools and how there is merit in making mistakes and good from being wrong.

20 graduates will also receive assistance toward their studies that includes all academic programs up to the level of a bachelor's degree.

Procter says, "the main objective of today is for our graduates to return to the Kohanga Reo movement.".....
See full article HERE

Māori teacher retention vital for healthy system
Teachers unions say while they appreciate moves to increase teacher recruitment and training, the Government needs to get serious about retaining them.

"They were talking in terms of African American students who had a black teacher in primary school, and that increases greatly their likelihood of graduating, of going on to college. It's that idea of representation, you cannot be what you cannot see. And if we do not have really strong powerful young Māori teachers in there, it has an impact on everyone," Ms Webber says.......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

6 May  2019

Whanau ora group says government needs to responsible to Māori while overhauling welfare
South Island whānau ora commissioning agency, Te Pūtahitanga, welcomed the recommendations.

Its kaiwhakahaere (director), Helen Leahy, said the government needed to be liable to the Treaty and iwi to make significant change.

"Being accountable to iwi and to Māori is a really important way of being able to ensure all New Zealanders achieve the dignity, the humanity, the purpose and the pride that we would want to see in a system that responds to their needs.".....
See full article HERE

Volcanic island's cones to be rebuilt with millions of tonnes of human waste
In what is being touted as a 'world first', the landscape of a volcanic island sacred to mana whenua in the Manukau Harbour is being restored using treated human waste.

Not everyone was happy with this plan as certain iwi groups were initially opposed to the project. However, an agreement was reached for iwi to receive $2 per tonne of biosolids used, and everyone is now pleased that a special place of cultural significance is being restored.........
See full article HERE

Sacred Heart Girls’ College – Map of Stories
The aim of the programme is to change the way the Treaty of Waitangi is taught in schools, focusing on a site of significance or conflict that is local to the school and hearing the stories of the land.

To help with the student learning, the history class studied the process of the Te Atiawa Historical Treaty Settlement and gained an understanding about the Crown’s obligations to Te Atiawa.....
See full article HERE

Māori language programme for educators gets underway in Taranaki
A Taranaki te reo expert believes a newly launched language programme is the biggest effort yet to get children speaking Māori.

Dr Ruakere Hond is part of the panel leading the $12.2 million Te Ahu o te Reo Māori initiative, which was officially launched last month at Parliament.

Designed to get teachers and school support staff speaking more Māori in the classroom, Hond said it was a concerted effort to focus on language use, which was something that has never been done before.

The Government-funded programme provides educators with interactive Māori lessons so they can build their understanding and confidence in using te reo with their students......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

5 May  2019

An iwi nearly extinct reclaim identity through treaty settlement
The people of Ngāti Hinerangi will reach a milestone 15 years in the making today when it signs its deed of settlement with the crown, but the journey it has taken to get there has not been an easy one.

The Matamata-based iwi suffered great loss through crown land confiscations, becoming virtually landless in both the Tauranga Moana and Waikato areas of their tribal rohe.

"We were almost extinct. We didn't know we were Ngāti Hinerangi," she said.

"It took one of our kaumātua to actually say, 'This is not right, Ngāti Hinerangi is an iwi, and we need to get our people to understand that', which we did."

The settlement redress will include $8.1 million, a crown apology and the transfer of five properties including land currently occupied by Manuwaru School and the Matamata Police Station.

The Deed of Settlement also provides for the vesting of 14 sites, including the Wairere Falls property.......
See full article HERE

Maori Council leader Matthew Tukaki bombarded with hateful messages
The executive director of the Maori Council says he's received over 70 messages of abuse over the past 48 hours.

Matthew Tukaki revealed the hateful emails have come on the back of an announcement that the Maori Council will ask the Human Rights Commission to investigate lobby group Hobson's Pledge.

However, when asked if Tukaki could name any particular statement that backed up his calls that Hobson's Pledge was inciting violence, hate, racism and segregation of society, he said the group simply created an environment for them to thrive.

Casey Costello, a frequent spokesperson for Hobson's Pledge, called in to Magic Talk and told Tukaki that if her group was guilty of inciting hateful actions then so was the Maori Council.

"With your press release, you have now created an environment of hate," Costello said.

ACT leader David Seymour told Newshub that the claims against Hobson's Pledge are baseless......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

4 May  2019

Minister welcomes Māori voice in the Supreme Court
The Minister of Māori Development, the Hon Nanaia Mahuta has welcomed the appointment of the former Chief Maori Land Court Judge, Justice Joseph Williams to the Supreme Court.

“It’s a great step to have Justice Williams with his encyclopaedic knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi and Māori land law on the Supreme Court bench.

“Justice Williams will be able to look at Treaty law in a very contemporary context. He was the Chair of the Waitangi Tribunal for many years......
See full article HERE

Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children forms additional iwi partnerships
Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children has signed strategic partnerships with Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi O Ngāpuhi and Waikato-Tainui.

The Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi O Ngāpuhi strategic partnership was signed in January of this year. According to the media release, under the agreement Ngāpuhi will lead the development of a joint strategy to improve social outcomes for Ngāpuhi tamariki and whānau. The strategy will outline objectives for the next five years. This work builds on the previous Memorandum of Understanding between Te Rūnanga Ā Iwi O Ngāpuhi and the former Child, Youth and Family services.......
See full article HERE

Emergency medical staff to get te reo, tikanga training
The country's leading body for emergency medicine will give all senior staff and trainees education in te reo Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi.

The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine has launched the Manaaki Mana strategy, an initiative to improve its emergency care for Māori.

It has set 18 goals, including that all senior staff and trainees do regular te reo and tikanga training, and use an e-learning resource to understand the impact colonisation and racism has on Māori communities.......
See full article HERE

Ngāti Hine launch campaign for separate Treaty settlement
Northland's Ngāti Hine are launching a campaign to seek their own Treaty settlement.

The iwi's nine hapū are among more than 70 who rejected a mandate last year for a deal to cover all Ngāpuhi.

About 50,000 people whakapapa to Ngāti Hine, and that was more than enough to form the sort of large natural grouping the Crown wanted to deal with, Mr Tipene said.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

3 May  2019

Whakamanawa report exposes health system racism
A researcher on the Mental Health and Addictions Inquiry says the report on the Māori submissions must be released.

The 200-page Whakamānawa report was briefly available on the website of Māori health group Te Rau Matatini in December and then withdrawn.

A watered-down 75-page report was released in February, with all criticism of the inquiry process and the Health Ministry removed.

Lynne Russell says the removal of Whakamānawa from the debate is symptomatic of the way Māori were excluded from the process,
See full article HERE

ACC launches new ethics panel
According to ACC, each of the new members has a strong interest in ethical principles. The panel will safeguard the rights, interests and safety of customers, support and enable high-quality ethical projects for social, cultural and economic wellbeing and also work to reflect the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

ACC said the panel also has representatives from teams across ACC including privacy, research & evaluation, customer insights and experience, clinical, information technology and maori and cultural capability....
See full article HERE

Hobson’s Pledge welcomes investigation call
Hobson’s Pledge welcomes an investigation by the Human Rights Commission called for by the Maori Council so long as the Commission applies the law, acts independently, and leaves prejudice at the door, Hobson’s Pledge spokesperson Casey Costello said today.

The Maori Council called for an investigation in an invective-ridden media release, which said the call was supported unanimously by 16 districts at a national hui at the weekend.

The Maori Council should be careful of the language it uses because it is more extreme than allegations that have already required apologies and printed retractions, Ms Costello said.....
See full article HERE

Oil explorers told talk to iwi
Bidders for the latest petroleum exploration permit block offer in Taranaki have been told they have to engage with iwi on an ongoing basis.

Petroleum and Minerals national manager Ilana Miller says the condition was added after consultation with iwi and hapū.....
See full article HERE

New school name steeped in history
The name for the new primary school was announced yesterday after months of deliberation and consultation; Te Kura O Take Kārara. ‘Te Kura O’ means ‘The school of’, so the name is therefore simply Te Kura O Take Kārara (not Te Kura O Take Kārara Primary School).

The Board’s Chair, Dr Ian Hall, said “Many schools choose to use both English and Te Reo, but the advice from Ngāi Tahu, and our preference is to use simply the Te Reo.”

“We feel privileged to use this treasured name for our new school,” Dr Hall said. “We look forward to working closely further with Ngāi Tahu as the school develops.”....
See full article HERE

Thousands more teachers for schools
“In planning for the future, we’re anticipating more students in Māori-language education. There’s currently a shortage of teachers skilled in te reo Māori and we’ll be partnering with iwi to design and pilot regional scholarships, which will support Māori students to train and remain in the profession.....
See full article HERE

Te Ara Wai Museum to commemorate NZ Land Wars
The Waipa District Council are rallying behind Waikato iwi aiming to build a museum to commemorate the New Zealand Land Wars. The museum will provide an insight into the historical battle sites in the Waipa district.

It is hoped the museum will honour and commemorate those whose lands were invaded during the 1860s.

Ngāti Maniapoto descendant Shane Te Ruki says, "This project about the land, about the war, about the invasion of the Europeans has gone unspoken, the head of the monster has not come out."

"'With feathers the bird flies'. The council has given us some funding to help with this project, but now we have to look elsewhere for more support and funding," he says......
See full article HERE

Joe Williams first Māori judge appointed to Supreme Court
Justice Joseph Victor Williams is the first Māori lawyer to be appointed a Supreme Court judge.

Justice Williams was the Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court in 1999 and later became Waitangi Tribunal chair in 2004.

He was appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal in 2018.

He is a fluent reo speaker and affiliates to Ngāti Pūkenga and Te Arawa.....
See full article HERE

Change in discretion could address police racism
A drug policy analyst says proposed changes to the drug laws need to be closely monitored to ensure they are producing fairer outcomes for Māori

"It is a positive step forward but we as Māori know and evidence shows discretion and the presumption of prosecution or non-prosecution can be applied unevenly quite often and sometimes in an outright racist way because of the institutional racism in the police force so that's why we have to keep a close eye on this idea of discretion while also recognising it is a step forward," Mr McDonald says.......
See full article HERE

Iwi asked to help with teacher shortage
Iwi-based scholarship programmes for primary and secondary school teachers are part of a $95 million teacher recruitment and retention package to be included in the Budget.

He says to cope with an expected increase in students in Māori-language education, the Education Ministry will partner with iwi to design and pilot regional scholarships, which will support Māori students to train and remain in the profession......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

2 May  2019

NZ Maori Council takes on Don Brash and Hobsons Pledge
The New Zealand Maori Council has today asked the New Zealand Human Rights Commission to investigate the organisation known as “Hobsons Pledge”. The resolution to seek the Human Rights Commission to intervene in what the council has called a “racially charged and motivated group of men” was passed unanimously by the Sixteen Districts of the Council at its national hui over the weekend. Matthew Tukaki, Executive Director of the Maori Council has said that Hobson’s Pledge is nothing more than a divisive group of “haters” who would do nothing more than send us all back to the dark ages:

“Let’s be really clear here this group has been able to get away with anything they please when it comes to race relations in this country and to be blunt; we are sick of it. Maori are sick of it. Don Brach and his cronies do nothing more than seek to divide this nation off the back of their tired old man views and their position that it’s their way or the highway.” Tukaki said....
See full article HERE

Pressure on for Nats to drop Brash set legacy
National list MP Joanne Hayes believes party members will support contesting the Māori seats again.

Former leader Don Brash stopped National running candidates in the seats in 2005 to emphasise his intention to get rid of them, and the policy continued under John Key and Bill English despite efforts to change it by leading Māori members like Hekia Parata.

She says the party’s board needs to recognise conditions have changed now the Māori Party is no longer there to support a National-led government.....
See full article HERE

Urupa matter on radar of New Plymouth council's 'very slow ship
An urupa trustee called for the council's annual plan to be deferred due to it not including of Māori cemeteries, but later withdrew the request after being told the council was working on it.

Peter Moeahu made a presentation to Te Huinga Taumatua Committee and then the Long Term Plan hearings in 2018 calling on the New Plymouth District Council to maintain Māori burial grounds, known as urupa, just as they maintain district cemeteries......
See full article HERE

Māori voices 'missing' from Mental Health and Addictions Inquiry
The skeleton of the original Māori report - Whakamanawa - remains in the new version, but often crucial context is removed, sometimes tone is softened. In the new report power is "experienced as being misused"; institutional racism "believed to underpin" problems.

"Māori voices needed to be heard," Russell says, "in all their rawness".....
See full article HERE

Kuia receiving cancer treatment calls for more Māori nurses
A woman receiving chemotherapy for leukemia at Middlemore Hospital is calling for more Māori nurses and better care for Māori patients.

She says she’d like to see a Māori training programme where the nurses are paid to train, separate to the programme being run today.

“Eighteen percent of the population in South Auckland are Māori and only a handful of Māori nurses are working at Middlemore. That’s shocking,” she says......
See full article HERE

Unemployment continues to fall, wages rise
A drop in the unemployment rate to 4.2 per cent shows the Government’s approach to supporting employment is working.

“The unemployment rate for Māori continues to track in the right direction falling to 8.6 per cent from 9.6 per cent which means 5,100 more Māori are in paid employment. These figures represent real people, real whanau and real communities who are seeing a difference in their lives, something we should all celebrate”....
See full article HERE

Learning a trade vs getting a degree
The percentage of students wanting to study has shown a decrease among Māori, thought to be due to financial concerns but also because of a switch of direction and interest.

Trade education is on the rise in Aotearoa. Some say it is better to get an apprenticeship than to study for a degree.

For many Māori, putting food on the table is a priority and higher education comes second.....
See full article HERE

Man granted discount off jail term for being detached from his Māori culture
A man has been given a discounted prison sentence due to him becoming detached from his Māori heritage.

This was after Judge Gregory Hikaka gave Stubbings a 10 per cent discount after a cultural report canvassed his background, which included poverty, alcohol abuse and violence.

The report identified a cultural disconnect, which was said to have likely contributed to Stubbings' poor decision making in later years.

Stubbings had a reasonably strong understanding of te ao Māori concepts in his younger years, but "sacrificed his own cultural identity as a consequence of some risk taking behaviour" in his teens, the report stated.

But Stubbings has since displayed a willingness to reestablish himself in Māoritanga (Māori practices and beliefs), she said of the report's findings.

Judge Hikaka said Stubbings' foundation of values had been lost during his period of disconnection.

When the end sentence of three years and six months was handed down, Stubbings' supporters applauded from the gallery......
See full article HERE

Aesthetics clash with iwi aquaculture aspirations
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones is keen to see iwi from the top of the South Island increase their stake in the region’s aquaculture industry.

Mr Jones met yesterday with Te Tau Ihu leaders including Ngāti Toa’s Sir Matiu Rei who wants to put a salmon farm in the Marlborough Sounds......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

1 May  2019

Iwi-free Census results could impact Treaty settlements – Dr Carwyn Jones
Census 2018 has counted 4.7 million kiwis, but there will be no collation of iwi affiliation.

Government statistician Liz MacPherson says, "It’s a significant loss and one of the things we're doing is working closely with iwi and Māori organisations on how to meet their data needs."

Treaty law expert Dr Carwyn Jones says a lack of this data could impact Crown Treaty settlement offers and asset management because claimant group size is a factor.

"Obviously if there is not sufficient information about [iwi affiliation] that can affect the offers that groups get in settlements, but also there’s a question around how information that is collected by government, or ought to be collected by government, is used by Māori and iwi groups themselves in terms of how they target their energy and resources."....
See full article HERE

Power cut to protesters in bitter fight over land at Auckland's Ihumātao continues
A group of protesters illegally occupying land in a row over a housing development say the have been forced to live without electricity after their power was cut two weeks ago.

Fletcher Building plans to build 480 houses near the protected Ōtuataua Stonefields reserve at Ihumātao in Māngere, south Auckland.

But for the past three years, around a dozen people have established a "kaitiaki village" at Ihumātao Quarry Rd and have been living there full time in protest of a controversial development, claiming it is a sacred Māori site and should be preserved for future generations......
See full article HERE

New approach to Māori decision making for west Auckland boards
The three local boards in west Auckland have all recently adopted a new approach to guide and support their decision-making on matters important to west Auckland Māori.

Waitākere ki tua (Waitākere going forward) is an action plan developed in response to the aspirations of west Auckland Māori.

Building on key pieces of work

The plan, adopted by the Henderson-Massey, Waitākere Ranges and Whau local boards, builds on two key reports, Toitū Waitākere report 2017 and the West Auckland Mataawaka Report from 2014, and is in response to Auckland Council and the local boards' obligations to Te Tiriti o Waitangi......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

30 April  2019

Applications Open for Scholarship Supporting Maori Students
Applications are now open for the Te Ara a Kupe Beaton Scholarship, the only scholarship in the country that supports Maori secondary students looking to gain admission into the top global universities.

The scholarship is provided by Crimson Education and was established to encourage young Maori students to embark on a journey to discover their greatest potential on the global stage.

Each of the five recipients will receive personalised mentoring and education services worth $20,000 to help them apply for and receive acceptance into their desired university.......
See full article HERE

From ownership to stewardship: how Te ao Māori is changing water management in New Zealand
Growing up next to Tāngonge, a wetland in the far north of New Zealand, has given stormwater engineer Troy Brockbank a lifelong passion for water and a desire to bring a Te ao Māori (Indigenous Māori worldview) to helping protect it.

“Troy is sure to spark an interesting discussion about how we can share knowledge and learn from our respective experiences about how to promote stewardship of natural resources, better the way we incorporate Indigenous values and traditional ecological knowledge into water management and planning, and assure that Traditional Owners have a permanent voice in decision making,” Hatt said.

Brockbank said he has seen the country’s approach to water shift as an awareness of Te ao Māori and kaitiakitanga (stewardship and protection of natural resources) has grown.

He said there needs to be more Māori participation in the engineering industry, but that everyone, Indigenous or not, should be empowered to embrace Indigenous culture.

“There’s a place for Indigenous knowledge and we can learn a lot from it,” Brockbank said....
See full article HERE

Māori Council ups fight for fair deal
The New Zealand Māori Council has set itself an ambitious programme including action on water, housing, health, poverty, environment and justice.

Auckland District Māori Council chair Matthew Tukaki says a hui of regional chairs in Wellington over the weekend showed a new sense of purpose as the organisation moves past the struggles over leadership of recent years

Government needs to stop saying 'Your treaty settlement, this is what you have got the money for.' No it's not. That treaty settlement is ours to do what we want with. You should be providing the funding for essential services, just like you are to other New Zealanders," Mr Tukaki says.....
See full article HERE

NCEA pass rates fall for Year 11, 12, Māori and Pasifika
The percentage of Year 11 students gaining NCEA level one has fallen to its lowest level in five years because some schools are focusing on level two of the qualification, the Education Ministry says.

For example, the percentage of Year 12 students achieving the critical NCEA level two qualification was 80.8 percent for girls, 74 percent for boys, 68.1 percent for Māori, 81.2 percent for Europeans, and 69.3 percent for students at schools in deciles 1-3.

Achievement rates for NCEA level three in Year 13 ranged from 76.5 percent in schools in deciles 8-10 to 56.8 percent for schools in deciles 1-3.....
See full article HERE

Māori PR Firm Launches to Support Growing Iwi Economy
A growing Māori economy is now boosting demand for more specialist services, prompting one Tauranga agency to launch a Māori-focused public relations firm....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

28 April  2019

Gardiner keen to harvest Māori seat votes
A former Māori vice president of the National Party wants to see the party reverse its policy of not standing candidates in the Māori seats.

List MP Joanne Hayes wants to stand in Te Tai Hauauru, but that would require leader Simon Bridges and the party council scrapping the policy instituted by former leader Don Brash and maintained by John Key and Bill English.

Sir Harawira Gardiner, whose loyalty to the party was tested by Dr Brash’s 2004 Orewa Speech, says a change is necessary for the party’s future electoral prospects.

The fact is every vote is a winning vote and when we come down a position where National doesn't have any natural partners, it has to capitalise on any opportunity," he says.......
See full article HERE

Speech: Mahuta - UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
• In New Zealand, the Treaty of Waitangi, in combination with other legal and constitutional frameworks, are the foundation upon which standards for Māori engagement, and participation are based.

• In 2017, we established the Māori Crown Relations portfolio. The creation of the portfolio signals our government’s commitment to a healthy relationship with iwi/Māori. The designation of this role will also provide greater oversight for the government’s engagement with iwi/Māori......
See full article HERE

MP Louisa Wall's warning for media after 'racist' cartoons
Louisa Wall says she's been thinking about how to limit racism in the media for years now since a failed legal bid.

It comes after the Human Rights Tribunal ruled that two comics which portrayed Maori and Pasifika as alcoholic chain smokers exploiting free school lunches did not promote racial disharmony.

Wall told Heather du Plessis-Allan if the editors had a "duty of care", they may have thought harder about the harm publishing the cartoons may have caused.

She says if the law won't deal with something like that, then perhaps the editors should.

"A duty of care would put the onus on the publishers to not put it out in the first place."....
See full article HERE

Tauranga holiday programme teaches rangatahi about Māori land wars
It was one of the fiercest battles of the Waikato war fought at Rangiriri in 1863.

And for the school holidays, a group of Tauranga rangatahi studied and re-enacted that history, even travelling over the Kaimais to visit the Rangiriri Pā site.

"It does make me feel a little bit angry for what the Pākehā done to us, but that's in the past," he said. "We've moved aside all of our differences, and Māori are finally getting back our land.".....
See full article HERE

Kelvin Davis announces Te Tai Tokerau will be the first region to run a kaupapa which will grow Māori leaders
Te Tai Tokerau will be the first region to run a kaupapa which will grow Maori leaders by challenging mainstream ideas of education and reclaiming traditional Māori knowledge.

"Back in the day our tūpuna (ancestors), when they became experts in a particular field they became real experts.

"This is about extending mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) beyond what we normally know, and creating experts beyond what is taught at any school."

Davis said over the years the Crown had suppressed Māori knowledge and he believed the Government had an obligation to assist Māori to reclaim it.

"I don't really want people to think that's the end all and be all and say 'Oh what's that qualification going to get you?' It actually steps you into the Māori world in a way that people haven't been able to for 150 to 200 years." ....
See full article HERE

Tā moko marks milestone in whakapapa journey for NZ Defence Minister
Minister of Defence Ron Mark has received his first tā moko acknowledging his genealogical connection to his Te Arawa and Ngāti Raukawa ancestry.

"It's taken us a while to really understand, to learn more about our whakapapa and being raised the way I was I had no connection with my Māori side at all for many, many years," says Minister Mark.....
See full article HERE

Minister congratulates Ākarana Sarah whānau on housing
Minister for Māori Development and Associate Minister of Housing Hon Nanaia Mahuta congratulated whānau from Bridge Pa, near Hastings for their vision of building homes on their ancestral land.

Te Puni Kōkiri invested $376,661 towards infrastructure costs to assist the Ākarana Sarah Whānau Trust with their seven home papakāinga development near Bridge Pa, Hastings.

“Their vision is to live in a whānau oriented community, on ancestral land, in a community that supports Māori achievement through sustainable healthy living and education,” says Nanaia Mahuta........
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

27 April  2019

Did you know Waikato Māori refused to fight in WWI?
While it’s common to think that support for the war effort in 1914-18 was more or less unanimous in New Zealand, the reality was quite different.

After the outbreak of war, Waikato and Maniapoto were the only iwi to volunteer for service, under the leadership of Sir Apirana Ngata and Sir Māui Pōmare. Meanwhile, many Māori from Taranaki and Tainui-Waikato resisted the call to fight for ‘King and Country’.

It had only been 50 years since the first Taranaki war and invasion of the Waikato, which led to widespread land confiscation. Considering many pakeke who had experienced the New Zealand Wars and their aftermath were still alive by the time WWI broke out, Māori of military age were inclined to stay at home......
See full article HERE

"There is a debt from my country to the Māori community" - Italian ambassador
Nearly 30,000 NZ soldiers lost their lives in World War I and World War II, with more than 2000 buried in cemeteries throughout Italy. To commemorate that special connection, an honoured guest , Italian ambassador Fabrizio Marcelli, was hosted by Ngāti Hori, Ngāti Toa Harapaki in Hawke's Bay today.

Marcelli says, “The NZ soldiers, the Māori combatants of the battalion gave a lot in terms of lives, blood and hardship when they fought in Italy for our liberation, as I said in my speech, today is not just Anzac Day, it is also Italy's liberation day.”

203 of those soldiers who paid the ultimate price in Italy were from the 28th Māori Battalion, while over 880 more Māori soldiers were injured. To this day, they are held in high regard by the people of Italy.......
See full article HERE

Veteran calls for lives lost during NZ Land Wars to be honoured
However, by remembering those who served their country, Te Arawa Māori Returned Services League president Te Kei Merito, also wants to see the lives of those who fought during the New Zealand Land Wars honoured the same as those on ANZAC Day.

The Malay veteran says its time the thousands of lives lost in the New Zealand land wars to be honoured in the same way.

Merito says, "I feel for our ancestors who lost their lives. They were jailed without trial in South Island caves. Some died of hypothermia."......
See full article HERE

Ngāpuhi hui to aim at uniting 110 hapū on treaty settlement
The country's biggest iwi Ngāpuhi will meet in Whangarei tomorrow to find a new way forward for its treaty settlement, following a failed attempt to renew its mandate last year.

"It's clear that the hapū of Ngāpuhi do not support a centralised mandate model," she said.

"It's time for us to re-form and look at how best to move forward as large natural groupings according to the tikanga and the desires of hapū.......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

26 April  2019

A monument to Māori exploration planned for site of Cook's landing
A new monument is being built at the Puhi Kai Iti site in Gisborne, also known as 'Cooks landing site', to acknowledge 1,000 years of Māori navigation to Aotearoa. The development will coincide with the Tuia - Encounters 250 by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, which will commemorate 250 years since the arrival of Captain Cook.

“To share and discuss, to debate, to cry if you like, to mourn those that were killed by Cook here, but also to celebrate as a community us embracing 1,000 years of our existence here in Te Tairāwhiti.”......
See full article HERE

Māori land saved and nurtured for future generations
Today marks a milestone in efforts to protect threatened species and biodiversity on nearly 7,000 hectares of privately owned Māori land in the central North Island. A pact between landowners, the Minister of Conservation and Ngā Whenua Rāhui has been signed, giving rise to eco-tourism opportunities, predator-free strategies and other land management plans.

The trust represents more than 3,500 owners for the piece of land. Their goals compliment the long-term strategy of the Department of Conservation (DOC) and those of the government.

Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage says, “The putea from Ngā Whenua Rahui provides $1.7 million that will help the Owhaoko Trust protect their lands, provide funding for pest control, deer, possums, rats, weeds like Pinus contorta wilding and pruning gorse.

The $1.7mil will also support local Māori in their existing eco-toursim ventures and assist increased public connection with nature and heritage in the Kāweka and Kaimanawa Forest Parks.

Ngā Whenua Rahui deputy chair Kevin Prime says, “This is one of the largest blocks of land that we’ve signed. From here we will head over to Tūhoe to sign a covenant for 10,000ha.”.....
See full article HERE

Stories of Māori Battalion must be retold - Ardern
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says stories about the Māori Battalion and other Māori soldiers who served throughout history need to be retold “because all of those stories are so rich and part of who we are and we need to hear them”.

The 28th Māori Battalion served during WWII between 1940 and 1945. Almost 3,600 men served and 649 were killed in action or died on active service.

Ardern says, “We’re doing everything that we can to make sure that, particularly, the contribution of Māori Battalion and those contributions, that history, continues to be retold.”.....
See full article HERE

The state of the NZDF today
Right now, the NZDF is one of the largest employers of Māori in New Zealand. 1,904 personnel identify as Māori , which is around 12.5% of the entire force of just under 16,000.....
See full article HERE

Prince William given Maori greeting in Christchurch
The Duke of Cambridge was greeted with a traditional Maori nose rub from New Zealand's prime minister as he began his two-day tour of the country.

Prince William performed a hongi with Jacinda Ardern as he was welcomed in Auckland at the start of the trip.......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

25 April  2019

Wakatū unites Te Tauihu for long term plan
Wakatū Incorporation has teamed up with the Nelson-Tasman Regional Development Agency and its council partners to develop an intergenerational growth strategy for the region, Te Tauihu 2077.

The initiative has secured $400,000 from the Provincial Growth Fund for the next nine months.

The steering committee includes three mayors, representatives from Iwi, the Nelson-Tasman and Marlborough Chambers of Commerce, the Nelson-Marlborough Institute of Technology, and representatives from regional businesses.

Wakatū is owned by 4,000 Māori families who descend from the traditional land owners of Nelson, Motueka and Golden Bay......
See full article HERE

Te Kawa Matakura – nurturing excellence in young Māori leaders
Te Kawa Matakura aims to provide opportunity for rangatahi to deepen their knowledge and experience of te ao Māori, to grow their leadership potential.

Te Kawa Matakura aims to grow and nurture young Māori leaders and role models, through the teaching and learning of local traditional knowledge, language and customs......
See full article HERE

Whakatōhea Treaty negotiations to reopen
Treaty of Waitangi Minister Andrew Little has decided to continue pushing ahead with negotiations with Whakatōhea while a Tribunal inquiry into historical grievances is carried out.

The Eastern Bay of Plenty iwi voted overwhelmingly to halt its Treaty negotiations with the Crown last year, after a damning report by the Waitangi Tribunal said negotiations were being rushed, in order for the government to achieve its objective of finalising all Treaty settlements by 2020......
See full article HERE

A lack of knowledge of Māori culture blamed for breach of rāhui at Mermaid Pools
More than 100 visitors were turned away while less than that number made their way to the popular Mermaid Pools in Matapouri despite a rāhui being in force.

But the local hapu has put the situation over the Easter long weekend down to unfamiliarity with Māori culture rather than a blatant disregard for the rāhui that was put in place last Friday......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

24 April  2019

Andrew Little accused of steamrolling opposition and continuing with Treaty settlement
Treaty Negotiations Minister Andrew Little is again being accused of steamrolling ahead to finalise treaty settlements despite desperate pleas for him to stop.

The Eastern Bay of Plenty iwi Whakatōhea voted overwhelmingly to halt its Treaty negotiations with the Crown last year, but the minister has since signalled his intention to continue.

Mr Little said he hoped to have a Waitangi Tribunal Inquiry in place as soon as possible......
See full article HERE

The first 'te reo Māori' capital city in the world
Wellington Mayor Justin Lester has set his sights on being the first 'Te Reo Māori Capital City' in the world. A formal agreement has been signed between the Wellington City Council and the Māori Language Commission.The two organisations will work together on projects across the whole of Wellington but with a primary focus on the city centre, and in public events, research, and promoting te reo Māori......
See full article HERE

Iwi board delays Benneydale / Te Māniaiti naming decision
A decision on changing the name of the town Benneydale has been delayed to allow for more consultation.

The Maniapoto Māori Trust Board lodged an application with the New Zealand Geographic Board to change the name to Benneydale / Māniaiti.

The proposal was met with widespread opposition in the Waitomo District town.

The Geographic Board's decision has been delayed until 31 May to allow the board to hold more consultation with locals.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

23 April  2019

National MP Jo Hayes keen to stand in Māori electorate
National List MP Jo Hayes is keen to go home and represent her people in Te Tai Hauauru, one of seven Māori electorates.

It's an unusual stance for a National MP to take.

The last time National stood candidates in the Māori seats was in 2002. Two years later, then leader Don Brash decided against it after criticising the electorates in his controversial Orewa speech.

But Hayes believed it was time for National to reconsider its Māori vote.

She said Labour had failed to deliver for Māori despite boasting about having the largest ever Māori caucus, including all seven Māori seats.

"We know the views of Winston when it came to Whānau Ora, when it comes to targeting Māori. He says, 'Why should Māori get special treatment?'"

"Māori need special treatment because colonisation actually occurred for them, now we are seeing the results of that and it needs to be fixed," said Hayes.....
See full article HERE

Māori asset base now past $40b
The Māori asset base has grown past $40 billion but there is a warning of barriers to continued rapid growth.

"We have certain obligations that didn't end on February 6, 1840. It's about ongoing respect, rights and privileges. We need to support Māori to develop as Māori. We have to acknowledge that there's Māori culture, Māori stories and we have to provide for that."....
See full article HERE

Push to teach New Zealand history in schools becomes more desperate
New Zealand history is a story full of blood and betrayal - but even teachers in our state schools admit they don't know enough.

And that's where Tamsin Hanly comes in. She's mortgaged her house to create Critical Histories of Aotearoa, a teaching programme she sells to schools.

"We were discussing that the early settlers, the Māori people, were actually scientists and they were mathematical and the way we perceive the intelligence they had is completely different to what the reality is," Gilmore said.

"There are actually three versions of the Treaty - the English version, the Māori version, then the Māori version translated into English, and they're quite different. So what everyone thought they'd signed wasn't actually the same," Cormack says......
See full article HERE

Northland marae's concern for wāhi tapu
A Northland marae concerned about the desecration of its wāhi tapu has erected signs at two nearby beaches calling on motor vehicles to stay out of the area.

Haititai Marangai Marae in Karikari Peninsula has raised concerns about "the continued desecration of our wāhi tapu (sacred areas), archaeological sites and dune vegetation" and asked for respect and support for a kaupapa to ban motor vehicles from the sand dunes at Tokerau Beach and Puwheke......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

22 April  2019

Beleaguered Waitangi Treaty Grounds get $1m Government grant to help recover from fraud
The Government has made a grant of $1 million to the trust that runs the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, to help it recover from fraud.

The Waitangi National Trust took a hit in 2107 when a manager, Wallace Te Ahuru, siphoned $1.2 million out of its bank account.

He was jailed for eight years in February.

The Ministry of Culture and Heritage said the fraud was sophisticated; the money could not be recovered and the trust faced possible insolvency.

It says the million-dollar grant from the ministry's baseline funding will support essential services at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.......
See full article HERE

Select committee weighs options for land occupied by Māori in Auckland
The Māori Affairs select committee is considering the case of contested land intended for a major housing project near Auckland airport.

Ihumātao is owned by Fletcher Building, which has a 480-property development planned for the site.

For the past two years a group of mana whenua and locals who hold the land sacred have occupied it in an effort to stop the development going ahead.

The group behind the campaign, Save Our Unique Landscape (SOUL), wants the government to buy the land or "mandate a process that comes up with an outcome everyone can live with"......
See full article HERE

Mayor explores chances of returning a $16m island to local ownership
Should a $16 million privately-owned island close to Nelson city be returned to local ownership, and if so how?

Reese said she was prepared to take a case to Nelson City Council for the council to make a contribution towards a purchase that would support greater opportunities for increased public access, conservation initiatives, and strengthened iwi links.

She had also had some initial discussions with local iwi, before the Pigeon Valley bushfire and drought diverted attention from the Pepin Island sale, and would now pick up those conversations.

"In terms of a transfer of ownership ... the first party, in my view, that has the right to have those discussions is mana whenua."

"One option would be for the Crown to buy it and return it to iwi via settlement, given the significance of the land to iwi," spokesperson Jaqui Ngawaka said.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

21 April  2019

Many NZ species at risk of extinction according to shocking report
Many of our country's indigenous species are threatened with extinction, that is according to a report released today by the Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ titled Environment Aotearoa 2019.

The ministry really needs to look at their advisory panels, they need to think really hard about involving iwi in every aspect of their research and conclusions."

Actually a synthesis of the Māori view of sustainable use of the environment and of Pākehā conservation traditions is going to be essential...so Forest and Bird are certainly looking for partnerships with iwi.".....
See full article HERE

PM visits Waipatu Marae, Hastings
“I acknowledge Louisa Wall, Kelvin Davis, Willie Jackson, and especially Meka Whaitiri," said Ardern, "She has maintained that spirit that Parekura [Horomia] had, working always on behalf and for the people, and Meka, I acknowledge that- that is exactly who you are and what you do.”

Despite the positive atmosphere, the iwi still put their issues to the government.

Ngahiwi Tomoana, the chair of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, said, “We offer to the prime minister today that we have local solutions to local problems if the government could relax some of its own laws and structures and bureaucracy around us to find our own solutions.”.....
See full article HERE

Treaty claim against Minister of Education on reforms
There are yet more concerns with the government's reforms on vocational education, with the Waitangi Tribunal today confirming that a claim regarding the issue has been submitted. Fears are also growing amongst faculty members who say the reforms would result in job losses.

The Waitangi Tribunal told Te Ao Māori News that the Industry Training Organisation Skills Active submitted a Treaty Claim against the reforms.....
See full article HERE

Auction of 19th century Māori-themed toothpaste lid slammed as 'appalling' by academic
A 19th century toothpaste lid bearing an image of a Māori chief is poised to fetch $15,000 at auction in Upper Hutt tonight.

A senior lecturer in Māori studies at Auckland University Ella Henry says she’s “appalled” people will bid for it. But she hopes that someone who understands that it is cultural appropriation buys it and gifts it to the nation as an example of cultural appropriation.

An 1880s soft drink bottle depicting Māori chief Tamati Waka Nene is also up for auction. Ms Henry says his iwi, Ngati Hine, will be “outraged to know that their ancestor, one of their great chiefs, is being abused and used in this way”......
See full article HERE

Rāhui to protect Mātapouri Mermaid Pools
An official rāhui has been placed over one of New Zealand's popular destinations, the Mātapouri Mermaid pools. To mark the occasion, the local hapū unveiled a guardian post, a prohibition marker to help restore the pools to a healthier state.

The rāhui will remain until the iwi are confident the pools have returned to a healthier state.....
See full article HERE

Vocational reform threatens Māori education taonga
A contemporary Treaty of Waitangi claim filed on Thursday is further evidence of growing opposition to the government’s proposed Reform of Vocational Education, according to Skills Active Board member Des Ratima, who lodged the claim at the Waitangi Tribunal in Wellington.

“Our claim asserts that the government has failed to recognise and provide for Māori taonga, namely vocational education; and failed to honour the principle of partnership under the Treaty,” says Mr Ratima, who last year was made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit for his services to Māori over many decades.

“Māori tenaciously hold to the ‘three Ps’ of the Māori-Crown relationship: Participation, Partnership and Protection. This reform offends all three.”.......
See full article HERE

Wellington city's te reo ambitions supported with partnership
The capital is beefing up its commitment to embrace te reo Māori.

A formal agreement has been signed between the Wellington City Council and the Māori Language Commission, Te Taura Whiri.

The two organisations will work together on projects in the city centre, public events, research, and promoting both English and Māori languages, said the city's mayor, Justin Lester.

"Te reo will be a key part of everybody's everyday lives. That'll be if you're at the library, at the swimming pool, even if you're at your local school, or even if you're at a retail outlet.

Last year the council passed a new policy to support and develop te reo in the city, including increasing the visibility of the languate through signage, and promoting te reo place names........
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

20 April  2019

Iwi appeals DOC decision to gift land to Moriori 
Plans by the Department of Conservation to gift 1,200 hectares of land to Moriori on the Chatham Islands are being challenged in the Court of Appeal today in Wellington.

The Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri Iwi Trust claim they have the rights to the land as mana whenua.

The Director of Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri Asset Holding Tom McClurg says, "Our view on the Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri side is that shared interest are best dealt with by shared arrangements. So either land should stay with DOC [The Department of Conservation] and then the Crown can deal with both iwi as Treaty partners or, if its vested, the vesting should involve both iwi.

"Both Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri and Moriori have overlapping customary interest in Taia."......
See full article HERE

New $3.7m housing development signals new era for Christchurch marae
A nearly $4 million plan to build half a dozen houses at a Christchurch marae marks the end of a long fight for iwi to live on ancestral land.

The government has announced it will build six homes at Tuahiwi marae near Kaiapoi, and will repair sixty houses in the region.

"It is probably timely for a conversation on how much our tribal authorities have real regulatory authority on reserved Māori land.

"If we control the infrastructure, there has to be a question over the role of local government.".....
See full article HERE

Chatham iwi may acquire stake in seafloor phosphate project
Chatham Islands iwi groups may invest in a project to mine seafloor phosphates in the region if they can agree on a marine consent application for the project 450 kilometres east of Christchurch.

Developer Chatham Rock Phosphate has executed an information sharing and collaboration agreement with the asset holding company of Ngati Mutunga O Wharekauri. The pair have agreed to work together to develop an application that meets the environmental, economic, social and cultural objectives of both parties.....
See full article HERE

Minister goes to the UN to plead indigenous rights
The Minister for Māori Development, Hon Nanaia Mahuta will go to the United Nations this Easter to argue the case for Indigenous Peoples’ rights around the world.

Minister Mahuta will be speaking several times at the Permanent Forum of the UN from Monday the 22nd of April. She will also attend a World Indigenous Business Forum roundtable discussion.

“I want to promote what Aotearoa New Zealand is doing to address indigenous issues. I know that tikanga Māori must add value to this country’s international reputation.

“I will emphasise that our indigenous development is fundamental to stronger relationships between indigenous peoples and their governments.
See full article HERE
More on the above here > New Zealand aims to be first with UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples plan 

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

18 April  2019

Labour's Māori ministers have achieved little for their people - so far
Māori Principals' Association, Te Akatea President Myles Ferris disagrees. He wants compulsory te reo Māori in all schools and says the mainstream school system won't work effectively for Māori.

"Our system is racist," he says.

"We've got racist policies and assimilation policies. This system has been under-delivering for Māori for the past 150 years and continues to under-deliver.

"There are too many policies and procedures in the current system that have a negative effect on Māori student achievement and Māori education as a whole."

Ferris says Māori educationists have the answers but every time they get involved and a programme is funded, it's just as quickly taken away.

His association wants a Māori Secretary of Education and a Māori Minister of Education that role to report to......
See full article HERE

Minister launches employment scheme for urban rangatahi
Pae Aronui, a skills and employment initiative for urban rangatahi was launched in Hamilton today by Employment and Associate Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson.

“Pae Aronui offers us an opportunity to improve the profile of Māori in the labour market. Rather than being over-represented in low-skilled occupations and industries vulnerable to economic changes, we want more Māori in higher-skilled roles in growth industries,” Willie Jackson says.

The Government allocated $15 million in Budget 2018 to support outcomes for rangatahi Māori that enhance the skills and employment opportunities. The funding supports the wider aims of He Poutama Rangatahi – the government strategy aimed at getting more rangatahi into employment......
See full article HERE

Wellington to get two new environmental murals
Wellington to get two new environmental murals as local artists win national award

Two Wellington artists have won national awards for their environmental mural designs as part of the Keep New Zealand Beautiful (KNZB) Nature Murals competition.

Isobel Te Aho-White’s mural design entitled ‘Whenua Ataahua’ is proposed for the side of Newtown Mall on Riddiford Street. Her proposed mural design comes from the perspective of matauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) around preserving our whenua (land). In her submission Isobel said the mural is a mix of traditional Māori and illustrative elements which create a contemporary design acknowledging indigenous wisdom around environmental issues in our current times.....
See full article HERE

Korako keen to regain tino rangatiratanga
National MP Nuk Korako says he’s keen to resume working with his own Ngāi Tahu people once he leaves parliament next month.

"I am not going to any other political party, I am not going to any other organisation. I'm actually going to do things the way I want to do it, with my own tino rangatiratanga. I am not going to work for anyone but I may work with them, particularly my own iwi. I will work with them for the betterment of our people," Mr Korako says.....
See full article HERE

Te reo roll-out for Auckland's Link buses
Auckland's InnerLink buses are set to offer next stop announcements in te reo Māori following the success of Māori language messages on the city's trains.

Bilingual announcements were introduced on the city's train network in June last year and plans are now underway to extend the service to the InnerLink buses....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

17 April  2019

Minister announces $3.7m for Ōtautahi Community projects
Minister for Māori Development and Associate Minister of Housing, Hon Nanaia Mahuta announced a $3.7m investment for community development in the Ōtautahi (Christchurch) region today.

The project will include a six home papakāinga development at Tuahiwi marae, 60 community-led housing repairs across four marae in the region, home maintenance workshops, and Sorted Kainga ora programmes totalling $3.7 million......
See full article HERE

Water important for New Zealanders 
“Māori cultural values must also be at the centre of decision making. In particular, Māori have rangatira and kaitiaki rights over water, guaranteed in Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Marama Davidson says.....
See full article HERE

Are govt petitions hosting racism?
A petition being hosted on a government website urging an 'end to all measures that give special treatment to Māori' is being called out by many Māori at a time when Kiwis are being urged to shun racism and hate speech. It comes as reports emerge of anti-Māori pamphlets being distributed in Auckland and questions being asked of government about what more can be done to prevent the spread of hate speech.

The Petition of Sarah Thompson to "End special treatment for Māori" may not come as any great surprise to Māori familiar with Dr Brash's now infamous Orewa speech......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

16 April  2019

Government launches $12.2m programme to bolster te reo Maori in classrooms
"Normalising" the use of te reo Māori is behind a $12.2 million Government-funded initiative to get teachers and support staff speaking the language in the classroom.

The first part of the Te Ahu o te Reo Māori programme was launched at Parliament on Monday which will see educators go through interactive Māori lessons so they can feel more comfortable using phrases with students.

The programme will be piloted in Waikato, Taranaki-Whanganui, Kāpiti-Horowhenua and Te Waipounamu (South Island) - regions chosen because the Māori classroom populations were expected to increase by 20 per cent over the next four years......
See full article HERE
More on the above here > Delivering on our plan to integrate te reo Māori into education

New van critical for Huringa Pai Charitable Trust
NZCT has given a significant grant of $66,000 to Gisborne’s Huringa Pai Charitable Trust, which has made the purchase of a new 18-seat van possible.

The grant is a big boost to Huringa Pai and the local community. It will remove two significant barriers to whānau participating in the Trust’s activities - affordability and transport. Huringa Pai’s activities focus on helping local whānau combat diabetes through supporting their healthy living and include exercise, healthy eating, budgeting and dietary and lifestyle support......
See full article HERE

Finlayson slams Tamihere claim evidence
Former Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson has made the unusual step of appearing before the Waitangi Tribunal into its hearing on Hauraki Overlapping Claims.

In his written brief he described much of the evidence put up by Ngāti Porou ki Hauraki negotiator John Tamihere as fiction.

He rejected the suggestion the crown was looking for a quick settlement or that it would attempt settlement in disregard of neighbouring iwi rights and interests.

His concern was to create just and durable settlements with the crown......
See full article HERE

Midwifery Workforce Accord Welcomed
• Develop a strategy to better support midwives in training, with a particular focus on Māori and Pacific midwives,....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

15 April  2019

Could ocean credits be the new carbon credits?
A northern iwi is considering a tradeable system, where iwi could forgo their fishing quota in exchange for environment credits - and the idea is gaining momentum.

Iwi Māori own half of New Zealand's fishing quota, which allows them to harvest around 300,000 tonnes of seafood each year.

While Ngāti Kurī owns just a small portion of this quota, a new environment plan has them asking confronting questions of their own commercial fishing practices.

Sheridan Waitai, the iwi's strategic relations manager, says people - her iwi included - need to get around the perceived entitlement, that fish is the commodity. And she warns if we don't have the right balance in the ocean's ecosystem, things will die.....
See full article HERE

Waikato-Tainui signs agreement with Oranga Tamariki
Waikato-Tainui has signed an agreement with Oranga Tamariki with the goal of keeping its children out of state care.

The agreement was signed in Ngāruawāhia at the Waikato Tainui College for Research and Development today and was also attended by Minister for Children Tracey Martin and Minister for Māori Development Nanaia Mahuta.

As part of the agreement, Waikato-Tainui will work alongside Oranga Tamariki to ensure children in state care are placed with or connected to their whānau, hapū, iwi and cultural identity.

The two organisations will also share information and will set targets to improve outcomes for Waikato-Tainui tamariki......
See full article HERE

Māori success to be focus of new polytech model
A polytechnic that supports tertiary reforms says Māori success within industry training organisations can continue under the new proposed model.

She said Māori ownership of the new model was critical to close the gaps between Māori and non-Māori.

"It's important that Māori are represented at a governance and a senior management or executive level."

She said there should also be a charter to ensure that Māori representation at these levels was protected......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

13 April  2019

Promises lost in council bureacracy
The head of Auckland’s Independent Māori Statutory Board says Auckland Council still hasn’t worked out how it can deliver on the commitments it has made to Māori.

David Taipari says the fault lies not with the council’s Māori staff but with all departments and council controlled organisations, even though some like Watercare are making an effort.

He says according to the budgets and plans agreed between the board and council, there should be up to $15 million a year for projects and outcomes benefitting Māori.

He says there may be a need for a specific position within Auckland Council dedicated to making progress for Māori, rather than responsibility being spread too thin.......
See full article HERE

Misspelled Māori Wellington place and street names may be fixed
A move to support te reo Māori by the Wellington City Council has prompted a review of Māori place and street names.

As part of the council's policy to "lead the way in making the [Māori] language a core part of the cultural fabric and identity of our city", the spelling of Wellington place and street names are being scrutinised.....
See full article HERE

Northland marae bans women from site during building phase
A ban on women at a marae building site could deter young women from working in construction, according to a company which encourages Māori and Pasifika people to learn trades.

Mokau Marae in Helena Bay, 46km north-east of Whangārei, has banned women from its grounds while its wharekai (kitchen) and wharenui (main meeting room) are built. The work is expected to be finished in 2020.

A sign on the marae's gate reads: "Please respect our tikanga. No women allowed by order of the Marae Committee."....
See full article HERE

Concern for Māori children needs to be system wide
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says while there needs to be a strong voice for Māori children within state care, a Māori children’s commissioner may not be the way to achieve that.

"The one thing I want to be sure of is we don't simply assume if we had a specific Māori children's commissioner, we don't lose sight of the fact it's in our everyday workings within Oranga Tamariki we need to have that focus and it's not simply one person's job, it needed to be embedded across all of our system," she says.......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

12 April  2019

Hikoi confronts Phil Goff over Ihumātao development
Mana whenua of land that is set to have 480 homes built on it say they're prepared to put their bodies on the line to stop the development from going ahead.

A hikoi ending in Auckland's Aotea Square today saw a 20,000-signature petition delivered to Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, calling for local council and government to protect of Ihumātao.

Ihumātao is located next to the Ōtuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve in Mangere - home to New Zealand's earliest gardens and a significant archaeological site on land considered wahi tapu, or sacred, by local hapū and iwi......
See full article HERE

"Beer bottles everywhere!" - Secondary school kapa haka judges removed from Whangārei motel
A Northland motelier is calling for accountability after she says her premises were trashed following the Te Tai Tokerau Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Regionals at the weekend.

She says she removed numerous judges at the event on Sunday morning, after drunken behaviour at the Whangārei motel.

Up to 15 people were asked to vacate Whangārei's Motel Sierra early on Sunday morning, after what the owners describe as "drunken behaviour.".....
See full article HERE

The clash between science and silence
A case of a rare beetle, a university and a contract clause is emblematic of a wider issue where commercial contracts can clash with public interest and academic freedom of speech.

Lincoln University was silenced for over two months due to a clause in a research contract with South Island iwi Ngāi Tahu which forced it to seek written permission before speaking publicly.

Repeated attempts by journalists to discover the fate of an endangered beetlecould not be answered by scientists working in the only location they have been found.

The issue relates to the Eyrewell forest in Canterbury, returned to Ngāi Tahu as part of a treaty settlement in 2000. Since its return it’s been stripped of the plantation pine a rare beetle lived in and converted to intensive dairying by Ngāi Tahu Farming. When the conversion is complete the former pine forest will be home to around 14,000 cows......
See full article HERE

Māori land must be exempt from capital gains tax
The exemption of hapū and iwi held land is essential to the integrity of a capital gains tax. Unlike property developers and investors, Māori will not make a capital gain from their land. Because of Crown abuse, they have lost capital.

By 1975, Māori had about 3 per cent of their land. The other 97 per cent certainly wasn't sold for a capital gain.

When the Treaty claims settlements came along, Iwi Chairs Forum spokesman Ngahiwi Tomoana said Māori settled for about 2 per cent of the value of their claims.

"We already think we have been taxed 98 per cent of our Treaty settlement," he told RNZ's Te Manu Korihi......
See full article HERE

Rotorua Lakes seeks bridge to iwi
The council, Te Tatau o Te Arawa and Te Arawa Lakes Trust have joined forces to recruit a leader to guide council's relationship with the iwi.

Chief executive Geoff Williams says Ngāti Whakaue kaumātua Monty Morrison is stepping down from the kaitiaki ahurea Māori role to give him more time to fulfill his tribal leadership commitments.

He says the new Te Ahurei position won't try to replicate what Mr Morrison did but will build on what was just the first part of the journey.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

11 April  2019

Māori demand reform to justice system
Māori justice advocates have renewed the fight for a separate justice system for Māori, saying the outcomes for them are still getting worse and they should be able to take the lead under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

"There needs to be a whole new clean slate because all the laws and all the rules at the moment is made from Pākehā, which seems to be working for Pākehā but is not working for Māori, so we need to get back on that power and get the 50 percent power so we can have a say in who makes rules and the laws in Aotearoa.

Prisons did not exist in Māori culture before colonisation and there were resounding calls at the hui to adopt a traditional Māori approach, where people are held accountable to their whānau and iwi and supported through adversity.

Justice Minister Andrew Little agreed that the current system was not working and told Morning Report it needed to be looked at.

"The way the system is dealing with Māori who wind up in the criminal justice system clearly isn't working."......
See full article HERE

Harawira's Ngāpuhi parliament sideshow to economic empowerment
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says while former MP Hone Harawira’s call for a Ngāpuhi parliament is well intentioned, it’s not the answer to the social and economic woes of the north.

He says there may well be a need for a central forum rather than allowing the iwi to fragment, and Mr Harawira’s idea seems to be based on the Kotahitanga movement of the 1890s.
See full article HERE

Polytechnics back change.
An alliance representing more than half the students enrolled in polytechnics has backed the Government’s three-pronged tertiary education reforms.

The Chief Executive of Unitec, Merran Davis, said Māori ownership of the new model was also critical, because it would assist in closing the gap between success rates of Māori and non-Māori students......
See full article HERE

Hawke's Bay community want Treaty of Waitangi principles applied to liquor laws
Flaxmere community leaders fighting the renewal of a bottle store's liquor licence are hoping to set legal precedence by arguing that the Treaty of Waitangi principles should apply to liquor laws.

Their lawyer Janet Mason argued Treaty of Waitangi principals should apply to the Sale and Supply of Liquor Act given 58 percent of the community was Māori.

Other Māori and Pacific Island communities were watching this case as it could set a precedent, she said.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

10 April  2019

Work gets under way on plan for implementation of UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People 
Nine years after New Zealand agreed to sign up to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in relation to Māori, the Government has announced it will begin work on developing a plan to implement it.

The New Zealand Maori Council said last week it would develop benchmarks to hold the Government to account on progress on the aspirations of the Declaration.

This is an opportunity to really throw those doors open and like the Prime Minister said at Waitangi – hold the Government to account. At Maori Council we choose to do that in a much more meaningful way with solutions," he said.....
See full article HERE

Consultation on high country land management closing soon
Stretching from Marlborough to Southland, the land covers around 1.2 million hectares, nearly five percent of New Zealand.

Feedback is also being sought on how the Crown can better implement Treaty of Waitangi responsibilities regarding Crown pastoral land.....
See full article HERE

Lawyers’ group says flawed bill will kill vulnerable Kiwis
Lawyers who specialise in the protection of vulnerable New Zealanders say the End of Life Choice Bill is a danger to the elderly, the ill, the frail, the neglected, the poor and the lonely. Lawyer Richard McLeod and disability rights advocate and former legal academic Dr Huhana Hickey say that the Bill, which is the subject of a Justice Select Committee Report tabled in Parliament today, will disproportionately affect the nation’s voiceless.

Threat to Māori
The lawyers say that the proposed bill poses a particular threat to Māori, who are disproportionately represented in New Zealand's suicide, terminal illness and chronic sickness rates, and in the areas of mental health and disability.

“Government has social policy responsibilities toward Māori under Article 3 of the Treaty of Waitangi,” says Hickey. “This Bill threatens vulnerable Māori who are old, sick or disabled and who are already being failed by our health system according to a large claim currently before the Waitangi Tribunal.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

9 April  2019

Iwi want exemptions for Treaty assets if capital gains tax introduced
Iwi say they have paid enough tax on Treaty settlement money and must get exemptions if a capital gains tax is introduced.

"Our treaty settlements, they were only settled at two percent of their real value, and we already think we have been taxed 98 percent of our treaty settlement.

"One of the issues we were considering was how do we mitigate this huge tax burden of 98 percent on treaty settlement, whereas the Tax Working Group only wanted to consider current-day capital gains tax.".....
See full article HERE

Ngāi Te Rangi take grievance with Pare Hauraki to Waitangi Tribunal
The Ngāi Te Rangi Settlement Trust has taken a grievance to the Waitangi Tribunal, claiming that the Hauraki Treaty claim is overlapping into their land and moana.

Pare Hauraki didn't go on the aggressive today, but did make attempts to establish that Ngāi Te Rangi have been adequately compensated through the process.....
See full article HERE
More on the above > Ngāi Te Rangi presses claim to Tauranga Harbour at urgent Waitangi Tribunal inquiry
More on the above > 50 complaints against Andrew Little over Treaty settlement

Education reforms chance to reengage disillusioned Maori and improve economy
Now is the time to address long-standing inequities in the education system that are leaving Māori "disillusioned" and isolated, a Ngāi Tahu representative says.

He hoped iwi could work alongside the Government as Treaty partners to rewire the educational system.

Three themes identified and used in its submissions on the reforms were the need to imbed Treaty partnerships, include whānau, and involve iwi in focusing on jobs for the future.

The principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and specific proposals to better address issues and opportunities for Māori learners would be included in each of the three review documents......
See full article HERE

'Te Kōtuku' bilingual safety programme aims to curb preventable injury, death among Māori children
A bilingual safety programme developed by a Hawke's Bay firefighter hopes to reduce the high number of avoidable accidents and hospitalisations among Māori children.

Preventable accidents on average kill 18 and injure 2900 Māori children each year.

Te Kōtuku Bilingual Risk Reduction Programme - a partnership between Fire and Emergency, Police and the Māori Languague Commission - hopes to make a dent in some of those figures.

It features a range of books and videos in te reo Māori and English covering topics such as road safety, wearing seatbelts and cooking in the kitchen.....
See full article HERE

Māori king launches rebranded Takitimu Seafoods, a project '30 years in the making'
A project "30 years in the making" officially launched on Monday, with the official opening of Takitimu Seafoods.

The launch drew in a crowd of about 350 people, including the Māori King, His Majesty Kingi Tūheitia, who cut the ribbon......
See full article HERE

Calls for a Māori Children's Commissioner to give voice and advocacy tamariki
There are growing calls to establish a Māori Children's Commissioner, as tamariki Māori remain over-represented in state care, state abuse and youth detention.

Māori Council executive director Matthew Tukaki has launched a call for a new role to be established.

"We need an independent, stand alone Māori Children's Commissioner - to provide some kind of oversight and some sort of independent voice and advocacy on behalf of Māori children and their whānau," he said.....
See full article HERE

Changing the public health system to address Māori inequity
A new paradigm for Māori health is thriving in Hamilton. It’s a model that needs to be funded directly from treasury to Māori, run by Māori and be introduced nationwide, says managing director of primary health organisation Te Kohao Health Ltd, Whaea (Lady) Tureiti Moxon......
See full article HERE

King Country town divided over proposal to change its name to a Māori one
North of its bigger country cousin, Taumarunui, and just south of Te Kuiti, is Benneydale - population 170.

It's in line for a name change because of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement, but locals, used to its name, are worried.

The town was named after two officials at the nearby coal mine seventy years ago, Charlie Benney and Tom Dale......
See full article HERE

"We need to establish a Ngāpuhi Parliament" - Harawira
The Minister of Treaty Negotiations Andrew Little has been meeting Ngapuhi leaders to discuss progress towards a settlement. Hone Harawira says he's been meeting with Andrew Little and says Ngapuhi should have it's own parliament.

Former MP for Te Tai Tokerau Hone Harawira says he has a solution for progress towards a settlement

"We need to establish a Ngāpuhi Parliament"....
See full article HERE

Māori education experts sceptical of Government's ambitious Te Reo strategy
The Government's plan to boost Te Reo teachers is being called a "pipe dream", as tertiary providers and schools struggle with dwindling numbers of students training to become teachers.

This comes as a Māori education working group has looks to lift the numbers of Te Reo teachers even further....
See full article HERE

National fails hypocrisy test in Ecan vote
Labour MP Peeni Henare is blaming National rather than New Zealand First for the failure of a move to appoint Ngāi Tahu representatives to Environment Canterbury.

"Some of the arguments that were being put forward by the National Party were 'it's got to be a full democracy,' and 'if they're good enough they will make it there on their own merits,' yet this is the same party that crow about how many Treaty of Waitangi settlements they pushed through and how pro-Māori they were," Mr Henare says.......
See full article HERE
More on the above > Bid for Ngāi Tahu seats on Environment Canterbury voted down in 'charade', chairman says

Changing offensive 'Naki' business name a costly task, butchery owner says
Kieran Baker has owned the The Naki Butcher for five years and is torn about changing its name.

Businesses across Taranaki are grappling with whether to ditch "Naki" from their name after academic Dennis Ngawhare said many Maori found the abbreviation offensive.

Baker, who is of of Ngāti Raukawa descent, said he had travelled a fair bit through New Zealand and Japan and the brand was well recognised everywhere he visited.....
See full article HERE

Māori media not a classroom
Māori broadcasters feel the expectations on them to revive the Māori language are too high - and not matched by the funding on offer.

"We’re not teachers. Our job is to entertain and to give information, encourage our people to think bigger. Some of the reo speakers at the hui said they don't want a Māori language education, they want to watch television and be able to laugh and cry and be informed like everybody else," Ms Melbourne says......
See full article HERE

Forest institute Scion backs circular economy push
Scion, the forestry crown research institute, is promoting moves for New Zealand to start thinking in terms of a circular economy.

While the term circular economy may be new, the concept should be familiar to Māori.

"You know we take that holistic approach, the natural environment is part of our thinking, part of our DNA, so when we make decisions it's not just about us and now, it is also about our environment," Mr Meha says......
See full article HERE

South Taranaki mayoral candidate under fire for 'Naki' branding
A respected iwi leader says a South Taranaki mayoral candidate has been deliberately offensive by chosing to use the term "Naki" in the branding of his business.

Entrepreneurs Craig Baylis and his wife Jo launched the South Naki clothing and accessories brand in Hāwera earlier this year.

Its T-shirts, caps, beanies and even billboards feature slogans such as "South Naki - doing it Southern style", "Sweet home South Naki" and "South Naki - a state of mind".

Dr Edwards said he wanted to have face-to-face a discussion with Mr and Mrs Baylis and he hoped they engaged and rebranded.

However, Mr Baylis said the name was not derived from Taranaki but rather the Māori Dictionary translation for the word "naki" meaning to glide, or move with an even motion.

He said he was sticking with the branding.......
See full article HERE

'Religious' references to Māori sea god in Wellington's climate change plan irks councillors​
​Tangaroa – the Māori god of the sea – may be little more than a mythological figure, but the mere mention of the devine being's name in Wellington's climate change plan has some city councillors spooked.

The document sparked a spirited debate at the council's City Strategy Committee meeting on Thursday after councillors received a report that talked about Tangaroa reclaiming the city's CBD through sea level rise.

The reference irked several councillors as religious and inappropriate, with Nicola Young attempting to attach an amendment removing references to "deities of any denomination".
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

5 April  2019

Ngāi Tahu Representation Bill voted down in Parliament
New Zealand First has scuppered Labour's bid to give Ngāi Tahu permanent seats on the Canterbury Regional Council, saying its special treatment for Māori.

Labour MP for Te Tai Tonga Rino Tirikatene introduced the Ngāi Tahu Representation Bill to parliament yesterday - it was voted down when New Zealand First sided with National.

There are two Ngāi Tahu representatives on the Canterbury Regional Council, but under existing governance legislation those roles will expire before October's local body elections......
See full article HERE
More on the above here > New Zealand First opposes affront to democracy

Māori academic encourages businesses to ditch 'Naki' branding
More Taranaki firms should follow the example of a New Plymouth IT company and drop the word "Naki" from their branding, a Māori academic says.

Naki Cloud is changing its name to Our Cloud after Māori iwi approached the firm, saying they found the abbreviation offensive.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa New Plymouth campus head Dennis Ngawhare said many Taranaki Māori find the abbreviation irritating and disrespectful.

A Google search for the word "Naki" returns the names of dozens of companies that have adopted the abbreviation from earthworks contractors to fishing charters and even a business hiring out bouncy castles......
See full article HERE

Call to reconsider Tauranga street names celebrating British military
There are fresh calls for a public debate around whether to change the names of some of Tauranga's best-known streets.

Many roads in the central city and others scattered around the wider city and Western Bay of Plenty are named for British men involved in the land wars and, notably, the Battle of Gate Pā (Pukehinahina), which happened 155 years ago this month.

Some were military men - such as General Duncan Cameron (Cameron Rd) who commanded the British troops at the 1864 battle - while others were politicians and missionaries.

Tommy Wilson, a long-time campaigner for changing the names, said they were a source of mamae (pain) for some tangata whenua.

"General Cameron led a, what some would call, a massacre against Māori.

"It is still painful for tangata whenua today.".......
See full article HERE

Medicine information leaflets now available in te reo Maori
A series of medicine information leaflets for New Zealand health consumers - My Medicines - is being made available in te reo Maori.

My Medicines leaflets are developed by a team at Canterbury District Health Board made up of doctors and pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help keep language simple.....
See full article HERE

Increasing Māori health workforce focus of day-long event
Around 40 students from seven Tauranga schools have taken part in a day-long event focussed on increasing the Māori workforce in health.

The Te Whe pilot programme for Year 10 rangatahi (young people) was held at St Johns Ambulance Tauranga headquarters on 17th Avenue. The students enjoyed an ambulance tour and rescue helicopter visit as well interactive exercises on IV (intravenous) injections, wound management care, use of a resuscitation kit, and an introduction to CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

4 April  2019

Grey District Council to consider MoU to acknowledge the importance of Maori
At its ordinary meeting on 8 April 2019, Grey District Council will be considering a Memorandum of Understanding with Te Rananga O Ngati Waewae, which is aimed at giving greater recognition of the importance of Maori in the Grey District.

The intention of this Memorandum is to confirm reciprocal respect and dignity and will introduce two important measures of acknowledgement, namely:

- As an informal arrangement until the 2022 Triennial Elections, the Chairperson of the Rananga will attend all Council meetings and will have full participation rights, except the right to vote. Formalising a Maori seat on Council for the 2022 election will be included as part of the next Representation Review, which will take place in late 2020.

- There will be a greater Iwi ‘presence’ in the Greymouth CBD and elsewhere in the District. For example, this may be in the form of Maori icons or a depiction of Maori history.......
See full article HERE

Peters forced to apologise for saying Bridges has 'racist view' during capital gains tax debate over Māori land
Winston Peters has been forced to apologise for saying Simon Bridges employed an "ethnic and racist view" during a capital gains tax debate over Māori land in Parliament today.

"Will Māori land recovered under the Treaty of Waitangi settlements be exempted under the Government's proposed capital gains tax as Meka Whaitiri has suggested recently to The Gisborne Herald?" Mr Bridges asked.

Mr Peters, who was answering as the Acting Prime Minister due to Jacinda Ardern's absence, gave an answer that didn't sit well with Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard.

"Can I just say that this attempt to provide an ethnic and racist view on a very serious study is bound to fail," he said.

The Speaker then made Mr Peters withdraw and apologise as "he cannot suggest that member is racist".......
See full article HERE

Maori Council to make a move on care and protection of kids
The New Zealand Maori Council is launching a new campaign to highlight the number of Maori Children in State Care and the increasing numbers who are being abused. Matthew Tukaki, Executive Director of Council has said its time to have an accounting of where things are at and why things are so wrong when it comes to Maori Children:

“This new campaign is going to bring some home truths to the debate and the narrative around what is happening with our tamariki in State Care. The reality is that of the 220 that were abused in State Care last year 70.1% of them were our children. More than half of all children in care are Maori and the truth is we seem to be seeing an increase in the rapidity of those being taken into care.” Tukaki has said.....
See full article HERE

Framework to hold Govt to account on UNDRIP
“Then of course there is Article 21 – which is very much about Indigenous peoples having the right, without discrimination, to the improvement of their economic and social conditions, including, inter alia, in the areas of education, employment, vocational training and retraining, housing, sanitation, health and social security. – that is why the Maori Council established eight national taskforces in September of last year to very much draw the various kaupapa together with solutions and performance benchmarks.” Tukaki said

“What we need to do is make the declaration meaningful, to build solutions and policies around how we can ensure we are meeting the obligations and then test and measure our performance against it. This is an opportunity to really throw those doors open and like the Prime Minister said at Waitangi – hold the Government to account – at Maori Council we choose to do that in a much more meaningful way with solutions.” Tukaki said.....
See full article HERE

Council adopts FMUs for the Otago region
ORC Councillors voted today to adopt five Freshwater Management Units (FMUs) for the Otago Region, including the Mata-au, Taieri, North Otago, Dunedin Coastal and Catlins units, as well as five sub-units, or “rohe”.

ORC Chief Executive Sarah Gardner said, “We have worked closely with Aukaha, our iwi partner, to develop FMU boundaries. The concept of ki uta ki tai (from the mountains to the sea), which recognises the movement of water through the landscape and the numerous interactions it may have on its journey, has been a key influence in the forming of FMU boundaries.”.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

3 April  2019

Hapū push claims for takutai moana control
Whakatōhea hapū have told the Waitangi Tribunal that hapū and iwi could have conflicting interests over the protection of the takutai moana.

The tribunal opened its hearing at Waiwhetu Marae last week into a claim over how the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 working.

Hapū claimants allege the procedural arrangements and resources provided by the Crown under the Act prejudice their attempts to have their rights recognised.

She says hapū are trying protect their rights not just from the crown but from other iwi entities laying blanket claims to protect their relationship with councils for harbour development initiatives commercial enterprises.....
See full article HERE
More on the above here > Four hapu from Whakatohea seek marine and coastal rights

Time to report on indigenous rights progress
The Government says it's time for New Zealand to get serious about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

"That is really around the way in which in New Zealand, thinking around Māori participation in the environment, co-management agreements, treaty settlements and the like have urged us to say let's come up with a national plan of action and start to report from a New Zealand context how we are making progress on the declaration articles," Ms Mahuta says........
See full article HERE
More on the above here > National Iwi chairs spokersperson, Dr Margaret Mutu on Paakiwaha

Auckland Council push back on iwi calls to ban scattering ashes
Scattering the ashes of the dead in public places and waterways is abhorrent and culturally inappropriate, Auckland iwi say.

Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Tamaoho and Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua have made submissions to Auckland Council to ban the practice.

Ngāti Whātua tikanga advisor Dame Naida Glavish said it is a repugnant practice in Māori custom, especially in waterways.

"That's our food table - our eels swim in the waterways. Our food grows in the waterways," she said......
See full article HERE 

Shear commitment to te reo Māori
For the very first time, organisers of the New Zealand Shearing Championships have brought in a te reo Māori advocate to assist commentators with the pronunciation of Māori names.

Many Māori compete in the annual event held in Te Kūiti. President of the competition, Clair Grainger, says it was only right that they introduce the initiative.

"We go to a lot of shearing competitions around the country and you hear commentators pronounce the Māori names or peoples names in general really, sometimes its just not very successful at all. SO we thought it was important that we started pronouncing people's names correctly."

Ruki says it's imperative Māori names are pronounced correctly, to ensure nothing is lost in translation.......
See full article HERE

Iwi buys Hawke's Bay Seafoods business at centre of under-reporting its fishing
Hawke's Bay Seafoods, the company at the centre of large fisheries offending, has been sold.

As of Monday the company was trading as Takitimu Seafoods.

The company's website states the business had been sold and would be operating as a new entity, Takitimu Seafoods, from April 1.....
See full article HERE

Tribal appointees shift balance of power in Hastings council
Virtue-signalling trumped rational debate when the Hastings District Council voted 10-4 on Thursday to enable four members of the Maori Joint Committee to sit and vote on the council’s four standing committees.

The vote went through after an email campaign from Hobson's Pledge encouraging councillors to vote against the motion. Councillors received over 100 emails each.

The council’s move circumvented the requirement of Section 41 of the Local Government Act 2002 that only elected representatives may vote at full council meetings. It avoided a referendum because it was not a proposal for a Maori ward......
See full article HERE

Manawhenua Hauora and MDHB re-sign agreement
MidCentral District Health Board (MDHB) and its Māori Relationship Board Manawhenua Hauora have re-signed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance Maori health in the district.

The MoU is renewed every three years, and underpins the MDHB’s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi and Māori health gain.....
See full article HERE

Halo effect to restore Ruapehu wildlife
Three Ruapehu iwi are hoping for government support for an inland island eco-sanctuary near National Park Village.

Uenuku, which includes Uenuku, Tamakana and Tamahaki, would like support for their kaitiaki role as part of their treaty settlement......
See full article HERE

Competition lures Māori from teaching
Primary school teachers are ramping up their push for improved money and conditions, after pausing bargaining because of events in Christchurch.

She says the offer on the table does nothing to restore pay parity with secondary teachers, and it also fails to address structural problems that make it hard to recruit and retain Māori teachers, especially those with te reo Māori skills.

The NZEI’s Māori medium workforce strategy estimates 4000 fluent Māori teachers are needed in the system, and the current number falls far short......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

1 April  2019

Young Māori farmer competition labelled 'racist' by members of Facebook farming community
A competition which celebrates young Māori farmers has been labelled racist by members of New Zealand's farming community.

On Thursday the NZ Farming community Facebook page posted a link to a website announcing the finalists in the 2019 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award for Sheep and Beef.

Shortly after the post went up it drew a series of comments opposing a competition specifically for Māori, with one member asking "Why do we have race based farming competition's?" (sic).....
See full article HERE

It's become cool to call out racism but will Kiwis finally stand with Māori?
We cannot deny the slaughter of our Ihirama whānau, in the Masjid Al Noor and Linwood Masjid during karakia, in Christchurch was evil.

The terror act, like a rock of hate thrown into one of our pristine alpine lakes, has disrupted the Kiwi way of life with the ripples of racism.

Stand with Māori against the racism they've endured in New Zealand for centuries.

Since the arrival of Captain James Cook 250 years ago, Māori have struggled to gain a nationwide acceptance of their cultural values, language and spiritual beliefs.

Colonisation is one of Cook's legacies and racism against Māori is a part of it. New Zealand has inherited a British supremacy perspective and it pervades every area of our society.

Māori lost their authority over the land and themselves through unchecked historical immigration, land grabs, war, imprisonment, Crown confiscations, introduced diseases, imported flora and fauna. By demeaning te reo Māori in schools and the community, in the loss of cultural identity and customary practices......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

31 March  2019

Intolerance of Māori world view is 'obsolete and needs to be ignored' says iwi director

Intolerance of the Māori world view is "obsolete and needs to be ignored", says a Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc director.

New tangata whenua representatives appointed to Hastings District Councils standing committees say it was time for change.

Ngaio Tiuka , Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc director of environment and natural resources, said councils have a responsibility to meaningfully involve Māori in the decision making of council......
See full article HERE

Broadcast funding levels institutional racism
Officials conducting a review of the Māori media sector have heard a call for more equitable funding.

She says while a normal production bid may only be 10 pages, Māori producers found they had to produce more than four times that, for a fraction of the money.......
See full article HERE

From 'equity for all' to 'equity for Māori': Hawke's DHB backs Minister's call
Hawke's Bay District Health Board has proposed changing the wording on its strategy statements from "Equity for all" to "Equity for Māori".

Hine Flood, on behalf of the Māori Relationship Board, recommended the adjustment at a HBDHB meeting on Wednesday.

Board member and Ngati Kahungunu iwi chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana said the change would bring a positive outcome to all........
See full article HERE

Gangs bosses say weapons won't be handed back after Christchurch mosque shooting
Ask yourself – Sonny Fatu says – how many mass shootings in New Zealand have been committed by gang members? None, he says.

"And how many have been committed by someone of Pākehā origin? Many if we include the terror raids of marae when colonialists stole land and killed women and children, but in more recent times we have Aramoana and now this – the murder of 50 innocent people."

But Fatu accuses Pākehā commentators of diverting attention away from the Christchurch mosque killer. The real issue, he says, is racism.

"When a Māori person commits a crime of extraordinary circumstances the Māori community are asked as a collective to front on it and develop ways to make sure their people don't do it again. The same is asked of our Muslim, Polynesian, any person of colour," he says.

"When a white person commits a crime it is seen as an individual act of violence and only tars the individual and maybe their family......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

30 March  2019

Tears and singing as Hastings District Council votes to appoint tangata whenua representation
There were tears, singing, and a cricket ball in the Hastings District Council chamber.

It was an unusual combination, but the meeting in which the council voted to appoint four members of the Māori Joint Committee to the council's four standing committees was no ordinary meeting.

The debate became divisive, with four councillors arguing the decision should be taken to a public poll.

Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst , who supported the appointments, challenged the council to be courageous and vote for tangata whenua representation.

Her voice cracked as she started her speech, saying, through tears, that she was proud to speak against the motion suggesting the decision should go to a public poll......
See full article HERE

More on the above here > Greater Maori representation for Hastings District Council

And here > Relief and frustration at Hastings council's appointment of Māori representatives

Māori top of agenda for planners
The Planning Institute is being congratulated for putting Māori front and centre of this year’s annual conference.

The conference next week in Napier will include sessions on Māori involvement in freshwater management, indigenous planning and new bi-cultural tools for engaging with mana whenua.

What happens on the ground is complex, and a Māori lens can be critical.

"I mean if you look at an area like Gisborne for example, more than two thirds of the tamariki population are Māori. In the future, the next 20 years, 80 percent of the tamariki population there is going to be Māori. If you think about investing in the future economic, social well being of that region, you have to have tamariki Māori at the forefront there," Dr Kukutai says......
See full article HERE

Avoidable deaths and lower life expectancy for Māori and Pacific a travesty, medical experts say
Half of Māori and Pacific deaths in New Zealand have been found to be potentially avoidable - a finding which medical experts say is a national travesty.

It compares to 23 per cent for non-Māori and non-Pacific people, and is partly the result of racism which is built in to New Zealand's health system.

"Our people aren't getting the diagnostics or seeing specialists when they should be seeing them. Therefore, they get put at the back of the line and miss out.

She said racism in the health system was often subtle.......
See full article HERE

Ngāti Whakaue Assets Trust announces $33,500 worth of grants
Ngāti Whakaue iwi members are reaping the rewards of investment decisions, with $33,500 worth of grants just announced to support education, sports, community, health and wellbeing initiatives.

In 2009 Ngāti Whakaue Assets Trust was given a $9.2 million Kaingaroa Forest settlement fund to invest for the collective benefit of Ngāti Whakaue.

The trust has now grown that asset base to $20.13 million, allowing it to distribute $500,000 to tribal beneficiaries in the coming financial year.....
See full article HERE

Climate change to have 'significant impact' on Māori businesses
Leaders in iwi and Māori fisheries are worried about climate change and how badly it may hit them.

The topic was a focus at the Māori Fisheries Conference in Auckland on Wednesday, where more than 300 people gathered.

Te Ohu Kaimoana (Māori Fisheries Trust) chief executive Dion Tuuta said climate change was a big deal for groups such as the Iwi Chairs Forum and Māori businesses.

"They are all seriously looking at what the effects of climate change are going to be, both in the ocean, and on land," he said.......
See full article HERE

Three Ruapehu Tribes step up to biodiversity challenge
Three Ruapehu tribes and conservation experts have shared with the Minister of Conservation new developments in plans for a major EcoSanctuary project.

Uenuku Charitable Trust (UCT), which represents the people of Uenuku, Tamakana and Tamahaki, is developing ideas for an “inland island” biodiversity restoration sanctuary on ancestral lands in the Erua area near National Park township. The working name for the proposal is Pokaka EcoSanctuary.

Uenuku chair Aiden Gilbert said the proposed ecological restoration project would be the first iwi-driven EcoSanctuary in Aotearoa, and would be founded upon traditional kaitiakitanga (conservation stewardship) values and matauranga (knowledge).

“This will require collaboration and partnership with community and conservation organisations, and commitment from central government.......
See full article HERE

Subdivision 'step in right direction'
Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford, Ngai Tahu Property chief executive David Kennedy and Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult yesterday announced some details of the planned development, first revealed by the Otago Daily Times late last year.

He said the iwi already had significant investments in the Wakatipu, including farming, tourism and other property interests.

"We're very excited about the opportunity to expand the footprint of Ngai Tahu in this area, which is very, very special to the tribe and has been for a very long time."

He said there was "no better party" to develop the site than Ngai Tahu, which would bring with it a "social responsibility" which was needed.......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

29 March  2019

Council opens door for walking near sacred site, disappointing iwi
A long-running dispute over the 'disrespectful' use of an old Taranaki pā site looks set to continue.

New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) says walkers are welcome to hike across a hill path at the end of Weld Rd, south of Oakura off State Highway 45, but local resident Mike Ure says the land is wahi tapu (sacred) for iwi and includes an urupa (burial ground).

The land is owned by the Crown and administered by NPDC, and the council has written to residents in Oakura to tell walkers they are welcome to walk over it.....
See full article HERE

Rongoā Māori plants at risk from climate change
Some plants traditionally used in Māori medicine may become less available as a result of climate change, according to new research.

A study by Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research and NorthTec say two of the plants at risk are kuta and kūmarahou.

Kuta is a soft, golden sedge found in wetlands across Aotearoa and is especially valued in the North Island where it is weaved into highly-prized mats, hats and baskets.

Kūmarahou is a shrub that flourishes on well-drained clay soils in the northern regions of the North Island and is used to treat respiratory ailments.......
See full article HERE

Māori Fisheries Act changes on hold
The Fisheries Minister has told iwi he can’t make the changes they want to the Māori fisheries settlement because New Zealand First is blocking it.

Last year’s annual meeting of Te Ohu Kaimoana voted in favour of recommendations coming from a ten-year review to give iwi more direct control of the trust and to distribute to them most of the financial reserves it has built up.

Stuart Nash told the Māori Fisheries Conference in Auckland yesterday that while he was committed to giving greater iwi control over the settlement, New Zealand First will not support the changes......
See full article HERE

TOKM hands dividend to iwi
Māori fisheries settlement trust Te Ohu Kaimoana will give up the dividend it receives from Moana Fisheries and pass it on to iwi on a population basis.

This year that share will be about $1.7 million of the total $8.6 million dividend.

Mr Tuuta says because Te Ohu Kaimoana is a charity, the iwi entities that receive the dividend also need to be charities......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

28 March  2019

Māori claimants still seek rights to marine and coastal areas
The latest Waitangi Tribunal hearing for Wai 2660, dealing with the Marine and Coastal (Takutai Moana Act) 2011 Inquiry, took place at Waiwhetu Marae in Lower Hutt today. Iwi claimants from around the country gathered to make their submissions to the tribunal for the rights to their coastal water areas.

Since the foreshore and seabed march in 2004, progress has been slow in recognising iwi governance of their marine and coastal areas.

Political activist Annette Sykes says, "Claimants are again putting their claims to the Waitangi Tribunal to again assess the law firstly, and then the remuneration to help them the claimants realise their aspirations."

Iwi have raised concerns about the exploitation of their water rights. Examples include public concern in 2016 about the rising number of foreign companies sourcing Hawke's Bay water and last year in Christchurch where similar issues were raised.

Skyes says she's concerned about companies that have existing licenses to take water.....
See full article HERE

‘Don’t throw out the strategy’ but Māori running out of trust in system
Treaty of Waitangi claimant Lady Tureiti Moxon says inequalities will be improved or eradicated only by the majority giving up power and resources so Māori can “row our own waka”....
See full article HERE

New deal with Sealord 'founded on tikanga Māori'
Dozens of iwi have struck a deal with deep-sea fishing giant Sealord, in what has been dubbed a watershed moment in Māori fisheries.

In a new agreement, announced last night, 37 iwi groups will share 60 percent of their annual catch entitlements with the company.

Iwi Collective Partnership general manager Maru Samuels said his collective of 18 iwi are very happy with the arrangement.

"This is not just about increasing returns - it is a business decision that is founded on tikanga Māori where all parties are taking learnings from earlier arrangements to better manage our fisheries assets," he said....
See full article HERE

Muslim groups want Kaupapa Māori approach for trauma response support - Davidson
Feedback from within the Muslim community indicates that those affected by the Christchurch shootings want a kaupapa Māori approach for trauma response support, Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson says.

Davidson has met with representatives who told her they fear mainstream methods will not be as effective.

"They have seen the work that Māori have led in terms of a kaupapa Māori approach to our own trauma and they know that that is the approach that they need for their communities," she says. "They are scared that they will get a mainstream response to dealing with their trauma and they know that won't work."......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

27 March  2019

Sealord offers iwi better quota profit share
Sealord Group has struck a deal with 36 iwi that represents a major change in how returns from the Māori fisheries settlement are shared.

Operation general manager Doug Paulin says instead of each year competing with other fishing companies to buy annual catch entitlement or ACE, it will get long term use of the deepwater quota held by the iwi.

In exchange the iwi will get 80 percent of the profits from the fish, rather than all the profit going back to the company, which is jointly owned by Māori and Japanese interests......
See full article HERE

More than 3000 to graduate with world-class indigenous education qualification in Whakatāne this Friday
More than 3000 students will be gowned, capped and ready for the real world, graduating from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi on Friday.

Graduates have completed doctoral, masters and bachelor degrees and certificate qualifications in a range of more than 20 programmes, including teaching, nursing, te reo Māori, performing arts, Māori studies and indigenous studies......
See full article HERE

Alcohol consultation "failing Māori communities"
Māori voices are not being meaningfully engaged by local government when it comes to liquor licensing legislation, according to new research from the University of Otago.

“Nonetheless, we hope this will generate action and more genuine work towards the equality between Māori and non-Māori stipulated in the Treaty of Waitangi.”.....
See full article HERE

Te Āti Awa to provide homes for future generations
Te Āti Awa are ensuring their uri in Wellington will remain in the region by providing new homes for them at a newly developed site in Wainuiomata, with space for up to 82 new homes.

Te Āti Awa trust member Ihakara Puketapu says, "The aspirations of our uri was that we get land back from the crown that was taken from us and transition it into housing.

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester is full of praise for the contribution Te Āti Awa are making to the community......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

26 March  2019

Wharf plan on hold after Māori object over sewage
Plans for a cafe and toilets on the Russell wharf are now on hold - after strong objections from local Māori.

Council-owned company Far North Holdings has consent to revamp the old wharf, pipe sewage and build a boat sewage pump-out station facility on it.

Kororareka marae trustees told the company last week the idea of toilets over water was culturally offensive and they hadn't been consulted.

Marae chair Deb Rawiri said tangata whenua looked forward to co-designing wharf facilities that reflected community needs and Māori concerns.......
See full article HERE

Greater Maori participation in council decision making to be considered
A proposal to bring about more informed, inclusive, effective decision making is being considered by the Hastings District Council at its next full council meeting on March 28.

The proposal is for increased Maori participation in Hastings District Council decision making through the appointment of HDC: Maori Joint Committee tangata whenua representatives to the council’s four standing committees.

Such a move has been under consideration since 2017 when the HDC: Maori Joint Committee began debating their role after committee members earlier voted against the prospect of introducing Maori wards.

Many councils around the country have standing committees with appointed Maori members who can have voting rights, as is being suggested for Hastings, or attend meetings as observers......
See full article HERE

Māori tourism job opportunities receives support from Hamilton Mayor
Hamilton mayor Andrew King backs the idea of a permanent fixture for a Māori cultural tourism destination at the Hamilton gardens that currently runs annually which will bring more recognition to Tainui and their The Haka festival in the Hamilton gardens.

“This is Tainui land, the indigenous owners of this land are Tainui. There is only one iwi here that has underlying traditional ownership of this land, traditional iwi rights to this land and that is hugely important that we work hand in hand with Tainui on this”, Mr King said......
See full article HERE

South Waikato iwi advances treaty claim on sites of Mercury dam, power stations
A South Waikato iwi has won the right to challenge a decision over land where NZX-listed power business Mercury NZ has a dam and two stations.

The Raukawa Settlement Trust can now progress its position after a successful judicial review in the High Court at Wellington.

That overturned the Waitangi Tribunal's decision last October, withdrawing Raukawa's right to appear as an interested party in proceedings.

At stake is an application by Wairarapa Moana for the return of land in Mangakino, the site of Mercury's hydroelectricity dam and Maraetai 1 and 2 power stations.

Raukawa is claiming mana whenua over the land and won the case Raukawa Settlement Trust v The Waitangi Tribunal and others.....
See full article HERE

Kilbirnie mosque aims to strengthen ties with Māori culture
International Muslim Association NZ President Tahir Nawaz says, "We are developing a relationship in a better way since this incident happened. I've been communicating with some iwi groups and the main leaders."

Nawaz says it makes sense to strengthen ties between the groups because there are many cultural similarities.

"We have a lot of similarities when it comes to the prayers, the way we get into our mosque, the way Māori go into marae, the way we sit, the way we act," he says. "We have a lot of Māori Muslims [so] while they are in Islam they also have to bring their own Māori flavour there as well."

Nawaz would also like to see some form of Māori culture represented within the mosque to acknowledge Māori as indigenous to New Zealand.

"We're working on a plan moving forward such as how our mosque would be represented with iwi icons, with the way it is presented in marae. We want to have the similarity here.".....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

25 March  2019

Christchurch vigil or political rally? Why some people walked out of Auckland Domain event
Was it a vigil, a political rally - or both?

Speeches calling out racism, colonialism and white supremacy at an Auckland vigil for victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks had some attendees leaving early, saying it was "too soon" for such discussions.

But organisers and speakers have defended what some called a "political" tone of the Jummah Remembrance vigil held at Auckland Domain on Friday, saying they were "hard truths" Aotearoa needed to address.

Thousands attended the vigil, where official speakers strongly challenged the rallying cry that last week's atrocity that killed 50 Muslim worshippers and injured dozens more was "not us".

Muslim and tāngata whenua speakers covered experiences of everyday racism and violence they face, and spoke to New Zealand's white settler history and colonial violence.

Sharon Hawke, of Ngāti Whātua Orakei, said hatred existed in New Zealand.

"White hatred is its foundation."

She spoke of atrocities committed against Māori throughout New Zealand's history, including at Parihaka, and even Okahu Bay in Auckland in the 1950s, where the Auckland Council burned down her hapū's village.

Israa Falah of the Auckland Muslim community said the Christchurch massacre was the result of the normalisation of xenophobia.

People should call out racism when they saw it, she said.

Zainab Mussa attended the vigil with her two young children but they left early partly because of the "uncomfortable tone".

"Even being non Pākehā, I did feel uncomfortable at times with the continued mentions of white extremism and white terrorism."

While she said she understood the need for a conversation about racism and white supremacy, she felt a week after the attacks was too soon.

"I think there was too much mention of 'white' and colonial times. To me that wasn't a remembrance of the victims and not the way to push for unity."......
See full article HERE

Christchurch attack: Government announces National Remembrance Service
Exactly two weeks after the shootings at the Al Noor and Linwood Mosques, a service will be held in Hagley Park to honour the 50 people killed.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a National Remembrance Service will be held on Friday 29 March. It will be jointly led by the Government, the city of Christchurch, local iwi Ngāi Tahu and the Muslim community......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

23 March  2019

Industry training bodies threaten High Court and Waitangi Tribunal challenges to shakeup
An industry training body is threatening to go to the High Court and the Waitangi Tribunal to delay a radical shakeup of the country's training system.

Skills Active, which runs training for recreation and performing arts, has told Education Minister Chris Hipkins it will seek a judicial review of his actions in the High Court unless he extends the consultation deadline for the shakeup until June 30.

One of its directors, Des Ratima, is also preparing two claims to the Waitangi Tribunal alleging that the shakeup and the short period allowed for consultation breach the Treaty of Waitangi.....
See full article HERE

No moko in plane with Koru
Air New Zealand is under fire for refusing to hire people with tāmoko.

The policy has been described as systemic racism and hypocritical, given its use of Koru designs on uniforms and its planes.

Māori cultural adviser Karaitiana Taiuru says wearing moko is a birthright as they can represent family, identity and history.

He says not allowing Māori to display moko including including tāmoko and moko kauae is not only discriminatory but a breach of the Treaty of Waitangi.

It could also be a breach of the Human Rights Act makes it unlawful to discriminate based on race or ethnicity.....
See full article HERE

Iwi plans visitor centre for mountain sanctuary
Karapiro iwi Ngti Kōroki Kahukura wants to build an interpretation centre for visitors to the Maungatautari wildlife sanctuary.

Negotiator Willie Te Aho says the iwi is talking with the Waipā District council about making a joint application to the Provincial Growth Fund to build a centre.

He says the land leading up to the reserve is Maori land......
See full article HERE

A change of culture in parliament needed - Ghahraman
Green Party Human Rights spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman is pushing for change in the culture in parliament and MPs using it as a platform to launch racial attacks on immigrants.

Professor Tom Roa had this to say about past terror acts that have happened to Māori, "The Māori world remembers the theft and killings at Parihaka, and at Rangiaowhia, and onward to the land wars against colonial soldiers at Te Rata, and at Waerenga-a-Hika, and elsewhere around the country."...
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

22 March  2019

Māori wardens underutilised, offer help 'whatever the need'
Māori wardens are desperate to help in Christchurch after the mosque shootings, but say no one is using them.

Ōtautahi Māori wardens chair Jacqui Te Wani said there are 20 wardens in the city, and many of them are keen to support the community after Friday's terror attacks.

"We are not being utilised... I have put the word out but I have got no idea what else we can do," she said.

Jacqui Te Wani said she had approached a number of organisations and local leaders to offer their services and no one had responded......
See full article HERE

Iwi and councils team up to tackle coast erosion
Three Hawkes Bay councils are working with iwi to identify and address coastal hazards.......
See full article HERE

Māori leaders say acts of terror nothing new in New Zealand
Māori leaders are calling on New Zealanders to reject the notion that 'this is not us' in the wake of the Christchurch mosque attacks.

"The last time this happened in New Zealand was in Parihaka and that is not actually that long ago," Mr Wilson said.

"They were all promoting peace, they were praying and they did the poi - the Crown wanted to take that land and destroyed their lives."

In 1864, Crown troops set fire to a whare karakia in Rangiaowhia during morning prayer, incinerating non-combatants, including tamariki and kaumātua.

"We have this story about an eight-year-old boy who ran out of the burning whare, with his arms flailing in the air, and he was shot dead," Mr Roa said.

He does not want to take anything away from the Christchurch tragedy, but said Māori had been victims to acts of terrorism in Aotearoa in the past.....
See full article HERE

Gisborne Catholic Church St Mary's Star of the Sea vandalised with race-based graffiti
See full article HERE

Politicians, Māori leaders and academics call on Air New Zealand to change 'outdated', 'racist' tā moko policy
An Air New Zealand policy banning tā moko on staff while displaying koru designs on its uniforms and planes has been described as "corporate tokenism" with calls for it to be scrapped.

Despite initially defending its position, the airline today said it had been reviewing its policy and expected to male a "positive announcement" in the coming weeks......
See full article HERE

Māori leaders tell government: we want co-designed industry training, hands off the ITOs!
Māori leaders in the Vocational Education sector gathered last Thursday and agreed the proposed Reform of Vocational Education was being rushed through, and called on the government to extend the consultation period and engage with Māori to involve them in the changes.......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

21 March  2019

Trust boosts schools' reo resource
Taitokerau Education Trust has teamed up with the Te Puawai cluster of Northland schools to create the position of rūmaki and reo rua facilitator.

Whangārei Intermediate School teacher Neke Adams will support the cluster’s kaiako Māori to become digitally immersed in their classrooms, as part of the trust's successful digital immersion programme.

The new position is funded by Refining New Zealand.......
See full article HERE

Haka and grief - "It's the Māori way of expressing love"
"It's the Māori way of dealing with death, it's the Māori way of expressing grief, it's the Māori way of expressing love, haka is the Māori way of showing support, haka is part of Māori mourning.".....
See full article HERE

Giant swamp kauri log unearthed at Ngāwhā
A massive 60-tonne swamp kauri log discovered during excavations for a new power station at Ngāwhā has been gifted to the local marae.

The 16-metre log will be transported to Ngāwhā Marae today, where a powhiri will be held to welcome the ancient tree into the hapū's care from 5pm.

While carbon-dating has yet to be carried out the tree could have been buried and preserved in clay as long as 50,000 years ago.

Komiti chairman Richard Woodman described the remnant from an ancient kauri forest as a precious cultural artefact.......
See full article HERE

TVNZ's collection of Māori media and television taonga protected from international sales
Television New Zealand's collection of Māori media and television taonga has been protected from international sales and distribution.

The deal with Getty Images was announced on Saturday evening at Ngā Aho Whakaari's (Māori in Screen Production) hui-ā-tau and means programmes such as Waka Huia, Koha and Marae are no longer available to Getty Images....
See full article HERE

Ngā Aho Whakaari Hui presents $142k of Awards
5. $20,000 - NZFC He Tohu Whakanui special acknowledgement award to Leo Koziol for his contribution to the industry in running the Wairoa Māori Film Festival, curating the Ngā Whanaunga Māori Shorts section of the NZ International Film Festival and Māori film selections for festivals around the world.

6. $30,000 - NZFC He Tohu Whakanui special acknowledgement award to Kath Akuhata-Brown for her many years of active involvement in production, industry organisations and governance.

7. $50,000 Te Aupounamu, the NZFC Māori in Screen Excellence Award went to Fred Renata for his excellence in cinematography throughout a long career.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

20 March  2019

Iwi leaders tell government: hands off the ITOs!
Representatives from 28 iwi gathered last Thursday and agreed the proposed Reform of Vocational Education was being rushed through, and called on the government to extend the consultation period and engage with Māori to involve them in the changes.

The message to the Minister from iwi and ITO Māori partners was: Extend the consultation period and let ITOs continue to arrange on-the-job training, because this system is working for Māori.

...a hastily arranged hui in the Far North with only three days’ notice. That fails to meet Crown’s obligations under te Tiriti o Waitangi.

"This is one of the biggest opportunities we have to reform education in Aotearoa, and get it right for Māori and all New Zealanders.”.....
See full article HERE

Dame Anne Salmond: Racist underbelly seethes just beneath surface
After this terrible tragedy, let's be honest, for once. White supremacy is a part of us, a dark power in the land. In its soft version, it looks bland and reasonable.

Eminent New Zealanders assure their fellows that Māori were "lucky" to be colonised by Europeans, that te reo Māori is worthless, that tikanga Māori have nothing to teach us.

Others simply assume ancestral legacies from Europe are superior to those from the Pacific — in the law, science, social and cultural life.....
See full article HERE

Māori battle against fascism continues
A Māori historian says the sort of racist hate speech promoted by alleged Christchurch mosque shooter Brenton Tarrant was what Māori went to war to stop.

"And I recall the day in history when Ngāpuhi and other iwi declared war on fascism just ahead of the New Zealand Government and our leaders at this time were adamant that this kind of thinking does not fit Māoritanga," he says. ......
See full article HERE

Māori stand with Muslims against extremists.
A Māori security consultant says Māori have a lot in cultural similarities with Islamic people that can help in showing support and solidarity with victims of the Christchurch mosque shooting.

"It's almost like looking at your cousins across the table because the language is very much the same, the kotahitanga, the manaakitanga that occurs between two cultural groups, you've got to ask yourself 'are we related?' So we've got to show solidarity not only as Māori towards the Muslim population locally and abroad but as New Zealanders, we need to separate general New Zealanders from these extremists and idiots," Mr Kumeroa says......
See full article HERE

Ngāti Waewae seeking Kahurangi park access
West Coast iwi Ngāti Waewae is keen to take a prominent role in management of Mokihinui River catchment land being added to Kahurangi National Park.

While Ngāti Waewae has mana whenua over the Mokihinui River catchment, there are shared interests over the rest of the Kahurangi National Park with Te Tau Ihu iwi......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

19 March  2019

Tame Iti says 'everyone needs to work on their attitude'
Maori activist and artist Tame Iti says the actions of white supremacist Brenton Tarrant in the horrific murders in Christchurch is terrorism, not what he was accused of.

Iti was jailed on firearms charges following the so-called "terror raids" in the Ureweras in 2007. However, police eventually apologised to Tūhoe over the hurt caused by the raids.

When asked if he was surprised about what unfolded in Christchurch, Iti said "not at all".

"These people have been around for a long time. That mentality has been around a long time. I've been saying for a long time you fellows need to focus on those guys and the police need to re-school their thinking. They keep looking at the Māori activist in this country and they have got it wrong."

Iti said many New Zealanders needed to go through a "decolonisation" process.

"Everyone needs to work on their attitude. We hear talk that there's too many Chinese or too many Africans. That's how we felt (when Europeans came to New Zealand) but we didn't go and shoot them. It was the other way around. In the 1860s we lost a lot of people."......
See full article HERE

Maori Council calls for reform in wake of Christchurch
Instead of a top down approach we need community driven solutions. We have more than eight hundred New Zealand Maori Wardens out there in communities every single day and one approach we would urge the Government to consider is how we can activate our Wardens to also play a community liaison role – culture to culture, kanohi ki te kanohi.” Tukaki said.......
See full article HERE

Kuia bursts with pride at woman defending te reo on trains
A 70-year-old kuia says she was filled with delight when a non-Māori woman stood up for te reo Māori on an Auckland train recently.

South Auckland kuia Enfidaville Titore says she was a silent witness to a disrespectful comment about the te reo Māori train announcements which, along with English language messages, now signal upcoming stops on the Auckland train network......
See full article HERE

King Tuheitia celebrates 100-year-old Māori parliament
A little bit of drizzle didn't hold back more than 200 Kīngitanga devotees who celebrated with King Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Tuheitia VII.

Karanga, waerea, and karakia were chanted by the kuia and koroua of Waikato and Ngāti Maniapoto to commemorate 100-years of Tūrangawaewae House at Ngāruawāhia on Monday morning.

Tūrangawaewae House was built as a parliament house for the Kīngitanga and opened at Ngāruawāhia in 1919.

The house has been rarely used for parliamentary gatherings, but later housed a health clinic, the Māori Land Court, and the Tainui Māori Trust Board.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

18 March  2019

Carterton embraces reo revival
Carterton District Council intends to embrace Te Reo Māori.

Policy and strategy committee chair Ruth Carter says it will work with Hurunui o Rangi Marae to implement bilingual signage throughout the district.

She says it’s not just about translating existing signs into Te Reo Māori but about recognising the cultural names within the district.

It will also support national revitalisation efforts by supporting staff and elected representatives to learn Māori.
See full article HERE

Mt Albert becomes vehicle-free
The maunga Ōwairaka / Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura / Mt Albert will return to a pedestrian space from Saturday 16 March, with the tihi (summit) loop road permanently closing to private motor vehicles, including motorbikes and scooters.

The exception will be continued vehicle access for people who have limited mobility and cannot walk to the tihi; they or their drivers can phone the Auckland Council call centre to obtain an access code for a new automated gate at the start of the loop road.

Paul Majurey, Chair of the Tūpuna Maunga Authority says the changes recognise that the maunga are separate from many other parks and open spaces in that they are wāhi tapu – sites of immense spiritual, ancestral, cultural, customary, and historical significance to Mana Whenua......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

16 March  2019

'Blood on their hands': Hamilton reviews 'culturally sensitive' street names
There is blood on the hands of many of the people behind Hamilton's historic street and place names, the city council was told as councillors voted to review the names for "cultural appropriateness".

The message of insensitive names was delivered to a full council meeting by two of the HCC unelected Māngai Māori representatives who spoke at the public forum part of the monthly meeting.

"If I can be provocative and say there is blood on the hands of many of those names in Hamilton, and it does create a cultural offence to Māori here in Waikato, he said.......
See full article HERE

New Chief Justice sworn in today
A Māori has achieved a milestone in our country's judicial history.

The first Māori Chief Justice of New Zealand was today sworn in at the Wellington Supreme Court. Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann of Ngāti Porou descent is the 13th Chief Justice since the position's inception in 1841.

"I think with Dame Sian Elias and now with Dame Helen Winkelmann, a real integration of Māori culture and kawa coming into the court system at the most senior level. And that is about recognising the two parts that make up New Zealand and it should be reflected in our courts' system. We've still got a long journey to go in terms of the treaty and treaty rights, what that means across our judicial system and our justice system generally," he says......
See full article HERE

Water tax proposal raises concerns
Concern has been expressed about the Government's Tax Working Group recommendation for a water abstraction tax, but the issue of Māori rights will further complicate the issue.

''There are significant design considerations that would need to be addressed before advancing potential water tax instruments, including Māori rights and interests, pricing localisation concerns and equity issues.

''Any potential water taxes will need to take account of Māori rights and interests in water.

''There are well-established concerns about questions of access, as well as ownership......
See full article HERE

New employment hub to support rangatahi in Eastern Bay of Plenty
A new employment hub in Whakatāne will help get more rangatahi earning and learning Employment Minister Willie Jackson said today at the opening of the Tū Māia Rangatahi Hub.

In August 2018, the Government announced $1.76 million in He Poutama Rangatahi funding for Te Puna Ora o Mataatua to support their Whāia Te Rangatiratanga – Pathways to Independence programme, which included the development of the Hub.....
See full article HERE

Trailblazing role brings Te Reo to digital classrooms
In a first for New Zealand education, a cluster of Northland schools now has its own Rumaki and Reo Rua facilitator.

Whangarei Intermediate School teacher Neke Adams has taken on the role to support the Te Puawai cluster’s kaiako Māori to become digitally immersed in their classrooms.

Taitokerau Education Trust aims to raise achievement levels by providing teachers with professional development, and making personal-use devices accessible to students from lower-income households.

Neke says: “We want to start something. The ultimate goal is to get every teacher within our cluster collaborating in the Māori digital space.”.....
See full article HERE

Tagged funding for Māori in wellbeing budget
Expect some targets Māori programmes from this year’s wellbeing Budget.

There has been a debate behind the scenes between Labour’s Māori caucus, which wants some Māori -branded spending to show supporters they can make an impact, and Finance Minister Grant Robertson, who favours a universal approach where a rising tide will float all boats.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she feels the pressure that Māori do better over all.

"No doubt this Budget we have already said we want to prioritise lifting incomes and opportunities for Māori. Yes for Māori we have said there will be targeted funding.......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

15 March  2019

Entrenching Māori seats in parliament 'a question of equality
Supporters of a bill that would give Māori seats the same protection as general seats in Parliament presented passionate oral submissions to the Māori Affairs Select Committee today.

Mr Tirikatene said the bill was about correcting a constitutional imbalance of the treatment of Māori seats.

"It is the fact that there is a greater level of parliamentary protection given to general seats over the Māori electorate seats, which I seek to correct in this bill.

"The Māori seats allow our Māori MPs to be more bolshy and plucky with their Pākehā colleagues in promoting kaupapa Māori."

Recommendations made by te Māori Affairs Select committee will be taken to the bill's second reading.....
See full article HERE

Whaitiri raises flag on CGT impact for collective ownership
MAORI land recovered under Treaty of Waitangi settlements will need special consideration under any capital gains tax (CGT) regime, says Ikaroa-Rawhiti Labour MP Meka Whaitiri.

Maori-owned assets returned through the treaty process were to redress Crown breaches of the treaty, she said.

Many iwi had lost their land and been denied economic values and income for over a century.

“I’m pretty sure, in due course, when owners are deriving meaningful and sustainable income from their assets, they can start paying fair tax.

‘‘We are nowhere near that when you consider a century of raupatu, or land confiscation.....
See full article HERE

Council iwi relationship milestone - Environment Southland
The Council has created mana whenua positions for two of its standing committees - Strategy and Policy and Regional Services, approving up to two positions on each.

This follows a lengthy period of investigation and discussion with Te A Marama about opportunities for involving Maori in the Council’s decision-making.

As tangata whenua, Maori have particular interests in the work of the Council, and the Council has specific statutory obligations and responsibilities in relation to Maori and Maori cultural and spiritual values, plus a long-standing relationship of cooperation.

Environment Southland chairman Nicol Horrell described the inclusion of mana whenua positions on the committees as another milestone in the Council’s relationship with iwi......
See full article HERE

Māori spectrum trust keeps 3G block
3G spectrum set aside for Māori is to be renewed as the government looks at what spectrum may be needed for new technologies.

The 2100 MHz spectrum provided to Te Huarahi Tika Māori spectrum trust is leased by its commercial arm Hautaki Limited to 2Degrees.....
See full article HERE

Exciting changes in club's anniversary year
Meanwhile, the new Maori name - Te Kapa Poiwhana o te Whare Wananga o Otakou - is believed to be a first for a South Island football team.

The club went through the Treaty of Waitangi Committee process in adopting it, the name being gifted to the club.

''The name was adopted to acknowledge the special relationship between the University and its community, and the mana whenua including the local Ngai Tahu tribe with historic links to the water of Leith area near the club's home at Logan Park,'' club life member and women's premier coach James Coombes said......
See full article HERE

Relationships with Maori would continue
Maori development, or kaitohutohu deputy chief executive Janine Kapa said there were a number of Maori partnerships and understandings, including relationships with Te Runanga O Otakou, Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki, Runanga O Moeraki, and Hokonui runanga - which the polytechnic appreciated and valued.

When it came to Maori, the partnerships and courses the polytechnic had were vital, Ms Kapa said.......
See full article HERE

Maori show way in climate sense
This year’s winner of the Prime Minister’s Award for Science Communication says there are lessons to be learned from te ao Maori in tacking awareness of climate change.

Victoria University Professor James Renwick won the $100,000 prize for his communication of the science behind climate change, including being involved in more than 100 public presentations and 200 media interviews over the past five years in New Zealand and internationally.

He says western technological society has lost its sense of being part of the earth and the environment, but that knowledge is still evident in Maori communities such as those on the coast which are seeing its effects through level rise or a change in growing seasons.......
See full article HERE

Maori interests top agenda for national planning conference
Maori involvement in freshwater management, indigenous planning and new bi-cultural tools for engaging with mana whenua are key topics at next month’s New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) conference.

A flax roots, iwi-led approach to urban and rural planning is one of the main themes at this year’s event, which will be held in Napier from 2 to 5 April.

The rules also set out a new approach to the Maori and Crown relationship that acknowledges Maori interests in freshwater management......
See full article HERE

Carterton District Council embraces bilingual signage
Carterton District Council confirmed it will be embracing Te Reo Māori and working with Hurunui o Rangi Marae to implement bilingual signage throughout the district.

Carterton District Council’s Policy and Strategy chairperson, Ruth Carter, said the bilingual signage was an important step forward in the valued partnership with Hurunui o Rangi Marae and the district’s cultural heritage.

“The new signs will be part of our continued journey with Hurunui o Rangi Marae and we will be working with them to get the right signage across the Carterton District.

“It’s not just about translating existing signs into Te Reo Māori but about recognising the cultural names within the district.”.....
See full article HERE

Māori King opens new $1.2mil wharekai in Kāwhia.
A new wharekai has been opened by King Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Vll at Waipapa Marae in a tā i te kawa ceremony lead by the Kīngitanga on Tuesday.

The building was named 'Te Maru o Hikairo' by the King’s eldest son, Whatumoana Paki and will seat 250 guests with a state-of-the-art kitchen all costing nearly $1.2 mil.

We couldn’t have achieved this without our major funders, the Department of Internal Affairs, Te Puni Kōkiri, Trust Waikato and Waikato - Tainui. There are also many iwi families who have made financial contributions as well, our marae is blessed.”.......
See full article HERE

Rangiteaorere descendants refuse to vacate tribal land
A family squatting on tribal land in Rotorua is refusing to leave after being served with a trespass notice.

Hori Kiel, of Ngāti Rangiteaorere, was served a 14 day trespass notice dated February 27 2019 by the Ngāti Rangiteaorere Koromatua Council (NRKC) for land invasion unlawful occupation of a building located on its tribal lands.

The land, currently being leased by a farmer, is being used for hay.

“NRKC does not accept that Māori have a right to invade its lands and buildings just because they can whakapapa to the tribe.”.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

14 March  2019

Māori health infrastructure boost sought
Māori claimants have put a pitch for 15 percent of the health budget.

The Waitangi Tribunal is sitting in Wellington this week to hear closing submissions on the Māori health outcomes claim.

Claimant Lady Tureiti Moxon says the benefits of health reforms did not flow to Māori providers, which are funded at lower rates than their mainstream counterparts.

More equitable funding, rather than the current 2 percent or so, for all Māori to take control of their own destiny......
See full article HERE

The Treasury adopts new reo Maori name
On Monday 11 March, the Treasury celebrated the reawakening of its wharenui (meeting house), Ngā Mokopuna a Tāne, after its relocation to level 3 at No.1 The Terrace. A dawn karakia and ceremony was held to complete the protocols for blessing taonga and restoring the wharenui to daily use.

Following this, Secretary to the Treasury Gabriel Makhlouf addressed staff and invited guests to acknowledge and celebrate the restored wharenui, and to announce the adoption of a new reo Māori name for the Treasury: Te Tai Ōhanga......
See full article HERE

Ihumātao development step too far
Supporters of an occupation at Ihumātao are in Wellington today to march on Parliament to demand the government take action to stop development of the land and return it to mana whenua.

She says the fact the land was farmed for 150 years and then sold to Fletcher Building can’t hide the fact it was lived on for 800 years before it was confiscated in 1863......
See full article HERE

Three southerners among forest scholarship winners
Three Southern tertiary students are among the eight recipients of an inaugural forestry scholarship.

The Nga Karahipi Uru Rakau scholarships were developed to encourage young, talented individuals into the forestry industry.

They were available to Maori and/or female students enrolling in a bachelor of forestry science or bachelor of engineering (Hons) in forest engineering......
See full article HERE

Should correct pronunciation of Māori names be compulsory in schools?
Fundamental questions about the need for schools to teach the Māori history of New Zealand have resurfaced over the last few weeks.

However, the ongoing issue of some teachers mispronouncing Māori names of students still continues.

Māori names play a significant and important role in families and are handed down through generations.

At present there’s no compulsion for teachers to get names right and the question is whether or not there should be......
See full article HERE

Justice Minister welcomes Evidence Act Review
Justice Minister, Andrew Little, will table the Law Commission’s report - The Second Review of the Evidence Act 2006 in Parliament today.

“It is good to read that, consistent with its 2013 findings, the Law Commission considers that the Evidence Act is generally working well,” says Mr Little.

Among the report’s 27 recommendations are reforms to improve the court process for victims of sexual and family violence, promote greater recognition of tikanga Māori in court procedure, and recommendations to ensure that defendants’ rights to a fair trial are preserved......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

13 March  2019

Palmerston North council to co-manage city park with Rangitāne iwi
A recommendation to the Palmerston North City Council will formalise the co-management of Te Motu o Poutoa (Anzac Park) with Rangitāne o Manawatū.

The Sport and Recreation Committee agreed this week to recommend council adopts the kawenata in relation to the park and the document details the arrangements for establishing a co-management committee.

The Kawenata/agreement will allow the incorporation of other wāhi tūpuna or ancestral sites in Palmerston North.

Mayor Grant Smith said it was a special day where the council recognised the opportunities the partnership offered the city......
See full article HERE

Mahuta to promote indigenous ties and perspectives in Chile
Promoting indigenous and business links between New Zealand and Chile will be the focus of Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta during a trip to Chile, where she has been invited to be the keynote speaker at a women's indigenous conference this week.

"We can help grow the opportunities for indigenous business and companies in their lands. We want to strengthen these avenues," says the minister.......
See full article HERE

Traditional hāngī served up in Auckland's CBD
Trained chef and hāngi master, Rewi Spraggon, will be serving up traditional hāngi in the middle of Auckland’s CBD at the newly established ‘Māori Kitchen’ on Queens Wharf from today.

The business will be Auckland’s first in-ground hāngī café open to the public seven days a week.

Hāngī is a traditional Māori meal that is cooked in a ground oven- a pit dug in the ground which uses heated stones to cook kai.......
See full article HERE

Other people’s money​
​ But this is the Reserve Bank. It does three main jobs, none of which ever involve dealing directly with the general public; Maori, European, Chinese, Mexican or whatever: .....

But the new Governor – 49 weeks in and still no substantive speeches about things he is actually responsive for – is clearly enamoured of things Maori. A fine thing no doubt for him personally. But here he is running a major public agency, using public money......

So what is he up to with his “Te Ao Maori strategy..designed to build a bankwide understanding of the Maori economy”? Given his statutory responsibilities – and those in charge of public agencies are supposed to operate constrained by statute – what makes the so-called “Maori economy” any different than the “European New Zealander economy”, the “Asian economy”, the “British immigrant economy”, the “Pacific economy” and so on, for Reserve Bank purposes and policy?.....

Anyway, you can read the rest of the advert for yourself, including noting that this isn’t just one position. This “cultural capability advisor” is to work with the “Project Manager (Te Ao Maori strategy)” already in place........
See full article HERE

History award to help Te Rauparaha bio translation
Zealand History Award grant to prepare a new bilingual edition of Tamihana Te Rauparaha’s biography of Te Rauparaha.

The pukapuka one of the only full-length biographies written in te reo Maori in the nineteenth century.

Ten awards were given this year, with grants ranging from $12,000 to just over $4000.

Historian Vincent O’Malley received a $12,000 to work on a book about The New Zealand wars.
See full article HERE

Invercargill marae member concerned about community funding changes
A member of a small Invercargill marae has raised concerns about how the potential changes to the Community Organisations Grant Schemes funding allocation will affect their community.

Community Organisations Grant Scheme is the Department of Internal Affairs funding scheme for community organisations.

Nga Hau E Wha Marae have received funding from COGS for 10 years and last year received $4000 from the scheme......
See full article HERE

Fisheries grants available
Northland Māori can apply for funds to promote and advance freshwater fisheries development, research and education. Te Wai Māori Trust is now accepting applications for the Wai Ora Fund for 2019. The purpose of the Wai Ora Fund is to enable iwi and Māori to obtain funding to promote and advance freshwater fisheries development, research and education. This year, a total of $250,000 has been made available for projects.

Since 2014, Te Wai Māori has supported 35 projects through the Wai Ora Fund and provided over $1.4 million in funding......
See full article HERE

Time for the Crown to address decades of mistreatment, pain, suffering & death of Māori by slow reacting NZ Health System
Final submissions in the Health Services and Outcomes Inquiry are to be held before the Waitangi Tribunal in Wellington on 12 and 13 March. The Inquiry started in October 2018 on Tūrangawaewae Marae.

Given the alarming evidence placed before the Tribunal of Māori health disparities, the Wai 1315 claimants representing hundreds of thousands of North Island whānau are calling for significant changes to the NZ Health system for the Treaty of Waitangi to be consistent and lives saved.

The Crown’s evidence accepts that the state of Māori health is both inequitable and unacceptable. It also accepts that Māori health statistics are deplorable.

The group are calling for many competitive barriers to be reversed to allow Māori to actively participate in and contribute to Crown strategies for Māori health. Be appointed to decision making bodies and fairly consulted with regarding resourcing needs.

Inadequate funding based on assumptions is a significant issue........
See full article HERE

Hawke's Bay residents tell Māori man to 'speak English' at public meeting
A Māori man who stood up in a public meeting to show his support for a planned rehabilitation programme in Central Hawke's Bay was yelled at to "speak English" by members of the crowd.

The man was saying a mihi at Monday night's meeting in Otane when things turned nasty.

"Speak English," yelled at least two people in the 200-strong crowd, followed by another person who called out "we can't f****** understand you".

When the crowd was told the man would speak in English after his formal greeting, a voice called out:

"Well f***** hurry up then."......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

12 March  2019

Iwi grapple with destruction of ancient burial grounds
Iwi representatives say that coastal erosion due to climate change is destroying some of Aotearoa's most ancient burial sites.

Ngati Ranginui environmental manager Carlton Bidois says he has been picking up ancient koiwi, or bones, that have been washed out of burial sites for the past 15 years.

He says it's an issue that also tests relationships among iwi and they grapple with working through to whom the bones belong.......
See full article HERE

Waitara Land Bill reaches milestone
The Waitara Lands Act reached a milestone today when a side agreement was signed between the Ngāti Manukorihi and Ngāti Otaraua sub-tribes, and the New Plymouth District Council. The agreement sets a framework for how the NPDC and Te Kōwhatu Tū Moana Trust will work together on a brighter future for the residents of Waitara.

The people of Waitara have long fought to have their special day in the sun and under the watchful eye of their ancestor. The Act opens leasehold land for purchase at 770 Waitara properties valued at about $90 million. The bill was first introduced to Parliament in September 2016, will use about 60 hectares of land to be given back to Te Ātiawa but in the updated bill, hapū are set to directly benefit instead. The bill will go into law from next week.....
See full article HERE

Government 'virtue signalling' on foreign water bottlers instead of fixing issue
"As soon as you do something that looks like charging, and that goes to the ownership of it, you've got court cases, you've got a bunch of interests - obviously iwi, Māori interests - you'll be in the Supreme Court before you could say, 'My name is Simon.' That's sort of what you're dealing with."....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

10 March  2019

Iwi – Waikato District Council
Iwi and haapu management plans have to be recognised by Council under legislation, this could also be brought into the JMA

Build iwi/haapu te aranga principles into Council projects, designs and consultation processes.

The Council Te Reo policy needs to be socialised again and more deeply with Councillors, because to implement Te Reo also requires more cultural practices being adopted from the highest level

The appointment of a Maaori Partnership Manager is pending. This Pohono Iwi kit e Haapori sits with the Chief Exeutive group in Council’s new staffing structure, which will, appropriately, facilitate a ‘chief to chief’ relationship

Council also needs an operational team member as there are 40 marae to engage with in this space......
See full article HERE

Alcohol harm: Impact on Māori taken to Tribunal
A Māori warden has filed an urgent claim with the Waitangi Tribunal arguing laws around the sale and supply of alcohol disproportionately impact Māori.

David Ratu from South Auckland initially took the claim to the tribunal in 2017.

He said in his 30 years serving as a Māori warden he had seen an increase in alcohol outlets situated in areas of high deprivation and near kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa and marae.

He claimed Māori were twice as likely to die from alcohol-attributed death and binge drink than non-Māori.

The application recommends that the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act be amended to ensure Māori are included in bodies that decide whether an alcohol licence is granted.

It also calls for the Act reflect the principles of active protection, consultation and good faith and ensure proper recognition of the Treaty of Waitangi......
See full article HERE

Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias retires as New Zealand's top judge
The role of retiring Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias in many of the seminal legal developments of New Zealand has been praised at her final sitting.

Her advocacy for Māori in the courts and before the Waitangi Tribunal was of lasting importance to the respect she built within Māoridom, she said.

Elias said the journey that began with the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 was not yet finished......
See full article HERE

Mega mural honours The People Weaver of Onehunga
On the back streets of Onehunga, between the local primary school and a busy supermarket car park, a huge mural of wahine Māori is turning heads......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

9 March  2019

Māori astronomer calls for realignment of Māori names for lunar calendar
Māori astronomer and Associate Professor at the University of Waikato, Dr. Rangi Mataamua, wants to realign the current Māori names of the week and months of the mainstream calendar by going back to the original Māori names.

He says that both the mainstream lunar calendar and the Māori lunar calendar are completely different, however, the current Māori names that are being used reflect that of the Māori calendar.

“The mainstream calendar follows the sun and us who circulate it. The Māori calendar follows the stars and the moon.”

Dr. Mataamua believes that due to colonisation Māori tend to think with a European perspective and in this case that is what he believes has happened.....
See full article HERE

Scholarships to encourage Māori into forestry sector
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hopes new forestry scholarships will encourage more women and Māori to enter higher education within the forestry sector.

Ms Ardern and Forestry Minister Shane Jones presented the first eight Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau scholarships at a ceremony at Canterbury Univerity this morning......
See full article HERE

Spectrum, not money critical for development
A Māori broadcasting claimant says it’s essential Māori get a share of 5G spectrum, or their development in the information and communications sector will be held back another 20 years.

"We’ve got to think of spectrum like fish, like whenua, and once we have control of that resource we can build what we need to manage it and work with others. Getting that resource allows us then to build the infrastructure, the people, the knowledge to utilise it in partnership with others," Mr Everton says.

He says a cash deal, such as the $30 million technology fund set up by the previous National Government when it refused to allocate 4G spectrum to Māori, isn’t good enough because it doesn’t give the industry any incentive to partner with Māori.....
See full article HERE

Violence blights day for wāhine Māori
Professor Margaret Mutu from the University of Auckland's school of Māori studies says the latest United Nations’ periodic review of New Zealand includes not just eight recommendations to do something about racial discrimination against Māori but also calls to stop violence against Māori women and children.

"This country has an absolutely shocking reputation as having the worst domestic violence in the world, or the OECD. Violence agaisnt women, discrimination against Māori women, violence against Māori women is just totally unacceptable," she says.

Professor Mutu says it’s clear government doesn’t know how to improve the situation........
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

8  March  2019

Hui set to deliver a wake-up call to government over rushed vocational reform process
An urgent hui has been called by the ITO group, Te Rautaki Whakaroopuu Maori. This hui is to discuss the proposed Reform of Vocational Education, in the absence of a sufficient consultation opportunity provided by government.

The lack of a proper consultation period allowing Maori voices to be heard in full has the appearance of neglect at best and a cynical tactic at worst.”

An educated Maori workforce enjoys higher living standards, and makes a greater contribution to Maori wellbeing – all of which is in line with the government’s stated commitment to the Living Standards Framework. If you get it right for Maori you get it right for New Zealand.

It is essential for iwi to come together, unhindered by other agendas which may drown out the Maori view in this important matter.....
See full article HERE

WINZ Funeral Grants amounts forcing people to cremate
Auckland Action Against Poverty is calling on the Ministry of Social Development to increase the amount people can obtain through a funeral grant after reports that people are being forced to cremate their lost ones, often against their beliefs, due to the high costs of burials. The current limit of $2058.52 is set by the Ministry and could be adjusted without substantive legislative changes.

“People in poverty whose cultural practices include burials are being made to go through the humiliation of not being able to give their loved ones the send-off they deserve”, says Kathleen Paraha, Auckland Action Against Poverty co-chair.

A welfare system which acknowledges tikanga Māori and honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi would ensure Māori are able to carry out tangihanga how they seem culturally fit......
See full article HERE

Study highlights racism Māori and Pasifika health experts feel on advisory boards
Māori and Pasifika health experts have spoken of racism, feeling "token" and ignored after being selected to take part in health advisory groups.

A study surveyed six Māori and Pasifika with more than 100 years of collective experience in public health about their experiences on government health advisory groups.

They reported their knowledge and interests were often devalued, they felt marginalised and experienced tokenistic engagement and racism......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

7  March  2019

Māori electorate seat at risk due to Census 2018 debacle
Māori risk losing an electorate seat and more than 20 new iwi won't be properly counted due to problematic Census 2018 data.

Results from the beleaguered national survey, which failed to count one in 10 New Zealanders, have been repeatedly delayed, with a release date not known one year on from census day

The population data is vital for Māori, and academics hold fears vulnerable communities and small iwi will be adversely affected.....
See full article HERE

Demands for Council to reverse decision
At a Tauranga City Council meeting today, demands were made for Council to reverse its decision to transfer historically significant property to the Otamataha Trust. The property is currently leased by The Elms Te Papa Tauranga.

Western Bay of Plenty District Councillor Margaret Murray-Benge, Friends of The Elms Chair Jim Sherlock, and Rob Paterson and Richard Price both from the Citizens Advocacy Tauranga Society Inc. (CAT), demanded that Council not renege on its promise to the Elms Te Papa Tauranga, and that it reverses its decision to transfer 11 Mission Street to the Otamataha Trust.....
See full article HERE

Mātauranga Māori marks a new frontier of research
A leading academic says an increased focus on mātauranga Māori is signalling a new frontier of research.

This was a key speaking point highlighted at the Toi Tangata Hui Ā Tau for those working in the Māori health and wellbeing sector.

Dr. Ihirangi Heke (Waikato-Tainui) says, "A new world order for us as Māori, where other indigenous are looking to us for leadership.".....
See full article HERE

Applications for the Wai Ora Fund 2019 are now open
Te Wai Māori Trust is now accepting applications for the Wai Ora Fund for 2019. The purpose of the Wai Ora Fund is to enable Iwi and Māori to obtain funding to promote and advance freshwater fisheries development, research and education. This year, a total of $250,000 has been made available for projects that meet our criteria. Since 2014, Te Wai Māori has supported 35 projects through the Wai Ora Fund and provided over $1.4 million in funding.

Each application must be for no more than $50,000 plus GST......
See full article HERE

ITF honoured by call for Māori leaders' hui
The Kawenata reflects a commitment by ITOs and the ITF to work in partnership with Waikato-Tainui on its 30-year plan for education, employment, and economic development projects.

This first of its kind agreement sees ITOs collectively working with iwi and Māori to co-ordinate job-based training options across a range of industries, underpinned by tikanga, to meet the aspirations of Māori.

“The ITF and its members warmly welcome the opportunity to hear from Māori leaders on these critically important matters." says ITF Chief Executive Josh Williams. "We fully agree that the consultation process and timeframe is wholly inadequate for all our stakeholders, including our Kawenata partners, let alone our Tiriti partners......
See full article HERE

Waitangi Tribunal hearings continue for Mokai Patea, mandate to be sought
An annual general meeting in Taihape on March 15 will give northern Rangitīkei tribes a chance to hear the Mōkai Pātea Waitangi Claims Trust's progress on land claims, chairman Utiku Potaka says.

Waitangi Tribunal hearings have been held over the past two years, with the final ones probably finished by October. The claimant iwi have presented much of their evidence over the last 18 months, sometimes under cross examination.

"We have provided tāngata whenua evidence that has essentially been telling our story,"
Potaka said.....
See full article HERE

Broad reaching Inquiry into Maori Health to begin
“I am pleased that the Maori Affairs Select Committee will has called on the Inquiry into the Health System and its impacts on Maori. This is a major win for our people wherever they are and more than we could have hoped for. Its time to throw open the doors of the whare and let the truth come in.” these were the words of the Executive Director of the New Zealand Maori Council, Matthew Tukaki, as he waiting outside the Maori Affairs Select Committee room to bring on an Inquiry into life saving and life extending medications......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

6  March  2019

Ngāi Tahu's future Environment Canterbury representation under threat
A bill which would guarantee Ngāi Tahu two seats on future Environment Canterbury (ECan) councils is struggling to gain support in Parliament.

Labour says it is doing the numbers this week to see if it can get the apparently faltering Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill across the line for its first reading in the House.

However, the local bill will not get NZ First backing.....
See full article HERE

Ōkorihi Marae set to have wharekai completed after stand-off with Far North District Council
Northland's Ōkorihi Marae is set to be completed after a lengthy standoff with the Far North District Council.

The marae will be issued a new building consent on Wednesday after construction was unexpectedly halted six weeks ago.

However, the marae chair says it highlights the lack of local government partnership when dealing with marae......
See full article HERE

Māori and Pacific scholars explore business, cultural connections in Taipei.
Imagine spending a month in a foreign city, dedicating your time to learning a new language, exploring business opportunities, and discovering the cultural linkages across indigenous cultures and histories.

That has been the experience for 11 Māori and Pacific tertiary students and recent graduates who were selected as the 2019 North Asia Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence (CAPE) Māori and Kiva Business Scholars....
See full article HERE

Māori feel positive about Asians, but not if they're immigrating - study
Māori feel a strong cultural connection with Asia and eight in 10 have positive feelings about Asians, a new study has found.

But just three in 10 welcomed Asian immigration - with 38 per cent viewing it as negative and 32 per cent neutral.....
See full article HERE

Pukekohe High School works to strengthen Waikato-Tainui Iwi Alignment
Because Pukekohe High School is physically positioned within the Waikato rohe, and as a Waikato-Tainui kawenata school we are guided by the tikanga and language protocols of the Waikato-Tanui iwi. This means that we use a double vowel in text to indicate a long vowels sound such as in the words Maaori and poowhiri/poohiri. This is not a spelling mistake but a recognition of our partnership with and respect for the Waikato-Tainui people......
See full article HERE

New $300,000 artwork to be installed in Christchurch's Victoria Square
A new sculpture featuring two upright waka standing 4.75 metres tall with carved figures inside will be installed in Christchurch's Victoria Square this month.

The $300,000 work, which pays tribute to the significant Treaty of Waitangi signatories, is being paid for by Crown rebuild company Ōtākaro and gifted to the Christchurch City Council.

Robinson said the work was to remind the people of New Zealand "there's actually a partnership between the Crown and the local tangata whenua"......
See full article HERE

Iti to become Massey's 'activist in-residence'
The CARE center (Culture-Centered Approach to Research and Evaluation) situated in the School of Communication at Massey’s Palmerston North campus hosts a different activist in-residence every month. From 18–22 March, Tūhoe elder and Māori activist, Tame Iti, will take up the role.

‘Decolonising Ourselves – Indigenising the University’ is the theme for Iti’s placement which will include workshops, a public talk and the release of a white paper.

“Tame’s knowledge and expertise provide key theoretical anchors for us to critically engage and interrogate colonisation and racism and the structural conditions that reproduce inequality,” says Dutta......
See full article HERE

New respiratory disease 2018 impact report figures, sparks Te Reo Māori educational asthma show to launch in Rotorua
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ today, 5 March 2019, launches its new children’s Te Reo Māori educational asthma show and Te Reo Māori action plan resources, following the results of the latest 2018 impact report.

Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is launching its brand-new Sailor the Puffer Fish children’s puppet show which will be presented to Māori immersion schools in Te Reo Māori by presenter Hinerongonui Kingi. show educates children and their teachers about asthma triggers, how to manage asthma and what to do in an asthma emergency. It is the very first asthma show in Te Reo Māori in New Zealand.....
See full article HERE

About Maori law society
Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa was formally established in 1988, with just a few lawyers in a Rotorua garage. Since then, the Society has grown to include a significant membership of legal practitioners, judges, parliamentarians, legal academics, policy analysts, researchers and Māori law students......
See full article HERE

Tumultuous but rewarding journey for early childhood education graduates
Gisborne welcomed 10 new graduates when they took the stage to accept bachelor degrees from Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand.

“Our students also provide qualified teachers with exposure to new early childhood education research and teaching methods.”

The Te Rito Maioha programmes of study are bicultural, which means delivery is informed by te ao Maori.

“Our students gain a deep understanding of te reo Maori and tikanga Maori.

“Te Rito Maioha graduates are exactly, perhaps uniquely, the kind of early childhood teachers that New Zealand’s tamariki (children) need.”

Te Rito Maioha has 11 teaching bases from Whangarei to Dunedin.

Over the next month, more than 150 early childhood teachers will graduate from these bases.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

5  March  2019

Prisoners voting: "a right not a privilege"
Dr Rawiri Waretini-Karena and Donna Awatere Huata have spoken out on prisoners voting rights after the Waitangi Tribunal announced an urgent hearing on the issue.

Waretini-Karena is a co-claimant along with Awatere Huata on Wai 2867. Their claim concerns the prejudicial effects of s 80(1)(d) of the Electoral Act 1993, namely the disenfranchisement of Māori prisoners.

Their claim alleges that the Crown has breached the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi by allowing the disproportionately large Māori prison population to be disenfranchised and by failing to protect Māori from the acts of discrimination and racism, the rights of Māori prisoners to vote, the taonga of voting rights and the effective exercise of the Māori Electoral Option......
See full article HERE

School uses broadcast technology to teach te reo
Te reo Māori can be heard across Pāpāmoa and those broadcasting it are the proverbial leaders of tomorrow.

Student announcers Bailey Cooper and Malibu Worters can be heard speaking te reo with teacher Tara Cameron.

"The idea to have a radio station came about in 2012," says Cameron.....
See full article HERE

Fears Māori history will be used in overseas ads after TVNZ's Getty deal
A move by TVNZ to sell archival footage through Getty Images has some Māori concerned about the use of historical footage.

"Where is the protection for the footage?" Ms Melbourne says. "We're saying 'TVNZ, thank you very much for looking after the footage, but it doesn't belong to you'. We need to set up a system where that footage is protected for future generations."

The Māori Council plans to raise the issue with Winston Peters and Nanaia Mahuta this week, and Mr Tukaki says the fact Māori have little say over the use of archival vision could be a breach of the Treaty. ....
See full article HERE

Joint statement: Fletcher Building and Te Kawerau Iwi Tribal Authority & Settlement Trust.
With regards to the weekend’s ‘Reclamation Festival’ at Ihumatao, Fletcher Residential Limited, the Makaurau Marae Maori Trust Board and The Te Kawerau Iwi Settlement Trust & Tribal Authority, collectively the land owner of the Oruarangi Road SHA site and mana whenua of Ihumatao feel it is appropriate to remind the media that:

- The land at Oruarangi Road is a designated Special Housing Area, on privately-owned land that has been farmed extensively for the last 150 years. It is located between the existing village of Ihumatao, the edge of the Auckland Airport business precinct and the Otuataua Stonefields Reserve.

- Plans for the site have been developed in partnership with mana whenua in such a way that supports their sustainable kaitiakitanga of the surrounding area. This includes devoting a quarter of the site along the boundary of the Stonefields Reserve to protect and enhance connectivity, especially from the village. This piece of land within the development area will be the first time since the land confiscations of 1863 that land will be returned to mana whenua. The agreement to have this land returned to mana whenua was negotiated between Fletchers, Makaurau Marae Maori Trust and Te Kawerau Iwi Tribal Authority. Auckland City Council was consulted during this process.

- The protest group SOUL does not represent mana whenua of Ihumatao.

- Members of the United Confederation of Tribes along with members of the so called, “Kaitiaki village” do not represent mana whenua of Ihumatao.

- Pania Newton who previously led the SOUL protest group is not mana whenua nor has she been mandated to represent mana whenua of Ihumatao. Pania has wilfully misled SOUL followers and the general public regarding ‘land issues’ at Ihumatao.

- Pania, her supporters and SOUL followers continue to unlawfully occupy the privately owned site preventing the development of much needed new housing, which through the partnership between Fletcher and mandated mana whenua representation, will provide housing opportunities for descendants with whakapapa and strong cultural connections to return to the area.

Steve Evans, Chief Executive - Residential and Development, Fletcher Building Limited

Te Warena Taua N.Z.O.M., Executive Chair, Te Kawerau Iwi Tribal Authority & Settlement Trust
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

4  March  2019

Greens introduce suite of measures to strengthen democracy
The Electoral Strengthening Democracy Bill seeks reform in four key areas:
* Strengthening transparency and safeguards on donations to parties and candidates

* Enabling voters of Māori descent to change roll type at any time

* Overturning the prisoner voting ban and giving all people in prison the right to vote

* Implementing the 2012 MMP Review recommendations

“Māori should be able to choose which roll they are on at any time. Currently Māori can only change roll during the Māori Electoral Option, which is a short window of time once every 5 years. This restriction is unnecessary and removing it will help Māori participation in our democracy.”....
See full article HERE

School of Environment Māori Masters Thesis Scholarship
A Scholarship to support Māori students enrolled in the thesis year of an MA or MSc in the School of Environment.

The main purpose of the Scholarship is to encourage high–achieving Māori students to continue their studies by undertaking masters thesis study in the School of Environment at the University of Auckland. ......
See full article HERE

Study: 75 per cent of Māori want cannabis legalised
The Drug Foundation says figures from a new survey on cannabis law reform are 'off the charts'.

Research for TV3's The Hui shows 75 percent of Māori support full legalisation of the drug.

It follows recent work by the Drug Foundation that found 35 percent of New Zealanders overall support legalisation, and another 32 percent in favour of it being decriminalised......
See full article HERE

'Ngāti Benneydale': Town divided over name change
Now, the Maniapoto Māori Trust Board has lodged an application to the New Zealand Geographic Board to change the name from Benneydale to Maniaiti.

The application for the name change is part of the Crown's treaty settlement with the iwi, Maniapoto Māori Trust Board deputy chair Keith Ikin said.

"As with all of the redress for Maniapoto which is being negotiated through the settlement, the names including spelling of our wāhi, our towns, rivers and other places, is recognition of our mana whenua and demonstrates the Crown's willingness to address past Crown actions and wrongs."

The original application was to change the name to Te Māniaiti, but further discussion with local knowledge holders has meant a submission for Maniaiti has since been put forward, Ikin said.....
See full article HERE

Nelson teacher job ad sparks institutional racism claims
An advertisement for a Maori unit teacher at a Nelson school seeking "strong behavioural management skills" has been labelled racist by some parents.

They say the ad's language reflects institutional racism ingrained in New Zealand. The head of the school involved, Nelson Intermediate, says the wording was "ill judged".

The vacancy was for a teacher at the school's Māori medium unit. It appeared online in October last year, with an introduction to the job description calling for someone with "strong behavioural management skills".....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

3  March  2019

Call to can colonial street names in Hamilton
An activist is asking Hamilton to get rid of several local names which come from people associated with killing Māori.

Taitimu Maipi, also known for his attack on the Captain Hamilton statue, met with Hamilton Mayor Andrew King and councillors on Thursday morning.

Maipi's targets were the city's name - Hamilton - and three street names: Bryce, Grey, and Von Tempsky.

Mayor Andrew King said more work will be done to understand the history around them, and the topic will be on a future council agenda.....
See full article HERE

Treaty claim looms as new stumbling block for Spark's 5G ambitions
Just as Spark sees a way around the GCSB's Huawei ban, another obstacle is emerging in its goal to launch a 5G mobile network by July 1, 2020 - a Treaty claim on spectrum that seems far from resolved.

A spokeswoman for Faafoi's office said a spectrum claim - WAI 2224 - has been lodged with the Waitangi Tribunal but has yet to be formally considered.

In an earlier claim - WAI 776 - the Tribunal agreed, in a majority decision, that Māori had a right to fair and equitable access to radio spectrum. That led, 19 years ago, to discounted 3G spectrum being allocated to the pan-iwi Te Huarahi Tika Trust whose commercial arm, Hautaki Ltd traded the spectrum for a minority stake in the company that became 2degrees....
See full article HERE

Maori Council takes on TVNZ to stop fire sale
The New Zealand Maori Council has asked the Ministers for Broadcasting and State Owned Enterprises to intervene and stop the sale and licensing of Television New Zealand’s archive to Getty Images. Council Executive Director, Matthew Tukaki, has called the move to sell the stories and content of Maori as a clear breach of both Tikanga and the Treaty and has indicated quite strongly that at no point should Maori content be made available for sale when there has been no or little consultation with Maori:....
See full article HERE

Māori tourism possibilities from rail development north of Auckland
Returning rail transport north of Auckland would increase the potential for Māori tourism, says Minister of Regional Economic Development Shane Jones.

The Ministry of Transport is holding a series of hui in Northland on 6, 7 and 8 March to seek the views of Māori on the viability of better rail in the region, including freight and potential passenger services....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

2  March  2019

Māori world view for local governance frameworks
A newly released local government localisation report has a strong Māori governance focus which Bay of Plenty regional councillor Arapeta Tahana says would benefit iwi.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is adopting Māori frameworks in their bid to re-boot local democracy and give communities more autonomy from government in decision making.

President Dave Cull says, "the model that Māori have used across the board for generations is actually where local government in many ways would like to go because it empowers the community level."

Bay of Plenty regional councillor Arapeta Tahana says, "Land rights, human rights and continuous occupation rights, these are terms used by those that belong to the land within their regions so localism upholds Māori world views.".....
See full article HERE

Derelict old Palmerston North police station building bought by Rangitāne
Palmerston North's decaying old police station on Church St has been bought by Rangitāne o Manawatū, signalling the possible rejuvenation of neighbouring Maple Lane and the block opposite The Plaza.

Negotiations about the purchase had taken more than a year to complete, with Rangitāne holding first right of refusal as part of its Treaty of Waitangi settlement.

The delay hinged on negotiating an undisclosed price for the property, which had a capital value of $2.5 million, that reflected the condition of the buildings and the costs of clearing most of the site.....
See full article HERE

Wanganui Iwi celebrate reclaiming Pākaitore 24 years ago
As he sat at the Tupoho stall at Pākaitore/Moutoa Gardens Wanganui's land settlement negotiations chairman Ken Mair projected the place into the future.

"This area is part of settlement negotiations and we remain pretty optimistic that it will be returned to us - without predicting the outcomes," he said.....
See full article HERE

Northland Regional Council forks out for Opononi Kupe centre
The Northland Regional Council has announced they will make a $500,000 contribution to a planned $8mil plus cultural centre at Opononi.

The ‘Manea Footprints of Kupe’ project is the brainchild of Te Hua o te Kawariki Trust and would see a cultural heritage tourism and education centre built to celebrate the journeys of the legendary Polynesian explorer Kupe....
See full article HERE

Immigration NZ in apology to Ngāpuhi whānau
Immigration NZ has made a U-turn in granting a medical visa to the Canadian husband of a Ngāpuhi mother-of-two.

Jimmy Lambert, who was denied entry to New Zealand because he suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS), hasn't seen his two children since last year.

Now, the Whangārei family is making preparations for his return home.

Immigration NZ will also pay for all of Lambert's flights to return to New Zealand to his whānau.......
See full article HERE

Māori resilience in civil defence study
A scheme to improve Māori community engagement in the event of natural disasters and other emergencies is among projects to win support from a regional civil defence fund.

Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi says the Resilience Fund will this year grant $670,000 to eight projects.

It will use kaupapa Māori processes and traditional Māori stories to create a framework, as well as assessment and engagement with communities.....
See full article HERE

Talks with Māori to ease 5G release
Broadcasting and Communications Minister Kris Faafoi says he won’t be able to release details of the first allocation of 5G spectrum until the Government has worked with Māori to address radio spectrum-related Treaty of Waitangi issues.

The previous National Government refused to allocate a 4G spectrum to Māori, instead creating a $30 million fund for Māori to use on digital technology projects.

Claimants were unhappy with that and want the crown to abide by earlier findings by the Waitangi Tribunal and the courts that Māori are entitled to a share of the spectrum.......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

1  March  2019

Exemption for proposed capital gains tax could be on the cards for iwi
A capital gains tax exemption could be on the cards for iwi, with the Tax Working Group suggesting a reshuffling of the rules for Māori collectively owned land and assets.

Sir Michael Cullen - who headed the tax working group - is warning of potential legal ramifications if the Government fails to address the issue.

"I think the general non-Māori public needs to understand there are some special cases here and it's not some particular special deal......
See full article HERE

Look who's giving advice after NZ's appearance at UN Human Rights Council
Justice Minister Andrew Little led a delegation of 14 to Geneva in January to report on advances in New Zealand human rights and discuss where improvements could be made.

Areas of concern included disparities for Maori in employment and life expectancy, imprisonment rates, discrimination on the basis of gender identity, the gender pay gap and family violence.

The council selected Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Slovakia from its 47 members to run the review of New Zealand.

Various countries have made specific recommendations for New Zealand to consider which are listed in the draft report.

Russia wants New Zealand to consider not only a written constitution but wants to see the Treaty of Waitangi enshrined in law......
See full article HERE

Hek Busby waka centre to receive $4.6mil from PGF
Sir Hekenukumai Ngaiwi Puhipi Busby’s waka centre will cost $4.6m.

Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis says, “Sir Hek is truly an icon of the Far North. The Kupe Waka Centre will see his knowledge preserved and also bring people from both New Zealand and overseas to this incredible part of our country.”

A planned sports hub in Kaitaia will cost $3mil.

The minister says, “Participation in sport and fitness is a key part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and improving the wellbeing of individuals, whānau and wider communities. This facility will create jobs, attract people to live here and help retain workers, young people and athletes in Kaitaia.”

The investment package also includes support for three iwi, Te Aupouri, Ngāti Kahu and Te Rarawa, to fund preliminary investigations into a water storage project for the area and explore the potential for a barge at Te Mingi to transport logs to Whangarei.

All up the investment package will cost taxpayers $8.2mil.......
See full article HERE

First 5G spectrum auction on track for early 2020
The government has confirmed the first auction of 5G spectrum with be the 3.5 GHz band and will be held early in 2020.

"While spectrum allocations occur, we will concurrently be working with Maori to address the radio spectrum-related Treaty of Waitangi issues," Faafoi says......
See full article HERE

Stronger iwi links counter to baby grab
The Commissioner for Children says shocking figures about the number of tamariki taken into state care in Porirua highlight why every office of the new Children’s Minsitry Oranga Tamariki needs to build strong links with iwi and communities in its area.

Figures obtained by Radio New Zealand show the Child Youth and Family Porirua uplifted 68 children in the last financial year, a 70 percent increase on the previous year.

Judge Andrew Beecroft says those statistics show the system isn’t working for Māori, and a new vision is needed that upholds mana tamaiti and makes maintaining connections with whānau and iwi a priority.

"There has to be a state-funded organisation like Oranga Tamariki that works hand in hand with iwi, Māori organisations and the community because the state can’t do it on its own, hasn’t done it on its own and hasn’t served Māori tamariki well," he says.....
See full article HERE

Whangārei hapū consider working together how and why
Whangārei hapū are meeting at Terenga Paraoa Marae this weekend to discuss how to work together not just on treaty settlement issues but also how they should deal with central and local government.

Organiser Huhana Lydon says treaty settlement negotiations can be all-consuming, and it's good to sometimes look around at what else needs considering......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

28  February  2019

Councillor critical of plan for governance with iwi over water catchments
A plan to get iwi more involved in managing Manawatū waterways is being criticised by a regional councillor, who believes it will leave out other interested parties.

As part of the changes, the council would create a committee councillors and iwi leaders would sit on to come up with strategies for different catchments.

All Horizons councillors voted to move the process forward, but Barrow voted against going down the governance-with-iwi route.

He said figures provided by the Tararua District Council showed it had spent more than $1 million in the past five years on litigation started by iwi there over wastewater treatment plant consents.

"We cannot have iwi involved in a litigious process and a collaborative process at the same time," Barrow said. "It's almost a conflict-of-interest situation."

Councillor Jono Naylor said it was ironic Barrow made those comments while a framed photocopy of the Treaty of Waitangi hung on the wall behind him.

Putting iwi and Federated Farmers in the same box was insulting and in conflict with the treaty, he said.

"This is about us trying to show a level of partnership with iwi.".....
See full article HERE

Māori navigators to thread China threat
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says Māori will be critical to keeping relationships with China on an even keel.

He says it's important New Zealand as a sovereign nation looks after its security, but it is a must also to seek economic opportunities if it is to thrive.

Māoridom has long experience managing relationships while being in a state of conflict.

"I mean the whole history of Māoridom in New Zealand is managing conflict between ourselves and the power culture and I think Māoridom has a lot to offer in terms of how we move forward......
See full article HERE

Māori art everywhere aim of strategy
Creative New Zealand wants to see Māori arts highly valued in Aotearoa as part of a distinct identity, as well as being recognised and admired globally

That's the aim of its new Māori arts strategy, Te Ha o Ngā Toi.

The vision is to see ngā toi Māori everywhere.......
See full article HERE

Medical Student seeks urgent claim against Police for bias
Timothy Morrison, a paramedic and medical student, has asked the Waitangi Tribunal to have an urgent hearing of his claim against NZ Police for bias in prosecutions of Māori.

As a teen from a troubled home, Timothy Morrison was targeted by NZ Police, starting as a 14 year old boy with his first conviction for burglary under $100......
See full article HERE

NZ has highest death rate for teenagers in developed world
Young Māori men are over-represented in these statistics, which Wallis puts down to racism and ignorance.

“A lot of the reason we have such a negative rate is because we are still quite a racist country, and it's quite hard to be Māori and have high self-esteem in this country.

"We don’t teach Te Reo at schools. We don’t learn about New Zealand history. There’s a prevailing view in the country that Maori are inferior.".....
See full article HERE

Moves underway to set up Maori-owned bank
Could an iwi bank become the next Kiwibank? The Māori Council thinks so and is taking steps to set up a Māori-owned bank.

The Māori Council says Māori are being let down and shut out by the four big Australian-owned banks.

It‘s calling on iwi to come together and make a Māori-owned bank a reality.

The idea of setting up a Māori-owned bank has ramped up in the last month with the Māori Council forming a working group on housing affordability......
See full article HERE

Tax working group “missed opportunity” – Māori Council
Speaking at a forum on Māori Business, Council Executive Director Matthew Tukaki says Māori, Māori organisations and iwi need to look at the recommendations through a Māori lens.

“For Māori, however, we need to see it in the context of what it might impact in terms of future Treaty settlements that could include assets like buildings and infrastructure. Does that cause an exemption?” says Tukaki.

“The other thing we need to be mindful of is the debate around Māori economic development – as we push to develop up Māori land that will create a capital value and therefore at sale the difference between cost and profit may be taxable – should it be and will it be?”

“I think also we have lost the opportunity to look at tax relief or creative ways of supporting primary industries to transition into a lower carbon future and we sure have missed the boat when it comes to Māori and the growing calls for a tax on water.”....
See full article HERE

Iwi lock in land deal at Marlborough Airport
Three top of the south iwi have signed off on an historic deal to jointly purchase two parcels of land at Woodbourne, near Blenheim.

The deal, which takes in 6.56 hectares of land in two lots fronting Marlborough Airport, comes following separate negotiations with the New Zealand Defence Force and the Marlborough District Council, and represents the first commercial partnership between the three iwi, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāti Kuia and Rangitāne o Wairau.....
See full article HERE

Hapu outlines next steps for NZ Government in Whakatohea
Ngai Tamahaua Hapu Chair Peter T Selwyn today announced next steps for the New Zealand Government in response to the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations’ statement of 22 February 2019 on the Whakatohea Treaty settlement situation.

Mr Selwyn says: “The Hapu have made it clear that dialogue with the New Zealand Government on decolonisation of our territory and reparations can only commence once concrete steps have been made by them to end their divisive mandate policy – in particular,.....
See full article HERE

Deep seated racism in baby grab
Oranga Tamariki is being called out for being too fast to take Māori children from their families.

Figures obtained by RNZ show 68 children were removed from their parents in Porirua in the year to June 2018, up from 40 children the year before, and compared with just 33 from Wellington that year.

Social work educator Paora Joass Moyle says it shows there are deep seated problems with the child protection agency that won’t be fixed by a name change.

She says the child protection model has been imported from the United Kingdom and fails to recognise the impact of colonization.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

27  February  2019

PM talks to politics raised on Te Matatini stage
The political messages broadcast from the Te Matatini stage remain in the wake of the competition but did those at the beehive hear, heed and take on board the challenges put to them by performers?

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says, "I want to make more of that event and I absolutely think a legitimate platform to issue challenges to Government to encourage where they think we should be encouraged but challenge where we should be. We just need to make sure we're available to hear that."

Key messages among the 46 performances included calls to promote te reo Māori, more support for children and a song about the Prime Minister.

Political issues were also at the fore; with expressions of opposition to the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary, calls for the Crown to honour The Treaty, and Tauranga Moana talking to the controversial Pare Hauraki Treaty Settlement.......
See full article HERE

Iwi to buy stricken seafood giant Hawke's Bay Seafoods

Stricken seafood giant Hawke's Bay Seafoods (HBS) is to be taken-over by shareholder and iwi organisation Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated.

The move, including the establishment of a new entity tentatively called Takitimu Seafoods, has been confirmed in a statement from iwi chairman Ngāhiwi Tomoana......
See full article HERE

Geothermal milk plant nearing completion
New Zealand's second Māori-owned dairy plant project is on track to start producing in July.

The $33 million plant in Kawerau is a joint venture: 11 Māori entities, including Poutama Trust. Between them they hold a 67% stake in the company and Cedenco Dairy Ltd, owned by Japanese company Imanaka holds 33%.

Kawerau Dairy will process up to 30 million litres of milk in its first year; 12 farms will supply milk.

“We expect the majority of farms supplying Kawerau Dairy in the initial start-up phase will have Māori ownership,” he says......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

26  February  2019

Pulse bring te reo Māori onto netball court
As the ANZ Netball Premiership kicked off around the country, a new look Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse took to the court proudly promoting te reo Māori for the first time on their uniform bibs.

Mereana Selby, CEO for Pulse sponsor Te Wānanga o Raukawa, says the players have been attending classes to learn about the language.

“While it’s an off-court challenge for players, the team is loud and proud about promoting te reo Māori at the very top of New Zealand netball,” Selby says.......
See full article HERE

New tax rules need to protect Māori development
The head of the tax working group, Sir Michael Cullen says more consultation may be needed with Māori to ensure changes don’t impact the economic prospects of Māori and iwi collectives......
See full article HERE

NZ government keen to take All Stars across Tasman
New Zealand Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson has thrown his support behind calls for the All Stars concept to be taken across the Tasman Sea in a move which would ensure ongoing Maori representation.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

24  February  2019

Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr embraces the forest god
"I would say, to some people, it's gone down like a cup of cold sick," says Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr. He's talking about the response to his reset of the central bank's vision - using the story of Tāne Mahuta.

So why Tāne Mahuta? And what does it all mean?

In Māori mythology, Ranginui and Papatūānuku - the sky father and earth mother - were once bound in an embrace so tight that all the world was dark.

Their children made several attempts to separate them and eventually the forest god Tāne was successful – lying on his back and pushing up with his legs to let the sunshine in.....
See full article HERE

Don Brash hits out at Tax Working Group for recommending 'race-based' discounts
Former National party leader Don Brash has hit out at the Tax Working Group for what he says is a race-based discount for iwi businesses built into the proposed capital gains tax released yesterday.

He argues that it shows the Tax Working Group believes that Māori can’t achieve without a tax break.

The Tax Working Group’s final report, released yesterday, recommended that iwi-owned businesses would pay a discounted rate of 17.5 per cent, compared to 33 per cent for other businesses.....
See full article HERE

Climate change scientists look to Māori and other indigenous people for answers
In the Māoriland Hub in Ōtaki, north of Wellington, an exhibition details how bad climate change will get for locals in the Kāpiti Horowhenua region, where the frequency of heavy rainfall, flooding, erosion and landslides is already on the rise.

Mātauranga is the body of traditional and contemporary knowledge about the world – both physical and spiritual – held by Māori. It is also the process by which information is observed, tested, interpreted, built upon and handed down. It is inseparable from Māori culture, values and beliefs. Māori consider themselves part of nature and within it, and mātauranga reflects this......
See full article HERE

Auckland Festival put Waiata Māori at the heart of their program
Two Auckland Festival shows in March put waiata Māori front and centre - a free sing-along event in Aotea Square called Tira, and another called Tōku Reo Waiata. The brains behind the shows, Tama Waipara, and performer Annie Crummer tell Kirsten Johnstone about the kaupapa.​....
See full article HERE

Empowering Māori to improve ecosystem management in Aotearoa
Sustainable Seas researchers have outlined ways to enable and empower Māori to lead the sustainable management of resources in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The 2018 report, written by Dr Robert Joseph and his team from the University of Waikato, compares how tikanga Māori and Western legal systems are applied to environmental management. The report highlights the need for more inclusive and better resource management policies, practices and laws that enable the accurate application of tikanga and mātauranga Māori to the governance and management of the country’s land-based and marine ecosystems......
See full article HERE

What could Tauranga's new university campus mean for the region?
A kaumatua chants in te reo while two men remove black fabric to reveal a pouwhenua - a wooden carving called Te Toka a Tirikawa. More chanting and songs precede the shuffle of more than 100 pairs of feet into the building.

The karakia concludes inside Te Manawaroa meeting room, where hongi and handshakes follow. Waikato University Professor and kaumātua Tom Roa addresses those encircling the space.

Later, a Ngai Te Rangi spokesman would tell attendees at a Bongard Centre breakfast, "This whare is for the students of the world.".....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

23  February  2019

Ngai Tahu asks for involvement in ORC policy-making
The Otago Regional Council is seeking more Ngai Tahu input on its decision-making, but the logistics are proving difficult.

A council meeting this week discussed a request by the iwi to be involved in its policy committee.

The committee makes decisions on wider policy, but they need to be passed at a full council meeting.

Cr Michael Laws was concerned about involving only Ngai Tahu rather than all Maori.....
See full article HERE

New logo spells end for four shaking hands
The four interlocking hands of the South Wairarapa District Council logo were waved goodbye on Wednesday as a new emblem was voted in at a council meeting in Martinborough.

The council’s outdated, mono-cultural logo was created in 1989 and featured four white male hands connected in a cross shape.

The winning design was supported by 62 per cent of the 400 ratepayers consulted during a survey this month.

Mayor Viv Napier said, “It’s wonderful to have a new logo that encapsulates the district’s identity, shows us as a modern and progressive council, and acknowledges the important standing of Maori.”

The design process also involved input from the Maori Standing Committee.

Chairman Raihania Tipoki said, the words ‘Kia Reretahi Tatau’ meant ‘let’s fly together’ or ‘let’s collaborate’.

“The inclusion of Wairarapa Moana in the logo signifies an overdue recognition that our natural environment must be inherent in our decision-making processes,” he said.

“The Maori fishing hook depicted in the landscape references the Moana as ‘Te Karu o Te Ika a Maui’ [The Eye of The Fish of Maui].”.....
See full article HERE

Resounding political statements from Te Matatini stage
Kapa haka groups are using the Te Matatini stage in Wellington to send political messages to Parliament.

From calls to honour the treaty, to promoting te reo Māori, and bungled treaty settlements - teams are not holding back as they perform a block away from the Beehive.

As they were leaving the stage, Te Iti Kahurangi stretched out a banner that said 'Whakamana Te Tiriti' - 'validate the treaty' before ending with a rousing haka.

Hokipera Ruakere travelled from Taranaki to watch the performances and said the government has been talked about a lot, as has the Treaty of Waitangi.....
See full article HERE

Wait begins for Napier claimants after urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing
The Waitangi Tribunal has completed a hearing in Napier with the Crown defending claims that it let claimants down by not ensuring the proper mandating and operation of the trust it accepted to manage the proceeds.

It was initiated by Waiohiki hapu Ngati Paarau which argued the Crown breached principles of the Treaty of Waitangi in its mandating of Manu Ahuriri Incorporated and what the hapu says was the ignoring of concerns about post-settlement governance entity Manu Ahuriri Trust (MAT)........
See full article HERE

Next steps for Whakatohea
Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little today announced next steps for the Crown in response to Whakatōhea’s vote last year on the future of their Treaty claims.

“Firstly, having had time to consider the vote, the outcome was finely balanced. I think the results show too much support for the Trust for the Crown to walk away, but clearly the results raise some important issues that need to be addressed before any decisions about resuming negotiations can be made” says Andrew Little......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

22  February  2019

Wellington crossing lights changed to kapa haka figures to honour Te Matatini festival
Wellington has designed special pedestrian crossing lights in honour of the arrival of kapa haka festival Te Matatini ki te Ao.

The lights, which have been installed at seven city locations, depict haka and poi poses, some of the most well-known elements of kapa haka, a Māori dance and song art form that dates back centuries.

Wellington mayor Justin Lester said Wellington local iwi had come up with the idea to celebrate te ao Māori in the city about two years ago.....
See full article HERE 

Maori support NZ China relationships - Ngati Kahungunu Iwi
I have no doubt at all that the Maori component of the New Zealand Trade missions has enabled the wider New Zealand business Community to enjoy greater access into regions previously off limits.

Ngati Kahungunu Iwi has purchased a deep sea vessel which will export frozen product directly to China once the eligibility registration has been achieved. This would see a multimillion dollar two-way flow of business from this one Iwi entity. Ngai Tahu, Ngati Kahu and Wakatu and other Iwi Maori entities are enjoying extremely good relationships and success in their cultural and commercial sphere with their Chinese partners. Iwi Maori Companies through the cultural and commercial imperatives can pave the way for more enduring relationships between the two countries despite the short term myopic views of the New Zealand government coalition partners.

Ngati Kahungunu Iwi is scheduling a visit to Hong Kong and Beijing in early May to re-strengthen our relationships with our Chinese Partners before heading to Tokyo to do the same with our Japanese partners......
See full article HERE 

NRL slammed for butchering Māori names during All-Star clash
"They aren't at fault. None of them came to ask to seek our advice on pronouncing the names," Waaka continued.

"So this is a challenge to the NRL that for games at this level of rugby they need to provide space, perhaps an extra two chairs so we can commentate on the game in te reo."....
See full article HERE

Embedding mātauraunga Māori into the deep south – a new Māori whakairo to be carved in Antarctica
Antarctica will shortly receive one of its first traditional Māori carvings to have been carved and completed on the ice. A pair of Māori carvers headed south to Antarctica on Waitangi Day to spend two weeks completing and installing the two whakawae (door frames) and a pare (lintel) they are carving for Scott Base.....
See full article HERE 

Whānau Ora overwhelmed by demand, review says
A review of the Māori and Pasifika-focused Whānau Ora development agency says providers are overwhelmed by demand and often dealing with crisis situations better dealt with by the likes of medical professionals and social workers.

The review panel suggested the reach of Whānau Ora be even wider, such as more localised commissioning options in some areas to keep the agencies close to the whānau and communities they serve; and further into rural and deprived populations.

It recommended Te Puni Kōkiri work with other agencies to capitalise on opportunities and address the perceived barriers that inhibit the uptake of Whānau Ora.

Whānau-centred approaches should also be embedded in the machinery of government through mechanisms such as Budget 2019, the Living Standards Framework and legislation.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has been a harsh critic of the agency, calling it a "bro-ocracy" and a "waste of taxpayers' money".

The agency, a flagship policy of the Māori Party, was created in the previous National government's term......
See full article HERE 

Maori Sidesteps add humour to Ministry of Education videos
The Maori Sidesteps have been recruited to add humour to a new series of videos encouraging parents to consider the benefits of Maori medium education pathways for their kids.

The group has been working with the Ministry of Education to support the Mou Te Reo campaign and their new videos will feature at this year’s Te Matatini event starting in Wellington this week.....
See full article HERE 

A weighty issue for Auckland Māori
Young researcher Hannah Rapata is passionate about improving Māori health and nutrition.

Having spent the past two years cultivating her knowledge of indigenous health and food practices, the aspiring dietician was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Ngāti Whātua over the summer, examining childhood obesity rates and initiatives within the Auckland iwi.

Hannah, 22, received a University of Auckland $6000 Summer Research Scholarship to complete the 10-week research project as part of the A Better Start National Science Challenge........
See full article HERE 

Māori radio thinking ahead of bureaucrats
A leading identity in iwi radio believes the bureaucrats are lagging behind Māori providers and need to change their ideas about what Māori media is and can do.

He says over the past 30 years Māori radio has become the main influencer of the language in the home, while dealing with the challenges of insufficient funding.

It is already grappling with the shift from broadcast to digital delivery, platforms, and in funding terms should be seen as part of the way Māori language and cultural are put online........
See full article HERE

Crown launches commitment to te reo Maori - Mahuta
Māori Development Minister, Hon Nanaia Mahuta, says the Crown’s commitment to ensure basic te reo is spoken by a million people in 2040 took a major step forward today.

The Maihi Karauna, the Crown’s Māori language strategy, was launched at Te Matatini in recognition of the festival’s passion and commitment to te reo. This strategy is intended to complement the Maihi Maori which supports iwi, hapū and whānau aspirations towards te reo māori revitalisation.

"The Crown has long held the responsibility to protect te reo Māori as a taonga and the Maihi Karauna sets out a context for that responsibility to inform how Government can achieve this for all of us to use, share and protect te reo Māori.

"I know that for te reo to thrive by 2040 we all need to do our part, working together to make te reo a working, living language," said Nanaia Mahuta.

Minister Mahuta says The are bold goals stretching out to 2040 and a practical step forward will be through initiatives which are focussed on rangatahi. Three areas of focus include:

- Hosting rangatahi regional workshops and a national summit.

- A social marketing campaign to promote the value of te reo Māori.

- Snap-reo, a series of quick, micro-lessons in te reo Māori, available on a variety of media.....
See full article HERE 

TSB Community Trust signs memorandum of understanding with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga
The TSB Community Trust has signed its third relationship agreement with a Taranaki iwi.

The trust co-signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga on Wednesday.

It has already formed formal iwi partnerships with Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa Trust, in March 2018, and Te Kāhui o Taranaki in December 2018.

Established in 2006 Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga is the post-settlement governance entity representing the collective interests of Ngāti Mutunga.

The agreement signed this week will provide a foundation for both entities to explore a long-term partnership to improve wellbeing outcomes for Ngāti Mutunga, and the wider community, the Trust said in an emailed statement......
See full article HERE 

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

21  February  2019

We just lost another species to extinction - it must be the last
We hear a lot about the danger of animals going extinct, but it's not often you can actually see an entire species obliterated.

But that's exactly what's happened to a precious native bug in Canterbury - and it wasn't killed by rats or possums, but by those known better for protecting nature.

Iwi. Specifically, Ngai Tahu Farming

As part of a treaty settlement 19 years ago, Ngai Tahu were returned land along the Waimakariri river......
See full article HERE

5G debate: a reminder of who actually owns what
As debate rages around the participation of Huawei in the build of New Zealand’s 5G network, Maori Council Executive Director Matthew Tukaki has told everyone to hit the pause button until it is clear what the role of Maori and Maori organisations will be. Tukaki also reminded people that Maori Council and others had previously moved to protect Maori rights when it came to Spectrum:....
See full article HERE

DoC wants out of its lake lease
The Department of Conservation (DoC) is not interested in renewing the Waikaremoana lakebed lease.

Te Uru Taumatua and Te Urewera Board chairman Tamati Kruger said DoC had informed Wairoa Waikaremoana Maori Trust Board and Te Uru Taumatua to this effect.

The 50-year iwi-Crown lakebed lease was due for renewal in July 2017.

The Government held a right of renewal but the lease has still not been renewed.

Instead DoC is managing its activities at Waikaremoana on a month-to-month basis.

“The lakebed is Maori freehold land leased by the Crown from the Tuhoe Charitable Trust (72 percent ownership) and the Wairoa-Waikaremoana Maori Trust Board (28 percent ownership),” said Mervyn English, Department of Conservation spokesman on Tuhoe, Te Urewera and Waikaremoana matters.......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

20  February  2019

Keen demand for Ngāi Tai KiwiBuilds
Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki launched its Belmont Village Kiwibuild development in Pukekohe on Saturday.

The iwi and its building partners have committed to build 90 dwellings in six stages of 15 at the northwest edge of the town.

If Ngāi Tai members meet KiwiBuild criteria they will be given priority, and the iwi is also contemplating models like shared equity to assist its whānau into houses.......
See full article HERE

Maori students 'from the four winds' given welcome
The University of Otago has held its largest welcome yet for first-year Maori students.

More than 250 students attended the university's start-of-year powhiri yesterday morning.

"It's fantastic to see so many tauira Maori [Maori students] who want to engage with local tikanga and mana whenua.....
See full article HERE

Crown blamed for Paoa split
Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust says the crown is to blame for divisions within the iwi.

The trust failed in a bid last Friday to stop the tribe's negotiator signing the Hauraki Collective Settlement, but it is now seeking a declaration from the High Court that the crown cannot take any steps towards the next stage of the settlement based on the signing......
See full article HERE

Corrections dept apologises for Māori nationalist group comments
The Department of Corrections has apologised for minutes recorded in a forum almost two years ago naming Māori nationalist groups alongside Islamic extremists and other far-right and violent political groups as a threat to public safety.

Corrections was not available for interview but in a statement to Te Kāea, Deputy National Commissioner Andy Milne says, “We acknowledge the comment noted in these minutes was inappropriate and sincerely apologise for any unintended offence caused.”

Milne says the department has no evidence of any Māori nationalist groups active in prison......
See full article HERE

Surprise te reo Māori finding in prediabetes research
New research from the Healthier Lives National Science Challenge has found people who speak te reo Māori have a reduced risk of progressing from prediabetes to diabetes.

The groundbreaking research, which has been published in the Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice journal, observed more than 14,000 participants with prediabetes. The study, led by researchers at the University of Otago’s Wellington campus and including collaborations with the National Hauora Coalition, Waikato DHB, and the University of Waikato, aimed to identify potential traits that could protect or progress a patient towards diabetes......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

19  February  2019

Te Kahui o Taranaki and DoC announce new Kaitiaki Whenua Ranger role
Te Kahui o Taranaki and the Department of Conservation (DOC) are pleased to announce the appointment of Wayne Capper into the unique and newly developed role of Kaitiaki Whenua Ranger.

The Kaitiaki Whenua Ranger role will be a partnership role between the DOC and Te Kahui o Taranaki to support the management of the cultural redress sites transferred to Taranaki Iwi.

As owners responsible for the management of these cultural redress sites Te Kahui o Taranaki created the Kaitiaki Whenua Ranger position to manage the sites. Wayne Capper has been recruited to the role where he will be employed by Te Kahui o Taranaki and will be hosted by DOC in their Historic and Visitor Assets team for 2 years before transitioning back to Te Kahui o Taranaki......
See full article HERE

'Significant and irreversible prejudice': Urgent Waitangi tribunal hearing to settle Napier claim issues
An urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing will be held over what a judge has called possible "significant and irreversible prejudice" against some beneficiaries of claims in Napier.

The hearing starts today, sparked by three of seven hapu linked to the Deed of Settlement signed in late 2016 by the Crown and Mana Ahuriri.....
See full article HERE

Report about Maori Nationalist organisations a 'crock'
Maori Council calls Corrections report about Maori Nationalist organisations a "crock" of the highest order - calls for heads to roll

The New Zealand Maori Council has called on the Department of Corrections to name names in a confidential internal report naming Maori Nationalist organisations as a threat. Council Executive Director Matthew Tukaki has called the comments "from a few recalcitrant" public servants as a step too far in Maori Crown relations:

"The report out of the Department of Corrections is ill conceived, a flight of fancy and quite frankly lends itself to the fundamental question of just who they are talking about? Maori Nationalist Groups? Are they referring to the Maori Council? Are the referring to the Maori Women’s Welfare League? Are they referring to the Maori Nurses Federation or the Kohanga movement? This kind of nonsense aligned with somehow the threat of terrorism is exactly what divides a community instead of brining it together" Matthew Tukaki said......
See full article HERE

NZ Maori Council launches National Taskforce on Education
With reforms abound in the education sector from schools to technical and vocational education, the New Zealand Maori Council has launched a new national taskforce to bring new ideas and thinking to the concept of lifelong learning “This is not just about one part of the education system for Maori its about the end to end life long process of learning and how we can harness that to project our people forward.” Said Matthew Tukaki......
See full article HERE

Ngāti Paoa signs Hauraki settlement
Ngāti Paoa has become the sixth of the 12 Hauraki iwi to sign the Hauraki Collective Settlement.

The signing came despite a last-minute bid by the faction controlling the post-settlement governance entity to block it......
See full article HERE

Supreme Court dismisses Māori jurisdiction challenge over driving infringements
A man whose driver's licence was simply a piece of paper with a name and "Māori" written on it has failed in his bid to challenge the jurisdiction of New Zealand's courts.

The argument - based on the defence that Māori are not subject to the law of New Zealand - was made in an effort to escape several driving infringement notices.

The nearly two-year-long case eventually required a judgment by the Supreme Court, which today dismissed Michael Raymond Main's final application to appeal......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

18  February  2019

Dual name for Tūranganui-a-Kiwa / Poverty Bay approved
Poverty Bay’s name is 'richer' with the inclusion of Te Reo in the new name of “Tūranganui-a-Kiwa / Poverty Bay” Minister for Land Information Eugenie Sage announced today.

In recent months, Te Kāea spoke to Wirangi Pera of local tribe Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, who says, “To us this is a significant development to recognise to the original name that we know as Tūranganui-a-Kiwa.”

“Tūranganui-a-Kiwa / Poverty Bay” applies only to the bay enclosed by Young Nick’s Head (Te Kuri) and Tuaheni Point, in accordance with the original request by Gisborne District Council. It does not apply to the wider landscape and region often referred to as Poverty Bay, nor to Gisborne or any other area. The name “Tūranganui-a-Kiwa” can be translated as the great [or long] standing place of Kiwa.....
See full article HERE

Treasure hunters fall foul of plundering law
Treasure hunters on Kaikōura's coast are being asked to leave Maori taonga where they are following a proliferation of people digging for, and discovering, artefacts exposed following the 2016 earthquake.

One of the beach sites near Kaikōura was a whaling station and a significate Maori site and the area is considered a geologically and archeologically rich area.

"Taonga hold value to communities as they are an important link to tūpuna [ancestors] and whenua [the land], and also offer broad insight into the history of New Zealand," a Ministry spokeswoman said.....
See full article HERE

Change to how iconic high country land is managed
Iconic high country land will be better managed under changes that Land Information Minister Eugenie Sage announced consultation on today.

Tenure review is a voluntary process where Crown pastoral land can be sold to a leaseholder and areas with high ecological and recreational value can be returned to full Crown ownership as conservation land.

• Ensuring that the natural landscapes, indigenous biodiversity, and cultural and heritage values are secured and safeguarded through the Crown’s management of the land.

Feedback is also being sought on how the Crown can better implement Treaty of Waitangi responsibilities regarding Crown pastoral land.....
See full article HERE

Corrections notes claim 'Māori nationalist groups' threaten from behind prison walls
A plan to help fight terrorism in prison highlighted "Māori nationalist groups" as a "threat to public and community safety" through "violent action".

It has earned the Department of Corrections a rebuke from its minister Kelvin Davis, who described it as "unnecessary, provocative language".

The concern about "Māori nationalist groups" emerges in a list of threats identified by Corrections released through the Official Information Act......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

17  February  2019

'Sovereign citizen' defence mooted for alleged baby killer
The man charged with the cold case murder of a 10-month old baby in 2014 may attempt a "sovereign citizen" defence - a claim that as a Māori, Crown law does not apply to him.

That extraordinary revelation was made at the High Court in Rotorua on Friday by the lawyer for Shane Claude Roberts, 59.

Roberts faces one charge, that between November 29 and 30, 2014, he murdered Karlos Stephens, a charge he had earlier pleaded not guilty to.

Defence lawyer Louis Te Kani told the court his client "wishes to run what I believe is a sovereign argument"......
See full article HERE

Government strategy to reduce Māori prison numbers gets wary response
The government is being told to get out of the way and let Māori take charge to keep their own out of court and jail.

RNZ has obtained a copy of the final draft of the Justice System Māori Outcomes Strategy, a joint-approach by police, Corrections and Justice.

The strategy is aimed at reducing the number of Māori in the criminal justice system. It acknowledges the impact of colonisation on Māori and calls for staff to address any biases they have towards Māori. It makes a distinction between whānau and a nuclear family, and focuses on a need to work closely with Māori.....
See full article HERE

Iwi annoyed South Taranaki council won't endorse anti-mining stance
The company hoping to mine iron-sand offshore from Pātea has applied to explore for minerals in a much larger area around its planned seabed mine.

South Taranaki iwi Ngāti Ruanui has been one of the main groups opposing the seabed mining proposal. At South Taranaki District Council's iwi liaison meeting on January 30, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui Trust deputy chairman Ngapari Nui put forward a resolution asking the council to endorse its opposition to this new application.

"Unfortunately, we heard nothing until it was raised on the day at the meeting. This was the reason for not accepting the iwi's recommendation."

That response is offensive, and unsupportive to iwi and to others who oppose the mining, Nui said.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

16  February  2019

Mermaid Pools near Matapouri in Northland could be closed via rāhui due to environmental damage
One of Northland's most popular tourist spots, the Mermaid Pools near Matapouri, could be temporarily closed by a local hapū over environmental concerns.

The picturesque, turquoise tidal rock pools are enormously popular, drawing in tourists and locals alike.

But hapū Te Whanau ā Rangiwhakaahu is concerned about the degrading environmental, cultural and spiritual wellbeing of the taonga, known as Te Wai o Te Taniwha.

The hapū said in a statement that it intended to place a rāhui over the pools, and the access route over the Rangitapu headland at Matapouri Bay, to restore "the mauri of the taonga"......
See full article HERE

Māori and Indigenous Governance Centre
The Māori and Indigenous Governance Centre is based in Te Piringa, Faculty of Law. The Centre embracse a best-team approach to research, involving collaboration, locally, nationally and internationally. The Centre focuses on research issues concerning Māori and Indigenous Peoples’ governance, rights and responsibilities. It promotes Indigenous worldviews and sound governance and development principles in order to build Indigenous capacity, facilitate Indigenous involvement in governance at all levels, and develop quality outcomes for Māori and Indigenous Peoples.....
See full article HERE

Sallies clear smoke over racism in system
A call by the Salvation Army for targeted programmes addressing Māori disadvantage has been endorsed by Greens' co-leader Marama Davidson.

Ms Davidson says there has been targeted discrimination in areas like health, education and justice, which is why targeted responses are needed.

"Māori smoke marijuana cannabis at the same rate as non-Māori but are twice as likely to be apprehended and punished for it. That is straight up blatant racism within our policing and criminal system," she says......
See full article HERE

Not well, not safe, not fair
The author of the Salvation Army’s state of the nation report says it could take more than a generation to close some of the gaps between Māori and non-Māori

It shows the rate of Māori waiting for social housing is nine-times worse than non-Māori, youth unemployment is twice the general rate, and Māori whānau are three and a half times more likely to need welfare support.

"Every indicator we use shows Māori are massively disadvantaged and some of the indicators are getting worse, some are getting better, but the gaps are so big it will take more than a generation to close even where there is some progress," Mr Johnson says......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

15  February  2019

Kaupapa Māori framework key for justice reform
The head of Restorative Justice NZ says the Government needs to embrace more Māori-led initiatives if it is to get the reform it is wanting in the criminal justice system.

A panel headed by former MP Chester Borrows is looking at reforming the system, and Mike Hinton says it now has a lot of evidence of what works.

Māori initiatives like rangatahi courts and iwi justice panels have also shown their worth, if the right controls are in place.

"When we start adopting Māori initiaitives or kaupapa Māori, they have to be judged within a kaupapa Māori framework. You can't put them into the system as we know it now and judge them against a Pākehā framework and what the powers that we think is right. They must have their own sovereignty over that programme," Mr Hinton says........
See full article HERE

Kairangahau Māori (Māori Research Scientist) - AgResearch
AgResearch is looking for a passionate Kairangahau Māori to provide thought leadership and lead AgResearch's research portfolio towards Māori centred and kaupapa Māori research.

The Kairangahau Māori will be responsible for delivery of high quality Te Ao Māori rangahau and/or science outcomes, across multiple areas of specialisation relevant to Māori stakeholder and pastoral industry priorities.....
See full article HERE

Councillor says some te reo street names 'mean absolutely nothing' to Wellington
Some Māori language street names "mean absolutely nothing" when it comes to Wellington, a city councillor says.

Councillor Andy Foster clashed with a council employee and another councillor over whether the city's te reo policy meant only Māori language names would be used for Wellington's streets, rather than a mix of both English and te reo names.

"We can't make every name a te reo name," Foster said......
See full article HERE

IMSB keen to promote Māori builders
Auckland's Independent Māori Statutory Board wants to see more Māori involvement in fixing the city's housing problems.

Chair David Taipari says housing ministers Phil Twyford and Nanaia Mahuta have supported the plan and there could be opportunities coming through the proposed new Urban Development Agency.

The board wants to see Māori, including iwi and mātāwaka, develop land freed up by treaty settlements........
See full article HERE

Māori view added to Treasury tool kit
Te Puni Kōkiri hopes its contribution to Treasury’s proposed Living Standards Framework will help other government agencies measure the impact of their policies on Māori.

"We would argue that a Māori world view, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a whānau centered approach haven't been sufficiently applied to those government processes so we are setting a platform that can enable that thinking to be used and applied in a practical way as departments and agencies and Treasury go about their business," Ms Grenell says......
See full article HERE

Wellington joins national day of action to protect Ihumatao
Tomorrow Wellingtonians will join people around Aotearoa to demand Fletcher Construction respects Te Tiriti o Waitangi and stops plans to build at Ihumatao in Auckland. People will protest at Fletchers sites around the country tomorrow, February 15th, in solidarity with mana whenua in Auckland who are calling for the return of this sacred and archaeologically and ecologically unique land.

As Fletcher's seem to be having trouble respecting the treaty, we'll be inviting them to a free Tiriti o Waitangi workshop at their premises in Churton Park!’ said local Ihumatao supporter and SOUL Solidarity Paneke spokesperson, Te Ao Pritchard.

Ihumatao was confiscated under the New Zealand Settlements Act in 1863 as part of the colonial invasion of Waikato that drove mana whenua from their lands......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

14  February  2019

Law lecturer weighs into debate about renaming country
A law lecturer says the symbolism of renaming the country Aotearoa New Zealand could be enhanced by reflecting the Treaty of Waitangi partnership in the constitutional arrangements.

Dr Carwyn Jones specialises in the Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Crown – Iwi Relations.

“Here, the inclusion of Aotearoa in the country’s official name makes an important link to Indigenous language and culture. It would signal that a part of our uniqueness and our nationhood is connected to the way the nation state was founded, the way Indigenous and settler communities agreed to come together in a Treaty partnership while recognising and respecting each other’s authority,” he says.......
See full article HERE

Marae want louder voice in Civil Defence national plan
Many marae step-up and open their doors during emergencies but are only classed as spontaneous volunteers in response efforts despite helping the public in times of need. Sir Mark Solomon says more funding should be available for marae at the coalface.

Politicians back at parliament agree that marae should have a seat at the table.

National’s Port Hills MP Nuk Korako says, "Absolutely. We’ve been through earthquakes, we’ve been through fire and marae are on the front line.”

Community and Voluntary sector Peeni Henare says, “Āe marika- yes”

Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta agrees, "It is time to look at how to do that."

"There needs to be a relationship directly with Civil Defence, they need to have communications and protocols, not just with iwi authorities but at the marae level because it’s the marae that will open up and take in people."

Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi says the government is making improvements to the system, which includes a focus on the way Civil Defence works with marae and iwi......
See full article HERE

Targeted funding needed to fix 'appalling' Māori wellbeing - Salvation Army
Targeted funding is the only way to improve "appalling" Māori wellbeing outcomes, the Salvation Army says.

"These statistics are appalling and compelling at the same time and I just think they need to be addressed and I can't see any other way than being quite specific about programmes directed towards Māori community and whānau Māori."

Change was required in other key areas, such as the Māori prison population. That had been reduced by 5 to 6 percent but was still 20 percent higher than it was five years ago......
See full article HERE

Councillor 'ashamed' to sing Māori version of national anthem fails to attend meeting to apologise
A controversial New Plymouth councillor who said he was "ashamed" to sing the te reo version of the national anthem did not attend a meeting at which he had agreed to make a public apology.

But Murray Chong, who was on his way to Wellington when the New Plymouth District Council held its extraordinary meeting on Tuesday afternoon, said he had already said sorry for his comments.

Chong said he was not happy the mayor had wanted him to make his apology at the meeting where councillors would be able to express their views on his comments, but to which he claimed he would have no right of reply......
See full article HERE

Samuels not waiting 100 years for settlement
Former Labour cabinet minister Dover Samuels doesn’t want to see Ngati Hine’s bid to get its own deal slow the Ngapuhi settlement.

The Ngapuhi kaumatua is upset Tamaki Makaurau MP and minister outside cabinet Peeni Henare is backing the hapu breakaway.

He lodged his own claim 30 years ago, and says he is now looking at lost opportunities for generations to come as ongoing discord hampers progress......
See full article HERE

Standards set for Maori wellbeing
Treasury has published a discussion paper prepared by Te Puni Kokiri giving a Maori perspective on the Living Standards Framework.

TPK chief executive Michelle Hippolite says Maori have their own understanding of intergenerational wellbeing that draws on cultural values, beliefs, social norms and indigenous knowledge.

The paper contends Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Maori and a whanau-centred approach need to drive Maori wellbeing....
See full article HERE

Minister acknowledges iwi support following Nelson fires
Māori Development Minister Hon Nanaia Mahuta says the efforts of everyone involved in battling the Nelson/ Tasman fires must be acknowledged, especially the support provided by Te Puni Kōkiri to local iwi.

The iwi in Te Tau Ihu are: Ngāti Tama, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Koata, Rangitane, Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Apa and Mātāwaka……
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

13  February  2019

Providing a Māori perspective on wellbeing
Te Puni Kōkiri, in collaboration with the Treasury, is proud to release a discussion paper that provides a Māori perspective on the Living Standards Framework.

Te Puni Kōkiri Chief Executive Michelle Hippolite believes “a radical shift in the conversation about wellbeing is needed if we are truly to achieve intergenerational wellbeing for Māori and all New Zealanders in the future”.

An Indigenous Approach to the Living Standards Framework is part of a suite of discussion papers published on the Treasury website to stimulate conversations about how to better support intergenerational wellbeing and raise living standards.

“Māori have their own understanding of intergenerational wellbeing that draws on cultural values, beliefs, social norms and indigenous knowledge”, says Mrs Hippolite.......
See full article HERE

Editorial: Waitangi Day is always worth celebrating
Once again we hear calls for dispensing with Waitangi Day from those who regard it as divisive. They are wrong.

Those who want the name of the day changed, including Mike Hosking, who last week suggested Grievance Day, or for some other date in our history to be adopted as our national day, don't know what they're talking about.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Waitangi Day. It is celebrated around the country in all manner of ways, most designed to bring together all New Zealanders of whatever ethnic origin, and never better than at Waitangi itself......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

12  February  2019

Rangitīkei iwi sets up services at old Turakina Maori Girls' College
The former Turakina Māori Girls' College site is be a base for Māori health and training needs.

The school closed in 2016, and Rangitīkei iwi Ngā Wairiki - Ngāti Apa bought the 5.16-hectare campus on Hendersons Line, Marton, in March last year, relocating its administration headquarters and health and social services unit.

Its ambitions have been boosted by $95,000 from the Provincial Growth Fund, with plans to set up training courses, said Iwi spokesperson Kiri Wilson. 

"The main thing is we meet the needs and aspirations of our people......
See full article HERE

Misuse of haka Ka Mate 'tramples' on mana, call for greater protection in New Zealand and overseas
NZ Rugby urged to guide corporate interests in respectful use of Māori cultural property after past abuses.

Māori researchers say the haka Ka Mate needs more protection from "disrespectful" commercial use ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Japan this year....
See full article HERE

Right to Life: Govt in danger of breaching Treaty of Waitangi
The Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern is to be commended for her moving words of love and concern for children expressed in her beautiful prayer at the Waitangi Day commemorations....... " Referring to the principles of the Treaty she said, "Of course, we as a Government are trying to fill those not just in legislation, but in the policies and programmes that we roll out."

Right to Life fully supports the principles of the Treaty and believe that we all have a responsibility to ensure that the Treaty rights of Maori are upheld. Right to Life believes that Article Three provides for the protection of the lives of Maori from conception to natural death. We ask the Prime Minster how can her government claim to uphold the Treaty when her Labour led government has plans to withdraw the protection of the Crown from Maori proclaimed in Article Three of the Treaty.....
See full article HERE

Council appoints new Iwi and Community Partnership Manager
Waikato District Council will soon be building stronger relationships with iwi and the wider community thanks to the appointment of Sam Toka as its new Iwi and Community Partnership Manager.....
See full article HERE

Political Roundup: Fixing Treaty ignorance in politics and schools
This year's Waitangi commemorations will be mostly remembered for two debates – whether the Prime Minister should be able to recite the detail of the Treaty of Waitangi, and whether the teaching of the Treaty and colonial history in New Zealand should be compulsory......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

10  February  2019

Māori history curriculum already available
The New Zealand School Trustees Association supports the teaching of New Zealand history in schools but is bewildered by calls for a curriculum.

Te Takanga o te Wā launched in 2016 presents a Māori history perspective, based on the understanding that Māori history is the complete human history of Aotearoa New Zealand - from the earliest Polynesian navigators to our present-day parliamentary system.

Te Takanga o te Wā was developed by a group of educators led by Te Maru o Ngā Kura a Iwi o Aotearoa in 2016 to guide primary schools through the process of creating an authentic connection to their local landscape (whenua) and people (tāngata) within their school history or social studies curriculum. The group involved in its development includes Sir Pita Sharples, Dame June Mariu, Sir Toby Curtis, Te Ariki Sir Dr Tumu te Heuheu and Professor Paul Moon.

Te Takanga o te Wā is presented in both English (te reo Pākeha) and te reo Māori using five main themes, each of which incorporates a range of concepts such as Belonging, Community, Continuity, Consequences, Identity, Knowledge, Kotahitanga, Mana, Tūpuna, Perspective, and Unity......
See full article HERE

Iwi becoming a growing financial force - report
Iwi are a growing financial force to be reckoned with, according to a new report showcasing some of their success over the past five years.

The Auckland-based Ngāti Whātua Ō ākei and the South Island's Ngāi Tahu stand out in TDB Advisory's Iwi Investment Sector report, with an average annual return on their assets of 15 percent and 12 percent, respectively.

Tainui, the second largest iwi with $1.4 billion worth of property assets, had an average annual return of 7 percent.

TDB director Phil Barry said their success was due to being well run and having long-term strategies......
See full article HERE

Otago Regional Council
We acknowledge the special position of tangata whenua within the region. A 'Memorandum of Understanding and Protocol' is in place between Otago Regional Council and local iwi - Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and Aukaha.

Otago’s environment holds many values for Aukaha and Ngai Tahu, ranging from the spiritual to the practical. Its place-names are a record of the history, traditions, and customs. Our region’s coast is still a major source of food, livelihood, and recreation for many.....
See full article HERE

Ngāti Hine puts smaller mandate case to Little
Ngāti Hine has told Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little it wants its own settlement separate to Ngāpuhi.

Spokesperson Pita Tipene says the position was put to Mr Little by letter at the end of last year and in a follow up meeting this week at Waitangi......
See full article HERE

Beethoven’s Ode to Joy to be sung in te reo Maori
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is to be part of a unique international project celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday next year, which will include school and youth choirs performing the composer’s famous Ode to Joy in te reo Maori.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

9  February  2019

The $9 billion iwi empire: Māori groups' assets grow, despite slowdown
The combined wealth of the nation's 75 iwi groups rose by $1.2 billion in the past year to almost $9b, says a new report on iwi holdings.

The TDB Advisory Iwi Investment Report 2018 focuses on the financial performance of eight of the largest iwi, which among them represent about $5.5b of the total asset base.

All the eight iwi groups delivered positive returns for the year, although as the property sector has slowed, so has total growth.
See full article HERE

More support needed to reach 2025 Pacific and Maori nursing targets
The government needs to offer more support for Māori and Pacific student nurses to reach its 2025 goal of having the same proportion of Māori and Pacific nurses in the workforce as there is in the general population, according to Whitireia Head of School Health Carmel Haggerty.

Having Māori and Pacific patients treated by Māori and Pacific nurses is widely accepted as one of the most effective ways to improve Māori and Pacific health outcomes.......
See full article HERE

Encouraging te reo Māori in your centre
At Paraparaumu Playcentre we have a number of simple ways to encourage the use of te reo Māori on session.

Our Bicultural Team teaches us useful phrases such as me hikoi koe kei roto–please walk inside and taihoa–wait, hold on.

The bicultural officers from Paraparaumu and Paekakariki Playcentres are liaising and sharing ideas and approaches to plan our bicultural journeys together. We intend to hold some bicultural events later in the year, such as a pōwhiri at each other’s centres.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

8  February  2019

Rules for Māori seats reignite questions about Govt-Māori partnership
Bridging the gap between Māori and the Crown was part of the Prime Minister's wider Waitangi message. But with the Māori and general seats not under the same protections in parliament questions about a genuine partnership remain.

Māori and Pākeha are equals outside Te Whare Runanga but it seems to be different story in Parliament.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says "our view has always been that is a decision for Māori and as long as they see the value and importance in those seats then they will remain."

The bill has passed its first reading, and will be debated again in the coming months in parliament......
See full article HERE

Peaceful Waitangi celebrations a sign of progress - Tame Iti
A prominent figure regularly associated with protest believes the shift to peaceful celebrations at Waitangi is a sign of progress between Māori and Pākeha.

Tame Iti (Tūhoe) says great strides have been made since he first joined protests at Te Tii Marae in Waitangi alongside his Tama Toa comrades in 1972.

He says at the time there was a distinct need for fierce confrontations due to the Crown ignoring and belittling the mana of Māori across the country.....
See full article HERE

Governor-General's Waitangi Day Speech
Over the course of eight months, over 500 Māori signed copies of Te Tiriti at various locations around New Zealand.

They had high hopes that articles Two and Three of Te Tiriti, in protecting their rights and their control of their lands, would ensure their sharing in the development of a new nation.

But the actions of the Government, installed by the Crown following on from this historic event, soon dashed those hopes.

Again and again, the Waitangi Tribunal has heard how tangata whenua were systematically deprived of their lands, how the Crown did not act to uphold its commitments in the Treaty and how the government reneged on its promises to build schools and hospitals, or allow adequate reserves for iwi use to be retained from land purchases.

Generations of Māori communities across Aotearoa experienced a steep decline in their economic, cultural, spiritual and physical wellbeing. Over time, Māori adopted various strategies to express their desire for a genuine Tiriti relationship with government, with little result......
See full article HERE

Alarming rates of Māori workplace injuries and fatalities lead to new NZ safety approach
Māori workers in 2016 made up a quarter of WorkSafe NZ’s five key industry sectors of agriculture, construction, forestry, manufacturing and health care.

A higher rate of temporary employment among Māori contributed to the higher rate of injuries and deaths because of typically poorer conditions, less job control, taking on more dangerous work no-one else wanted to do and little or no access to training......
See full article HERE

A new name, a new approach
And an even better realisation of the symbolism of ‘Aotearoa New Zealand’ would be to reflect the Treaty partnership in our constitutional arrangements. We can think of a constitution as essentially being the rules that regulate the power of the state and the operation of government. Constitutions can be written down in a single document or made up of a range of different sources, such as the New Zealand constitution is. Significantly, constitutions give expression, not only to the structures and procedures of government, but also to the values the community thinks should underpin government. Giving expression to the values symbolised by ‘Aotearoa New Zealand’ could be done by developing models for the exercise of public power based on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the partnership it established.....
See full article HERE

Political Roundup: NZ's changing race relations
There has been a striking mood of positivity and optimism in the commentary about Waitangi Day, and race relations in general, this year. It's as if we have turned a corner as a nation.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern epitomised this in her prayer yesterday in which she said God "made us of one blood, now make us of one people". Of course, the question is whether the feel-good mood at Waitangi translates into meaningful change for Māori, who remain severely disadvantaged compared to Pākehā in almost every indicator of well-being.....
See full article HERE

Festival organisers apologise for depiction of Native Americans
The organisers of the Wild West Festival in Waimamaku have apologised and vowed to not incorporate any further Native American themes into their festival after this year's promotional material caused offence.

The apology comes after some social media backlash, leading to a letter from the Māori Women's Network, deriding what they saw as disrespectful portrayal of Native Americans.

Mera Penehira from the Māori Women's Network was disappointed by the festival's promotion of the event, which included people in blackface, and dressed up in Native American clothing.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

7  February  2019

Activist who grabbed John Key is now an advisor on race relations
The man who once manhandled John Key at Waitangi is now an adviser to the Government on Crown Māori relations.

Wikatana Popata, 29, and his older brother John were convicted in 2009 of assaulting Key, who they held responsible for the loss of Māori land and foreshore.

Popata said he was asked by Māori Crown Relations Minister Kelvin Davis to become part of the advisory group after attending a hui in Kaitaia.

"We as Māori have got to remember that this Crown, they were once the enemy.".....
See full article HERE

Don Brash cuts Waitangi speech as protesters block him out
Former National leader Don Brash cut short his speech at Waitangi today just as his speaking area was taken over by protesters carrying a banner opposing racism.

The banner blocked out the stage, obscuring Brash from a crowd which had heckled him from the moment he opened his mouth.

And then he stopped. The banner came and Brash found himself blocked out by the word "racism", drawn large.

Then Brash sat there while everyone else had their turn.

The words wore different but the message was much the same as the banner.

"No room for racism," they said, one after another.

And Brash listened.......
See full article HERE

Slates with first written te reo Māori get UNESCO heritage recognition
Two slates with the first known examples of written te reo Māori were shown to the Prime Minister yesterday at New Zealand's oldest building, Kemp House in Kerikeri.

A ceremony was held to acknowledge the mana of the taonga and also their inclusion on UNESCO's Memory of the World heritage documentary register.

They date back to the 1830s when part of the house was used as a classroom where missionary, Martha Clarke taught the daughters of rangatira, literacy, numeracy and domestic skills.....
See full article HERE

"Institutionalised racism" claim over Māori burial grounds
The exclusion of Māori burial grounds from legislation covering maintenance and support is "institutionalised racism", a New Plymouth District Council committee has heard.

Peter Moeahu told the first meeting of the council's Te Huinga Taumatua Committee of 2019 that Māori urupa should receive the same protections as other district cemeteries.....
See full article HERE

Sir Geoffrey Palmer calls for a written constitution that includes Treaty of Waitangi
Former prime minister and constitutional expert Sir Geoffrey Palmer is calling for a written constitution for New Zealand that includes the Treaty of Waitangi.

As Maori continue the call to "honour the Treaty", Sir Geoffrey says it's time for action.....
See full article HERE

Waitangi Treaty: Letters shed light on Māori plight for sovereignty
Tomorrow the country marks nearly 180 years since Te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed, but letters from that era show that some issues for Māori remain the same.

The collection of more than 700 letters written by Māori can also be found on Auckland Council's online archive, Kura.

But preserved in folders are some of the original copies.....
See full article HERE

Māori punished with world’s highest rate of tobacco excise
Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says, “Revenue from tobacco excise tax alone outstrips the combined value of Treaty Settlements and Māori Development funding by $120 million a year. This is the inevitable result of charging the highest rate of tobacco excise in the world, when adjusted for income. In short, the Government gives with one hand and takes far more with the other, undermining decades of effort to improve outcomes for Māori.”....
See full article HERE

Treaty Negotiations Minister “the wrong horse” – Ngāpuhi hapū
Ngāpuhi hapū have reaffirmed their concerns with Minister of Treaty Settlements Andrew Little and his ability to settle their claim.

Despite the government making a peaceful official entrance to Waitangi, hapū members say they've had enough of the Minister of Treaty Negotiations.

A source has revealed to Te Kāea that Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters is being considered to take over from Andrew Little in the role.

However, in an attempt to speed up the the Ngāpuhi settlement, Te Kāea understands the prime minister has begun discussions to ascertain the viability of removing the ministerial portfolio from Little.....
See full article HERE

Community reflections on Te Tiriti today
Hāpai Te Hauora Chief Operations Manager, Selah Hart, states that "Ignorance like this by the Prime Minister shows that we need to continue to advocate to uphold the Crown’s responsibility as a signatory of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Te Tiriti ensures that Māori by right have equal access to health. Māori rights to health derives from various sources but it is reinforced by Te Tiriti. It is our duty as tāngata whenua to ensure the wellbeing of all people in our lands - Māori and tauiwi."....
See full article HERE

Māori Wardens want more recognition
Māori Wardens are calling for better recognition for the work they do and more assistance from the government.

There are up to 800 wardens throughout the country, and some met Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at Waitangi yesterday.

A review is underway on the changing roles of the wardens and how they can be supported.....
See full article HERE

Partnership is the message on Waitangi Day
He says while Waitanga Day is a day to celebrate how far we’ve come it’s also a day to acknowledge what work still needs to be done

“I spoke about partnership which is one of our principals of the treaty and I challenged everybody here asking ‘are we really in a true partnership here, ask yourselves, are we there yet?,” says Tamati.

“Around 179 years ago we signed that treaty yet 90 per cent of the thousands of people gathered here didn’t understand the karakia, the mihi or understand any of the Te Reo Maori spoken, so how far have we really come?”

He also took the opportunity to talk politics, by mentioning that there are no Maori councillors on Tauranga City Council, and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

“We had the Maori Wards korero last year and the community voted against it, so we continue as Maori to try to get representation but the community turns us down, so do we really have that partnership?” he says......
See full article HERE

$6b treaty settlements can't be used to fix Māori social issues, experts say
Stuff invited five Māori leaders at the coalface of Māori issues, who didn't get an invitation to speak at Waitangi, to share their perspectives.

All agree treaty settlements should be used for economic development and not to fix Māori social issues. Instead, Māori need to develop their own solutions in partnership with the Crown.....
See full article HERE

NZ history in the UK
"A friend who taught history in the UK showed me what some 11-year-old students in the UK are being taught about the Treaty of Waitangi," explains a reader. "In less than a page this [highly inaccurate, myth perpetuating, bloody offensive] excerpt from a current history textbook Industry Reform and Empire — Britain 1750 -1900 by A Wilkes."
See full article HERE

Māori, colonial history should be compulsory - National Party leader Simon Bridges
The National Party thinks schools should have a compulsory course that teaches students about Māori and colonial history.

This comes after the History Teachers' Association called for a compulsory New Zealand history curriculum, labelling current teaching and general knowledge of the subject "shameful".

National Party leader Simon Bridges told RNZ's Waitangi Day programme he supports a compulsory programme - as long as what is taught is impartial......
See full article HERE

'Propaganda': Sean Plunket slams 'biased' compulsory Māori history calls
Magic Talk host Sean Plunket warns making colonial history compulsory will turn lessons into "a propaganda exercise for the radicals and the separatists".

The debate over the compulsory teaching of New Zealand's Māori-Crown relationshiphas hit the headlines recently.

But Plunket warns there's "a lot of BS in history" and says it's the version we learn that is important.

"Are you like me, just a little bit worried that if we leave it to the lefty teachers, the version of history we get taught will be a little bit biased, a little bit one-sided," he told listeners on Tuesday.

"I don't want to learn a bunch of propaganda that says the Treaty is a fraud, whities go home, I've been oppressed."....
See full article HERE

Brian Tamaki signals political return: 'There's a new breed of Māori rising up'
Bishop Brian Tamaki has signalled a political return ahead of a Waitangi Day sermon in which he warned change was coming and how he was the "field n*****" who was going to bring it.

Speaking at Ti Tii Marae at Waitangi, Tamaki said the Destiny Church-linked Tu Tangata Man Up programme could have a future in politics.

"I think there's a better way. Who knows what the future holds.".....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

6  February  2019

DOC delays review of national parks after talks with iwi
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has delayed its review of two South Island national parks.

Public feedback on the Aoraki/Mt Cook and Westland Tai national park draft management plans closed on Monday afternoon before hearings were meant to take place.

However, a Supreme Court decision relating to Ngāi Tai has halted the process.

The Auckland iwi argued DOC didn't properly consider the issues relating to the Treaty of Waitangi when granting concessions for commercial activities.

"It is important to understand what the decision means for us and our Treaty Partners before we go any further on the review process for the national park management plans," Ms Long said......
See full article HERE

Ardern defends govt track on Māori prison numbers
The prime minister has defended the government's record on Māori prison numbers as she prepares to return to Waitangi.

As of last September, Māori made up more than half of the prison population, compared with 30 percent of prisoners who are European.

Only about 15 percent of the total population of New Zealand are Māori.

"Unfortunately what we know, is that we have over-representation of Māori in our prisons. Upwards of 50 percent," Ms Ardern said.

She said prison numbers have dropped overall and rehabilitation was working for Māori.

"We've seen about 1000 fewer people in our prisons, and so any work that we do on rehabilitation programmes ultimately does benefit Māori.".....
See full article HERE

First written Te Reo taonga sparks debate over teaching Māori culture
A ceremony celebrating the first two examples of written Te Reo has sparked debate about whether there should be more emphasis placed on teaching Māori culture.

It came hours after Prime Minister Jacinda Arden was stumped when asked to name Article One and Two of the Treaty of Waitangi, despite saying she learnt it in school.

Ms Ardern learnt about the Treaty at school - but speaking to press on Monday, the Prime Minister was asked by a reporter what Article 1 of the Treaty of Waitangi says.

"Article 1? On the spot? Kawanatanga," she replied, when helped out by Willie Jackson and other ministers standing behind her.

Asked what Article 2 says, Ms Ardern said, "Tino Rangatiratanga," which is the name of the name of Article 2, but again she did not provide further insight.

"Look, I know the principles of Waitangi, I know our obligations," she said.

But at Waitangi where the Treaty was signed, just knowing the basic principles isn't enough. Multiple people say knowing our history and language should be compulsory.....
See full article HERE

Growing calls for Treaty of Waitangi to be a compulsory part of school curriculum
As the nation counts down to New Zealand's national day, calls are mounting for the Treaty of Waitangi to be a compulsory part of the school curriculum.

The Post Primary Teachers' Association is calling for the Treaty to be a compulsory part of the curriculum.

Currently it's optional, with schools deciding whether or not to teach it.....
See full article HERE

'Real shame': History teachers call out lack of colonial, Māori education
The Government is rejecting calls for the compulsory teaching of Crown-Māori history in schools.

It's currently up to schools how much colonial history is taught, and as a result some students are missing out.....
See full article HERE

Waitangi: PM's pledge to Maori
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has told a crowd gathered at Waitangi there is still more to do to improve life for Māori.

Bridges singled out Crown Māori Relations Minister Kelvin Davis for his work in bringing dignity to the event.

His party would work with Māori but they should be in the driving seat.

"I stand here as the first Māori leader of a major political party."
See full article HERE

ANZASW statement for Waitangi Day
‘What we see is that the treaty is a living document- it may be a piece of fading paper- but it is in actually embodied in the everyday relationships between Māori, Pakeha and other peoples in Aotearoa,” she added. Dr Beddoe argues that the principles of the treaty should be honoured through addressing inequalities between Māori and non-Māori that continue to persist.....
See full article HERE

Ngāti Hine wants to formally split off from Ngāpuhi Treaty talks
Ngāti Hine hapū have told the Treaty Negotiations Minister they want to formally split off from the Ngāpuhi talks that have been ongoing for more than a decade.

"That doesn't mean that we've closed off all doors to working with our neighbours on overlapping claims," Mr Tipene said.

But Mr Tipene said "Ngāti Hine is now very, very clear that we will be seeking our own mandate."....
See full article HERE

Elias gave meaning to treaty principles
Justice Minister Andrew Little says retiring Supreme Court Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias has made a huge contribution to the restoring the mana of the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand’s law and unwritten constitution.

When Acts of Parliament refer to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, she hasn't thrown up her hands and said 'we don't know what that means so we will ignore it.' She has said 'we have to find a meaning for that,' and she had done a huge amount to give meaning in the modern day to the place of the treaty in our overall constitution," Mr Little says.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

5  February  2019

Ardern’s Waitangi sequel a test of relationship
National’s newly-minted Māori-Crown relations spokesman Nick Smith believes the Government faces a similar challenge from Māori as it does overall after a year “typified by a large amount of promise but very little progress”.

“On many of the issues, whether they’ve been treaty settlements or challenging issues like water, there hasn’t been any real progress.

The expectation, which I also heard at Ratana, was, ‘We’ve given you the benefit of the doubt for year one, but for year two the Government’s going to have to start delivering’.”

Matthew Tukaki, chairman of the National Māori Authority, agrees there will be plenty of expectation from Māori for the Government to deliver on its many promises.

As Tukaki says: “Māori are the eternal optimists: we’ve been optimists since the Treaty was signed all those years ago.”....
See full article HERE

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces $100m regional employment scheme to focus on Māori, Pasifika people
The Government is ploughing more than $100 million into regional employment, focused on Māori and Pasifika people, in another series of announcements made in the lead-up to Waitangi Day.

The lion's share of the funding, $60m, will go to five of the so-called "surge regions" which require extra help. They are Northland, Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti, Hawke's Bay and Manawatū-Whanganui.

"We will be investing in two specific programmes that support Māori and Pasifika – He Poutama Rangatahi [$13.2m] and the expansion of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples' successful Pacific Employment Support Service [$8.8m]," Ardern said.

Today's announcements come on top of $127m announced yesterday by Ardern and her ministers - up to $100m from the PGF for capital funding for Māori landowners to develop their land, and another $27m for the Kaipara region, mainly for transport infrastructure......
See full article HERE

National leader Simon Bridges urges RMA reform over $100m for Māori land ownership
The government is making the same mistake with Māori land ownership as it did with KiwiBuild, National party leader Simon Bridges says.

"The one thing that is required is Te Ture Whenua Māori land reform. That's what's got to happen because the complex legal intricacies of multiple owners mean it's always going to be incredibly difficult to do this unless you get that law reform. It's not a question of the financing."

Mr Bridges said he would not be going along to listen to what Don Brash says at Waitangi but supported his right to say what he wants to say.

"I think it's a good thing that he gets the chance to go up there and say his piece."

When asked what he made of Mr Brash's Orewa speech and the idea that Māori get special privileges Mr Bridges said that in simple terms he entirely agreed things shouldn't be done on the basis of race.

"But we should be doing things on the basis of need ... that means things like whānau ora, like partnership schools, like Te Ture Whenua Māori land reform that disproportionally affect and will benefit Māoridom are right.

"In that regard I think what Don's saying just isn't nuanced enough for the modern world that we live in."

However Mr Bridges said New Zealand should get rid off Māori seats.......
See full article HERE

Regional Digital Hubs to benefit rural marae
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that $21 million will be invested in modern and reliable digital services for regional and rural communities.

Regional Economic Minister Shane Jones says, “Marae are meeting places for whānau, hapū, and iwi, and are central to many rural communities. Improving connectivity will support communities to undertake economic activity and enhance their capability.”

Oromahoe (Te Tai Tokerau), Te Houhanga (Te Tai Tokerau) and Raupunga Te Huki (Heretaunga) will be the first set of marae to receive PGF funding for digital connectivity and Te Puni Kōkiri and the Provincial Development will run a process to select further marae and RDHs......
See full article HERE

Tuhoronuku not right for Ngāpuhi settlement - Little
Treaty Negotiations Minister Andrew Little will be meeting with representatives of Ngāpuhi and its hapū to find an alternative to Tuhoronuku while he is at Waitangi this year, he says.

The country's biggest iwi, Ngāpuhi rejected a revised mandate for settlement talks when more than 70 of its hundred-plus hapū gave it the thumbs down in December.

The National government accepted the mandate known as Tuhoronuku, inititated by rūnanga leader Sonny Tau nearly ten years ago.

But Mr Little said the latest vote had made it clear hapū did not want to settle under that banner, or the most recent so-called evolved version.....
See full article HERE

Ka Mate – a commodity to trade or taonga to treasure?
As we approach the ninth Rugby World Cup, hosted by Japan in September-November later this year, Massey University researchers are recommending more protections for the use of haka in marketing, both here and overseas.....
See full article HERE

Aotearoa petition: No longer a ’vicious response’ to te reo
Adding Aotearoa to the country's official name is a good idea but the government has other priorities first, the acting minister for Māori development says.

However, he said the political reality was that the government had other priorities and referendums were expensive.

"We are a country that's getting more mature by the day and our prime minister [Jacinda Ardern] is leading the way on that......
See full article HERE

Brian and Brash told to go back to Tāmaki
Tino rangatiratanga whānau are telling Brian Tāmaki and Don Brash to stay in Auckland this Waitangi Day, says Te Ao Pritchard of Te Ata Tino Toa.

‘Waitangi is our day, a day for Māori to fly the flag. If you’re not here to tautoko us, or debate on our terms, then stay in Auckland.’.......
See full article HERE

Waitangi Day organiser defends decision to invite Don Brash, 'the most racist politician in the country'
He said it is about keeping the Treaty of Waitangi alive.

"It’s not just Māori to be doing this discussion," he said.

"Pākehā need to be involved…understanding why the benefit of the constitution of the Treaty of Waitangi is so important to protect our rights - to protect our rights as individuals as whānau and as citizens of this country.

"This is why we want to engage with Don Brash and understand his perspectives. We are never going to do it if we don’t come together and have this discussion."....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

4  February  2019

Govt to spend $100m on supporting Māori landowners
The government's Provincial Growth Fund will spend $100 million on supporting Māori landowners to make better use of their land.

The announcement was made this morning by the Prime Minister and the Regional Economic Development Minister, Shane Jones, at Kaipara.

They say research shows 80 percent of Māori freehold land is under-utilised and unproductive.

The money is to be spent on projects that are investment-ready.....
See full article HERE

More on the above here > $120m of Provincial Growth Fund announced, $100m fund for Māori landowners

Govt shouldn’t play bank with taxpayer money
The Government’s new $100 million fund for Māori landowners is yet another example of the Bank of Shane Jones risking taxpayer money, says ACT Leader David Seymour.

According to the Prime Minister and Mr Jones, the $100 million fund is needed to help develop Māori land as landowners find it difficult to access capital from banks.

“If banks and other institutions aren’t willing to lend money to these landowners, why should it instead be taken forcibly from taxpayers?

“We’re told the money will increase the productivity of Māori land, but of course other parts of the economy will now be less productive as they are taxed more heavily to pay for it.....
See full article HERE

Auckland Council Event for Māori and Pacific Students
Calling all Māori and Pacific students, Auckland Council would like invite you to a Korero and Kai!

Auckland Council is one of the most diverse organisations in Aotearoa. Right now, we are working on large-scale projects right across our thriving region that are creating the future of our city. To have a great city it's essential Aucklanders have a strong voice in our decisions.

This means that we have a world of opportunities for talented Māori and Pacific students like you.

We will be on campus, so come along to find out how we support Māori and Pacific employees at Council......
See full article HERE

Ngati Manu: Open letter to The Prime Minister
Dear Jacinda,
12 months ago to the day (3 Feb, 2018), you were welcomed onto our marae, and that day you cried with us, as you listened to our story of grief, despair, and hopelessness in the wake of relentless colonisation.

We ask that question now Prime Minister. What progress has been made? From our perspective, the answer is - very little.....
See full article HERE

Hobson's Pledge spokesman Don Brash to speak at Waitangi
Former politician Don Brash has been invited to speak at the lower marae at Waitangi, where he was once pelted with mud by protesters angry at his infamous Orewa speech.

Brash wouldn't be drawn on the detail of his speech or whether he would make any points on Hobson's Pledge, but said it would be "reasonably substantial".

"I understand that they may have a discussion on that issue that I'm sure I'll be invited to comment on, but I'm not quite sure how much I am free to say.".....
See full article HERE

Boycott Don Brash's Speech at Waitangi - Hilda Halkyard-Harawira
Mana Party member Hilda Harawira says people who attend the speaker's forum at Te Tii Marae in Waitangi this week should boycott Don Brash’s speech.

“It’s more appropriate to listen to Māori speakers, non-māori and young people who are committed to māori issues and finding solutions for future generations. Why would we provide a space for someone who is racist?”.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

3  February  2019

Maori Development Minister marks start of indigenous languages year
The Minister of Maori Development, Hon Nanaia Mahuta, welcomes the beginning of the UNESCO International Year of Indigenous Languages.

The International Year of Indigenous Languages is being launched today in New York, signalling the beginning of a year of celebrations to promote and help protect indigenous languages.

"Te reo Maori is an important element of who we are as New Zealanders and the foundation of Maori culture and identity.

Our culture, language and identity shapes how we perceive and aspire to wellbeing. The time is right to ensure that this uniqueness is reflected in how this government aspires to, and creates change......
See full article HERE

Iwi and medical union in dental dispute
A Wellington iwi has raised concerns about the medical specialist's union wanting to extend their collective agreement to include two dentists along with twenty GPs as Māori health providers for the Toa Rangatira Rūnanga.

Tā Matiu Rei, executive director for Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, says the move by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) would incur considerable costs for patients because the government only pays for dental care up to the age of 18 years.

Rei says the Toa Rangatira Māori health provider is the first to be targeted by the union with the expectation they're loaded with cash from their Treaty settlement to pay any shortfall.

He says "The last thing we want to do is set a precedent for other Iwi Health Providers to pick up the health tab."

Rei says the settlement fund is for iwi beneficiaries and comes from breaches of article two of the Treaty of Waitangi.

However, tangata whenua have rights as New Zealand citizens under article three of the Treaty and those rights mean the public purse pays for health services via district health boards.
See full article HERE

Jacinda Ardern says she wants to turn the rhetoric about partnership with Maori, into practical change.
A year ago Jacinda Ardern told Māori to hold her to account, and today she gave iwi leaders the chance to do just that.

The Prime Minister met leaders and the Iwi Chairs Forum in the Bay of Plenty today.

The meeting is the bedrock of annual Waitangi Day commemorations and has traditionally taken place behind closed doors.....
See full article HERE

Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust faces $549,000 legal costs claim
A national Māori language trust could have to pay about $549,000 to a former trust member who was unlawfully removed from his position in 2014.

Toni Waho, a former Palmerston North school principal, took the Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust to court after it removed him for allegedly bringing the trust into disrepute.

The judge has decided the board should indemnify Waho for payment of losses and expenses reasonably and properly incurred by him as part of his duties as a trustee.....
See full article HERE

Changes for official powhiri at Waitangi
For the first time, politicians and dignitaries will be given earpieces to hear the translated words of their hosts during the official welcome to Waitangi next week.

The idea was that of Māori Crown Relations Minister Kelvin Davis, who has also introduced changes to the way the powhiri on February 5 is conducted.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

2  February  2019

Iwi leaders encouraged by government ahead of Waitangi
Tribal leaders at the Iwi Chairs Forum in Waitangi have welcomed the government's willingness to give Māori a greater say in the way the country is run.

Generally staunch opponent of the Crown, Ngāti Kahu chairwoman Margaret Mutu kept the mood light into the morning.

She said for the first time in her life, she believed the government backed Māori.

The framework is about engaging with the Crown and enabling Māori to determine the way they live their own lives.

She calls it a "true partnership" under Te Tiriti o Waitangi - the te reo Māori version of the treaty.....
See full article HERE

Art Deco Festival to amend programmes after using 'lambscape' of Te Mata Peak that offended local iwi
Napier's Art Deco Festival has now apologised after using a depiction of Te Mata Peak that offended local Māori as a rack of lamb in it’s festival programmes.

The ad by Hastings lamb exporter Ovation depicted the sacred landscape as a piece of meat. Te Mata Peak is a burial ground for tupuna (ancestors)......
See full article HERE

Maori Council and the National Maori Authority hit the road
Maori Council and the National Maori Authority hit the road to Australia to support Iwi and Hapu find their list members

The New Zealand Maori Council and the National Maori Authority will join forces and take their message on the road to Australia for Waitangi celebrations to try and ensure Maori are connected to Iwi, Hapu and Maori Affairs back home......
See full article HERE

Health sector 'inherently racist' to Māori says cancer survivor
A Māori cancer survivor claims the health sector is inherently racist towards Māori patients and is calling for a change in workforce cultural competency to save more lives.

"It's inherently racist, it's designed for a non-Māori audience, it was designed for a non-Māori patient so the big ticket item for us, for me in particular, is workforce cultural competency."

"It's unconscious bias. So it's about when a GP is presented with a Pākeha or a Māori to be considering the inequity by making the Māori patient wait an extra month to be seen, it's as simple as that.".......
See full article HERE

Is 'fat-shaming' racist ?
Research by Dr Isaac Warbrick from the Auckland University of Technology has found many weight loss-centred public healthcare initiatives frame Māori as unproductive.

Nationally almost one in three adults are obese, while among Māori, 47 percent of adults are obese, according to the New Zealand Health Survey 2017/18.

Fat was also a racism issue, he noted.

"Just as sexism-related stigma is compounded by weight anxiety, racism toward Māori is compounded by fat-shaming," Mr Warbrick said.

"Long before we reached the current alarming level of obesity, Māori were stigmatised, like many other colonised peoples, because of the colour of their skin, their beliefs and culture.

The paper examines perceptions of weight and racism towards Māori, New Zealand's policy and practice regarding weight, and proposed indigenous solutions.

"We need indigenous-led solutions informed by indigenous knowledge.".....
See full article HERE

TPK calling for submissions on Maori media sector shift
Te Puni Kokiri is calling for feedback and online submissions for the Maori Media Sector Shift from today.

The Maori Media Sector Shift will explore how radio, television and online te reo and Maori content will be delivered in the future.

Te Puni Kokiri Chief Executive Michelle Hippolite says the online survey will give the opportunity for all stakeholders including the Maori media sector as well as audiences to give feedback.......
See full article HERE

Crown-Iwi partnership – 300 new homes on table for Miramar
A Crown-Iwi partnership is being explored that could form a significant part of the solution to Wellingtons housing woes, with an MoU being signed between mana whenua and the government that is investigating the potential for affordable homes built …
See full article HERE

Iwi leaders tell PM: We don't want our message diluted
The Prime Minister and her delegation stressed to iwi leaders today that the door was always open to them but some leaders warned they didn't want their message to be "diluted" by being lumped in with pan-Māori voices.

One forum member told Ms Ardern that she accepted discussions would take place with pan-Māori groups, but she didn't want their message to be diluted into Māori - "we are iwi".

Following the powhiri Ms Ardern was given a gift of a 40,000-year-old wooden pendant but was quickly instructed that "it's not yours, it's Te Aroha's" meaning it was intended for her baby, Neve.

The Crown engagement at the meeting centred on a number of recommendations the iwi leaders had settled on at their own meeting on Thursday.

The focus was heavily on freshwater, issues with the Census last year and what sort of a gap in Maori data it would create, Whanau Ora and housing.

Ms Ardern addressed the large meeting about the Wellbeing Budget - the first of its kind - in May this year and the symbolism of it.

She said while in Davos at the World Economic Forum she felt like she was sharing a "Māori world view" when she talked about the Budget and the focus it would have on people and their wellbeing.

"It felt like we're only just catching up on what you've been telling us for some time.''....
See full article HERE

Priority pressure as Budget wish list looms
The co-chair of Labour’s Māori caucus says Māori MPs are pushing hard for more funding for Māori in the first well-being Budget.

But there are choices to be made, as it’s going to take years to recover from National’s tight fisted approach to addressing the needs of New Zealand’s growing population.....
See full article HERE

National Iwi Chairs Forum discusses council relations
A collective of iwi leaders have signed a formal agreement that will see greater Māori input in local government decisions on the first day of the National Iwi Chairs Forum in Waitangi.

However, the move has already attracted opposition from others in the region.

Media were not allowed during discussion time due to sensitive discussions around the possibility of Māori creating a formal working relationship with local government in the North.

A possible deal between local leaders and regional council is already attracting opposition.

The collaboration between Te Kahu o Taonui and local government does not have the support of Whangārei hapū, who have contacted Minister of Māori Development, Nanaia Mahuta, to voice their opposition. It is supported by three of the councils in the North (Northland Regional, Far North, and Kaipara).

However, there is uncertainty around Whangārei.

Tau says, "The mayor [of Whangārei, Sheryl Mai] is very receptive of the collaboration. However, to my knowledge, the problem lies with her councillors."....
See full article HERE

“Give me my History!” - petition
“Give me my History!” - NZ History Teachers’ Association petition calling for the coherent teaching in schools of our shared past

What NZHTA proposes in its petition is not a radical idea; the New Zealand Curriculum (page 8) itself envisions:

…young people who will work to create an Aotearoa New Zealand in which Māori and Pākehā recognise each other as full Treaty partners, and in which all cultures are valued for the contributions they bring.

One of the eight key Principles (page 9) is:

The curriculum acknowledges the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and the bicultural foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand. All students have the opportunity to acquire knowledge of te reo Maori me ona tikanga......
See full article HERE

Iwi chairs monitor government performance
Haami Piripi from Te Rārawa says iwi leaders have put a lot of effort in recent years into considering the constitutional status of iwi, and that has given them the basis for a better relationship with government.

He says the crown needs to recognise the partnership with iwi established by the Treaty of Waitangi and the importance of iwi being able to measure the quality of the relationship.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

1  February  2019

Māori DNA "a taonga"
Māori customary rights doctoral researcher Karaitiana Taiuru is urging Māori to engage with the Law Commission's public consultation on DNA samples being used in investigations.

He says it's even more important for those who have already provided DNA to the police.

The purpose of the consultation is to ensure that the laws governing the use of DNA in criminal investigations are fit for purpose, constitutionally sound and accessible.

The commission began the consultation process to identify tikanga concepts that are relevant to the use of DNA in criminal investigations.

Taiuru has made six key recommendations:

* The law must acknowledge that DNA is a taonga.

* The Law must recognise customary rights of DNA.

* DNA must be stored in a tikanga appropriate and safe manner.

* DNA must be obtained with customary rights considered (where possible).

* Treaty of Waitangi rights must be considered in all aspects of DNA retrieval and storage.

* There must be adequate Māori representation on governance and advisory groups both locally and nationally at all levels of all organisations and government who deal with DNA samples for criminal investigations and privacy.....
See full article HERE

Iwi chairs-mayoral forum agreement
The first multi-lateral agreement of its kind in New Zealand will be signed today between the Tai Tokerau Iwi Chairs Forum and Northland Mayoral Forum. The historic milestone, which demonstrates the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, will give the region's local government and iwi a better understanding of each other's perspectives, provide opportunities for beneficial joint ventures and boost Northland's voice on strategic issues.

It will support collaboration on social, economic, cultural and environmental issues but not replace statutory powers, plans or agreements between the parties. .....
See full article HERE

More on the above here > Northland hapū group says forum signing undermines sovereignty

Te Puni Kōkiri chief executive Michelle Hippolite resigns
Te Puni Kōkiri chief executive Michelle Hippolite has resigned after six years in the job.

Ms Hippolite will officially step aside in July.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

31  January  2019

First milestone for Mana Wahine claim at Waitangi Tribunal
A claim lodged by Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Awhina - the rūnanga of the Public Service Association - to address employment inequities suffered by Māori women has now been officially registered by the Waitangi Tribunal as claim Wai 2864.

"It’s fantastic the Tribunal will hear our claim. It calls out the Crown for its failure to address injustices that have relegated generations of wāhine Māori to low paid jobs with working conditions that leave them extremely vulnerable," said Georgina Kerr, one of four PSA members who lodged the claim on behalf of Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Awhina.

"This includes the failure of the education system to adequately prepare wāhine Māori for meaningful employment, the failure to eliminate bias and discrimination in the workplace, and the failure to consistently fund services that should be enhancing the lives of Māori wāhine and their whānau.....
See full article HERE

New chair for Conservation Authority
Edward Ellison is the new Chairperson of the New Zealand Conservation Authority, Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage announced today.

Edward is an active member of Otakou Marae and former Deputy Kaiwhakahaere of Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu, with experience in cultural advocacy, Treaty of Waitangi claim negotiations, environmental management, policy development and governance......
See full article HERE

Forest plans chance for iwi to grow assets
Forestry and Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones is keen to see iwi asset managers contributing to the Government's billion trees and provincial growth strategies.

The managers are meeting as part of the Iwi Leaders Forum in Waitangi this week......
See full article HERE

Heatwave - Māori Climate Commissioner urges action
The role of the Māori Climate Commissioner:

* Provide independent Māori-focused research and advice that will contribute to Aotearoa meeting its obligations under the 2015 Paris Agreement on greenhouse-gas-emissions;

* Promote the Māori world view as a model to help Aotearoa meet its obligations.

* Support education campaigns and activities that will enable Māori to participate in the economic opportunities presented by Aotearoa’s commitment to the Paris Agreement;

* Campaign for policy settings that will help Aotearoa meet its obligations;

* Promote an indigenous world view that works to transform world views harmful to the earth into practices rooted in indigenous tikanga.....
See full article HERE

Symposium looks at building Māori social economy
Iwi leaders are working together and sharing insights on how to build the Māori economy and create jobs.

"The idea is about networking in order to grow the new Māori economy, as a result of the opportunities we have.....
See full article HERE

Māori carvers head to Antarctica
Two Māori carvers head to Antarctica next week to complete and install a traditional carving at Scott Base, New Zealand’s headquarters on the ice.

The work to be unveiled is one of the first examples of traditional Māori carving taking place on the continent and has been made possible under the Antarctica New Zealand Community Engagement Programme......
See full article HERE

Bubble of Māori docs changing profession

Māori doctors are anticipating changes in the medical profession as Māori assume leadership positions.

"Probably 20 to 25 percent of doctors who are graduating in this country are Māori and that is not going to change. That's going to keep going so as that bubble of Māori doctors come throgh, imagine the change that will happen when one quarter of the medical workforce are Māori," Dr Tipene Leach says.

The hui heard about Māori approaches to patient care that could change the way all doctors work.....
See full article HERE

How Māori university names promote student inclusivity
While searching for your study abroad options in New Zealand, you may notice the use of Māori names listed underneath the institution’s official name.

Take Massey University of New Zealand as an example, whose Māori name is ‘Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa’, or the Victoria University of Wellington, with ‘Te Whare Wānanga o Te Ūpoko o Te Ika a Māui’.

By adding this extra layer underneath, universities demonstrate a sense of unity and togetherness many international students respect.

As New Zealand’s official tourism site states, “Māori are the tangata whenua, the indigenous people, of New Zealand. They came here more than 1000 years ago from their mythical Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

30  January  2019

Council critics of iwi carbon credit deal labelled ‘racist’
Two Hawke’s Bay Regional Councillors are being accused of racism after raising concerns about a deal the council has done with local iwi, Ngāti Kahugnunu.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s deal to loan 100,000 carbon credits to iwi is being described by councillors Debbie Hewitt and Fenton Wilson as “deeply concerning”.

The loan lacked transparency, was rushed through without proper consultation and gave preferential treatment to iwi over other groups, they said.

The council voted last month to lend the carbon credits to iwi subsidiary Kahutia Limited Partnership. The credits were worth around $2.5 million.

Councillor Debbie Hewitt said she voted against the loan because she found the process and the deal “deeply concerning.”

Key documents detailing the final agreement and legal advice were not given to councillors until 7pm on the night before that meeting, she said.

She also questioned why the iwi was only being charged 2 percent interest when other groups that borrowed money from the council were charged up to 10 percent.....
See full article HERE

More Māori-based justice solutions being considered to reduce reoffending
Māori-based justice solutions are effective and could reduce reoffending rates if expanded to cover more offenders and more serious offending, the head of a justice reform group says.

Chester Borrows chairs the Safe and Effective Justice Programme Advisory Group that will make recommendations to the Government to improve the criminal justice system later this year......
See full article HERE

Vote ban extra blow for Māori
A justice reform advocate says denying prisoners the right to vote is an ongoing breach of their human rights and is a particular attack on Māori.

The disproportional number of Māori on the prison muster makes it a treaty issue, especially as it can affect their behaviour after they are released.....
See full article HERE

Petition launched to add Aotearoa to country's official name
A Kiwi man has launched a petition to add Aotearoa to our country's official name.

If accepted, it would require Parliament to pass legislation requiring a referendum on whether the official name of New Zealand should change to include the Māori name.

"Official documents of national identity, birth and citizenship certificates, passports and money-notes have Aotearoa and New Zealand together as the names of the country," Danny Tahau Jobe's petition states.

"Only 'New Zealand' has official status. Both names together will officially confirm/enhance nationhood and uniqueness in the world.".....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

28  January  2019

Wanganui-born academic Graham Hingangaroa Smith appointed deputy vice-chancellor Maori at Massey University
Professor Graham Hingangaroa Smith, of Wanganui, is joining Massey University as deputy vice-chancellor Māori.

Smith, of Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Aitanga a Hauiti and Kāti Māmoe has been acting director of Te Pourewa Arotahi – the institute of post Treaty-settlement futures at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

Previously he was the chief executive of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi in Whakatane for eight years before retiring in 2015.

Massey vice-chancellor professor Jan Thomas said she is delighted to have someone of Smith's academic standing and mana join the university in a senior leadership role.....
See full article HERE

Maori Parents' Information Evening
There will be a meeting with parents of Maori students at the start of the 2019 academic year on Thursday 21 February in the Old Boys' Pavilion.
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

27  January  2019

Te Wai Maori Trust Demands Native Eel Protection
Te Wai Māori Trust met with Iwi representatives in Wellington on Wednesday to discuss options for improving the health and wellbeing of tuna (eel) in the face of ongoing habitat degradation and the effects of climate change on this iconic indigenous freshwater species.

“Tuna are a taonga species for Iwi Māori and an iconic species for New Zealand nationally.” Trust Chairman Ken Mair said. “As a country we need to step up our efforts to protect this national taonga.”.....
See full article HERE

UN recommends abortion be decriminalised - Family Planning
Te Whariki Takapou Chief Executive Dr. Alison Green says, "These new UPR recommendations should give further confidence to our MPs as they consider abortion legislation for New Zealand. Abortion is not a crime, it is a human right. For Maori, the right to an abortion also comes from Treaty of Waitangi guarantees for self- determination and equitable health outcomes.".....
See full article HERE

Whangārei gets a street art facelift
Whangārei is buzzing with Street Prints Manaia- an indigenous street art festival that will give walls around the city some artistic flair.

"I wanted to make sure that we incorporated Māori in to the name of the festival and then it had to be significant to the area- and we always have whakatauki that go along with our festivals," says organiser, Jah Smith.......
See full article HERE

Māori Party and TOP in talks ahead of 2020 election
TOP and the Māori Party could be allies in the next election, with talks in place over the possibility of working together.

It comes after Māori Party president Che Wilson told Ratana church leaders there was an aim to collaborate with TOP.

"We are entering into a conversation to see what are the fruits of working together," he said......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

26  January  2019

National's Simon Bridges wants all historic Treaty claims settled by 2024
National leader Simon Bridges has begun his political year with a joke and some aspiration.

That "aspiration" was to settle every historic Treaty claim by 2024 if he gets back into Government - an echo of a similar promise made by John Key that never eventuated.

Bridges was speaking on Thursday afternoon at Rātana in Rangitikei, the first serious event of the political year, and his first as party leader. The year 2024 would be a century since the church's founder first took a petition on Treaty claims to Parliament......
See full article HERE

Rātana: Bridges and Peters speak on actions for Māori
Speaking at Rātana Pā, Winston Peters says the government will keep its promises to Māori, while Simon Bridges said he will support Treaty Negotiations.....
See full article HERE

Waitangi Treaty Grounds pegged for NZ historic landmark
Heritage New Zealand is calling for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to be selected as the country's first National Historic Landmark.

The National Historic Landmarks programme was set-up under the Heritage New Zealand Pou-here Taonga Act 2014 to better recognise and protect the country's outstanding heritage places.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Northland is where the agreement that New Zealand is built on was signed in 1840......
See full article HERE

Waitangi protest to focus on Hokianga Harbour pollution
A protest march on Waitangi Day will aim to focus council and central government attention on sewage woes afflicting the Hokianga Harbour.

A number of council wastewater treatment plants serving Hokianga towns are well past their use-by dates, which locals say is polluting a historically and spiritually significant harbour.

Godfrey Rudolph, a teacher and Green Party candidate in the 2017 election, said it was a Treaty issue and a human rights issue, hence the Waitangi Day protest......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

25  January  2019

Auckland iwi Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki lays out bikes and beds plans for Motutapu
Auckland iwi Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki has unveiled plans to offer biking tours and accommodation on Motutapu Island in the Hauraki Gulf.

The iwi signed a relationship agreement with the Department of Conservation on Wednesday, which gave them a role as mana whenua in influencing policies, looking after the whenua (land) and taonga species, providing visitor information and protecting waahi tapu (sacred sites).

The agreement was a condition of last year's Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki Deed of Settlement, but was delayed while the courts heard challenges by the iwi to ferry and tourism concessions granted by DoC.

Ngāi Tai won those cases, which concluded in the Supreme Court in December, and chair James Brown told Waatea News they were excited to finally be able to exercise manaakitanga and rangatiratanga over the motu.

"We're wanting to partner in the true sense with our DoC agent, a true treaty partnership and an example of that is how we could partner on Motutapu Island."

The iwi also wanted to invest in lodge accommodation on the island, could look at projects like a zipline to the summit of Rangitoto in the future......
See full article HERE

Rangitoto zipline, gondola rides suggested: iwi plan to make island more accessible
Aucklanders may soon be able to zipline from Rangitoto Island's summit.

An influential Auckland iwi leader has put forward commercial plans for zipline and gondola rides on Rangitoto.

The proposal, which is currently being considered, has also won the backing of the powerful Tāmaki Makaurau rangatira.

Brown didn't mince words when responding to the question of whether the new amenities could damage the environment.

"To any person who says 'that's not good for the islands and that's wrecking the environment' - my ancestors didn't wreck Rangitoto or Motutapu or any island. The Crown and its mates did. You would not be able to see these [rides] from the mainland because the [crater] rim is lower than the summit and there's landing points," Brown said of the plans......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

24  January  2019

UN digs in on NZ human rights
Justice Minister Andrew Little could find himself in the hot seat later today as New Zealand faces scrutiny from the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Germany also wants to know what New Zealand plans to do to reduce the socioeconomic differences between the overall society and Māori and Pacific people.

It also wonders what happened to the suggestion by former prime minister and constitutional law expert Sir Geoffrey Palmer for a written constitution.

The council has received submissions from a wide range of New Zealand stakeholders, and it could pick up on some of their suggestions, such as asking about what the Government is doing to tackle the disproportionate number of Māori in prison, and what steps this country is taking to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.......
See full article HERE

'Impacts of colonisation still felt in NZ' - Andrew Little
Justice Minister Andrew Little has laid out a picture of New Zealand's human rights before the United Nations.

He spoke before the council overnight on New Zealand's human rights, beginning with the state of the relationship between Pakeha and Māori.

Little, who is also Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister, said the Treaty had been breached, leaving Māori "strangers in their own land".

"The impacts of colonisation continue to be felt today through entrenched structural racism and poorer outcomes for Māori," Little said in prepared notes.

"If we are to address the seemingly intractable problems facing some Māori, like the disproportionate representation of Māori in state care and our prisons, then we need to work constructively with Māori to find solutions.".....
See full article HERE

Tribes take up kaitiaki role for Maungauika-North Head
The chair of the Tāmaki Makaurau Tūpuna Maunga Authority says the transfer of management responsibility for Maungauika North Head marks an important step for the Tāmaki Makaurau settlement.

Ownership of the Devonport maunga was transferred to the 13 iwi and hapū of Tāmaki in the 2014 collective settlement, but it continued to be managed by the Department of Conservations Te Papa Atawhai......
See full article HERE

Learning local: Kaipara students finally learn about the 'pivotal event' in their history
Schools are being encouraged to develop localised teaching units now that national standards have been abolished. Simon Collins reports in the third of a five-part series.

Almost 200 years after his ancestral tribe was almost wiped out, Savea Saua knew little about his heritage until he studied history at Otamatea High School.

In 1825, about 1000 of Saua's Ngāti Whātua forebears gathered near the Otamatea inlet of the Kaipara Harbour to face an invading force led by the Ngāpuhi chief Hongi Hika in what became known as the Battle of Te-Ika-a-Ranganui.

At first the defenders prevailed, killing several of the smaller invading force of perhaps 300-400 men, and forcing them to retreat.

But then Hongi Hika arrived with guns which he had acquired on a visit to England, giving him a huge advantage. Hundreds of Ngāti Whātua were killed and the historian S Percy Smith wrote in 1910 that the Waimako Stream "is said to have run red with blood"......
See full article HERE

Adoptee seeks justice for displaced tamariki

Wai 2575 claimant, Bev Wiltshire-Reweti is reaching out to other Māori who were taken from their whānau as children under the 1955 Adoption Act.

Wiltshire-Reweti claims Crown policies and practices failed in their care of Māori children and are in breach of the Treaty.

“We were robbed of all our rights and our entitlements, under the legislation, under the adoption acts and the care of the child acts...We lost our whānau, our hapū, our iwi.”

“I want justice for all Māori children that have been displaced from their whānau, hapū and iwi because it doesn't just affect our lives- it affects our children, our mokos, it has a generational impact on them.”....
See full article HERE

New taskforce on Maori access to industry and employment
The New Zealand Maori Council has today launched a new national taskforce that will seek to improve the number of Maori in high skills jobs and professions, increase Maori small business ownership, access to industry and promote more younger Maori to move into a form of higher education. The taskforce will be Chaired by former Head of the world’s oldest, and one of the largest, employment companies Drake International, Matthew Tukaki (Ngai Te Rangi) who is also a member of Council’s National Executive. Tukaki is also the founder of the global entrepreneurs movement known as EntreHub and founder of the online news channel for small business, EHNSB NewsNow......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

23  January  2019

Concerns iwi might block access to reserves labelled 'scaremongering'
The Wanganui Ratepayers Association has been labelled ignorant and scaremongers for saying iwi should not gain ownership of some parks and reserves.

The association is demanding a referendum on whether land in Whanganui be returned to iwi as part of its treaty settlement.

Whanganui iwi are making headway with their treaty settlement in relation to their land claims.

The district council recently threw its support behind some of its early proposals, which include potential co-governance and joint-management of some parks and lakes, and ownership of certain areas like the harbour.

But Wanganui Ratepayer's Association chairman Dave Hill wants the parks and reserves off the table.

"If the government of today wants to make redress, they can do that by giving other government owned land back to iwi or they can make a financial redress," he said.

"But no thank you, not our parks and reserves."......
See full article HERE

Swimming pool sign - a splash of "casual racism"?
Waiariki MP Tamati Coffey has labelled an image on a safety sign at a swimming pool in Auckand as “casual racism”.

He posted a photo of the sign on Facebook last night in a bid to contact the manager.

The sign shows a cartoon image of two children at the pool. One is fair skinned and the other, named Hemi, is brown and wearing a pounamu necklace.

In the image, a speech bubble shows the girl saying, “Hemi stop! Make sure you visit the toilet before you swim!”....
See full article HERE

Unique project gives kindy teachers a direct link to the Māori world
A unique partnership has created an app to help kindergarten teachers in their knowledge of te reo Māori.

At Monday's launch, held at Waitara's Owae Marae, Kindergarten Taranaki's professional manager Mandy Coupe said the aim was to help strengthen staff knowledge and competency within te ao Māori or the Māori world......
See full article HERE

Urupā at risk as seas rise
The Māori climate commissioner says central and local government need to recognise Māori communities will be hit first and hit hardest by climate change

She says the Māori voice is almost absent, yet 80 percent of marae are on the coast or near flood-prone rivers.

Many hapū will also need to move their urupā,......
See full article HERE

Aussie beer event advert 'mocking Māori culture'
A Melbourne bar has been criticised for using an image of a former St Kilda mayor with tā moko drawn on his face to promote a Waitangi Day event.

The image has offended some Māori and members of the New Zealand beer community.

Māori culture advocate Karaitiana Taiuru said it was offensive to have tā moko, which was a deeply personal graphical story of an individual's genealogy and achievements, or any aspect of the head associated with food and beverages - more so when associated with alcohol.

"It is being disrespectful to the person's whole genealogy, or simply mocking Māori culture," Mr Taiuru said......
See full article HERE

How an Australian coach revived the Phoenix by reconnecting it to Māori heritage
Unlike other A-League clubs, who benefit from bigger budgets, the 43-year-old has shaped his side's fortunes by getting things right off the field, using something quite special - traditional Māori rituals and values.

Among those traditions that the side has adopted is the Hongi, which is being used by players and staff before the match.

"It's a symbol of unity between two people, it is meant to breath live into the next person," Rudan explained.

Rudan refers to the ancient Māori story of Ngake and Whātaitai - in which the Phoenix-like spirit of two taniwha try to escape to Wellington habour.

Māori mythology states Ngake created the harbour with hard work and preparation. The other, Whātaitai, failed to prepare and ended up stranded on the hillside.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

22  January  2019

Human remains washed into the sea at Maketū
Local iwi have placed a rāhui on the eastern side of Ōkurei Point in Maketū after a landslide washed human remains into the sea.

A public notice said the remains, which were possibly pre-European, became dislodged and disinterred and washed into the surrounding ocean, including at Newdicks Beach.

The rāhui (prohibition) includes a ban on collecting kaimoana shellfish or any other seafood until the koiwi a tangata (human remains) have been retrieved and properly reinterred.

The public was asked to avoid the area and respect the rāhui, which would be in place for at least six weeks......
See full article HERE

Historic Feilding courthouse earmarked for disposal
Now, the Government will either sell the building or gift it to an iwi under a Treaty of Waitangi settlement......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

19  January  2019

Rugby: Samoan player Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu accuses All Blacks of 'stealing' Maori culture
Outspoken Samoan rugby player Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu has accused the All Blacks of 'stealing' Maori culture in an expletive-laden social media post.

"The All Blacks' whole identity is stolen from Maori culture," he says. "The All Blacks aren't doing an Indian dance, they're not doing an Asian dance - they're doing a Maori haka."

Apia-based lawyer Fuimaono-Sapolu's was responding to claims that Asian and Indian students at Auckland's Alfriston College had questioned why their school held a special Maori-Pacifica awards ceremony.

"Let me explain why - no other race, no other culture has been targeted deliberately by the New Zealand Government like Maori have," he said. "They deliberately, intentionally attempt to exterminate and eradicate Maori culture."...
See full article HERE

AI Conference Designed to Lift Health Outcomes for Maori
A Global Artificial Intelligence Conference starting tomorrow at the Auckland Business School will explore the use of predictive data, robotics and new smart technologies to develop better health and wellbeing outcomes for New Zealanders with a strong focus on Maori.

Provocatively named “Hack Aotearoa” has world leading experts such as Professor Eric Topl (Scripps Institute) and Dr. Leo Celi (MIT/Harvard) in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector, coming to New Zealand to work alongside leading New Zealand data scientists and doctors, to explore the potential for Aotearoa to be a world indigenous leader in the fields of health and medicine by integrating Maori Tikanga with AI Technology......
See full article HERE

Maori Art Tutor/Recreation (Kaihangatoi) Position Description
Purpose of the role :

* To plan, provide and evaluate a recreational service for Whai I te ora within Kaupapa Maori services.

* To provide leadership and instruction in Maori Creative Arts including Mahi Toi and workshop based activities.

* To oversee and co-ordinate activities held in Kaupapa Maori service.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

18  January  2019

Maungauika/North Head governance transfers to Tupuna Maunga
Legal administration of Maungauika / North Head transfers to the Tapuna Maunga Authority from the Department of Conservation (DoC) this Friday, 18 January 2019.

The transfer is welcomed by the Authority as a completion of the Nga Mana Whenua o Tamaki Makaurau Collective Redress Act 2014 which saw ownership of fourteen Tapuna Maunga, including Maungauika, returned to the 13 iwi / hapu of Tamaki. However, administration of Maungauika remained with DoC as an interim step.

Paul Majurey, Chair of the Tapuna Maunga Authority says the transfer is also an important step in integrating the management of all maunga in Tamaki Makaurau....
See full article HERE

Bid to extend public access to Rangitoto Island baches
Through consultation with tāngata whenua the trust had reduced their concession application from 10 to five years, given current treaty claim issues.

"We have been liasing with them and they are supportive of our work," Andrews said.

"We tell bach stories, that is what we do."

Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki Tribal Trust chair James Brown said they were regularly in contact with the trust and supported their plans.

"They are a great group doing good things for all our communities, the 'right way'.

"The restored baches are made immediately available for all Aucklanders to access and rent, which aids and advances Ngāi Tai manaakitanga, or duty of care."

While the islands are administered by DoC, Ngāi Tai has claims there based on historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi both as an iwi and as part of Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau.....
See full article HERE

Andrew Little leads UN Human Rights Review
Justice Minister, Andrew Little, leads a delegation to New Zealand’s third Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on 21 January.

The Universal Periodic Review considers New Zealand’s human rights records over the last five years. New Zealand was last reviewed in 2014.

“New Zealand has a proud tradition of global leadership in human rights. The Coalition Government is building on that legacy with child poverty reduction, fixing our broken criminal justice system, settling historical Treaty of Waitangi claims and forming the Crown-Māori Relations portfolio, and lifting the refugee quota to 1,500 by 2020.

The findings of the review are not legally binding, but are sometimes cited as persuasive in the courts and the Waitangi Tribunal.
See full article HERE

$70mil Waikato chicken hatchery to open
American company Cobb-Vantress is building a $70mil plus chicken breeding plant at Whangape, near Huntly in the Waikato.

The chicken factory will supply to 10 percent of the global market.

Local marae clusters Ngā Muka and Waahi Whānui are working with management and welcome the move, which will mean jobs for locals.

Ngā Muka chair Glen Tupuhi says, “Employees, with a focus on Māori have come from Huntly, Te Kauwhata, Meremere, Taupiri and Ngāruawāhia.”

"The plant is eighty percent completed with more recruitment as needed to take place for the post-build and production phase, which is already underway."....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

17  January  2019

Wanganui mayor rubbishes group's call for referendum on iwi negotiations
Wanganui mayor Hamish McDouall has hit back at the Ratepayers' Association's call for a referendum on Treaty negotiations - saying the association does not understand the process.

The Office of Treaty Settlements [OTS] and the Wanganui Land Settlement Negotiation Trust are negotiating the iwi's land claim.

Iwi are negotiating for ownership by return or purchase of land around the airport, a first right of refusal for harbour and city endowment land, as well as a vesting of Pākaitore, also known as Moutoa Gardens.

The trust also wants to discuss co-management with the Wanganui District Council of Pukenamu/Queens Park, Kokohuia Wetlands, Gonville Domain and Horrocks Park Reserve.....
See full article HERE

Graham Hingangaroa Smith to lead Massey Māori effort
Massey University has appointed internationally-renowned Māori academic and educator Graham Hingangaroa Smith as its Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori.

Massey Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says she is delighted to have someone of Professor Smith’s academic standing and mana join the University in a senior leadership role. “Professor Smith is ideally-placed to lead Massey’s Tiriti o Waitangi-led strategy.”.....
See full article HERE

Māori more likely to face prison after drug conviction
The Drug Foundation’s latest state of the nation has found more than half of those being imprisoned for low level drug offences are Māori.

The report says as many as 50 people have died over the past 18 months from synthetic cannabinoid substances.

Nearly half of those convicted are young people under 30, 80 percent are male, and 41 percent are Māori.
See full article HERE

Māori films more than 'natives running around with bare bums'
The search is on for the next big thing in Māori filmmaking after the New Zealand Film Commission earmarked $2.5 million for feature films in te reo Maori.

To qualify for funding, two of the three members of the creative team - the producer, writer and director - must be Māori......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

16  January  2019

'A tobacco-free Māori nation is important'
Tobacco is four times more available in low-income communities compared to affluent ones, says a Māori health organisation.

Hāpai Te Hauora said increasing the tax on tobacco was good but reducing where it was sold would be more beneficial to Māori.

Ms Blair said their research showed tobacco was four times more available in the most deprived areas compared to elsewhere, which disproportionately impacted Māori communities.

Former politician Tariana Turia agreed and said it was a form of racism.

"A tobacco-free Māori nation is important for Māori sovereignty and Māori development......
See full article HERE

Tertiary enrolment process difficult for some Māori students
Puketapu says although youth are always online, the online component presents challenges and Māori students respond better when someone assists with the process.

"Our kids don’t tend to relate too well when you say 'here's a link, go to the link and read up on it'. Sometimes the language used on the websites is just a bit above them in terms of filling in the forms and enrolling and knowing that when they've filled out that part that they then need to seek out scholarships."....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

15  January  2019

Caution for Pākehā who give their children Māori names
Should Pākehā give their children Māori names? One Māori language expert believes there are instances where it can be appropriate but says caution should be taken.

"I believe that if a Pākehā does that (give their child a Māori name), then it shows that they have affection and respect for the Māori people. But if Pākehā want to give their children Māori names, then they must know the history and the meaning of those names," Said Williams, who has been teaching te reo Māori for decades.

But Williams believes not all give such consideration when it comes to using Māori names.

He was furious at the use of the name of Ngāti Kahungunu ancestor Tutere Moana, to sell cheese.

"They didn't give it thought like the Prime Minister did, to the meaning of the word, the essence of the word, the history of the word, therefore I don't agree with them giving that name to their food, for goodness sake its food! It is disrespectful, he is a scared (sic) ancestor."......
See full article HERE

Taking it to the Streets
It's not often residents get a chance to see inside our two outreach vehicles: Te Waka Pounamu - the Mobile Learning Centre and Te Waka Matauranga - the Mobile Library. So for two days in January, these vehicles will "set up shop" in Te Manawa, the city centre, so that visitors in town can have a look at what they offer and how they can make use of them.

The two vehicles normally travel all around the Rotorua district, providing services to many residents who cannot easily visit Te Aka Mauri....
See full article HERE

Mere Berryman: it's time we did better by Māori students
New Zealand's education system is failing Māori students by continuing to marginalise their culture, says Waikato University professor Mere Berryman, a 2017 New Zealander of the Year finalist.

"The Treaty of Waitangi promised both Māori and non-Māori equal shares of all the benefits that the colonial government was going to provide, yet what we've found that education has provided is a very western perspective that is about one history rather than both our histories."

'[The teachers] ask the Chinese girl about her culture and they try and tell me about mine', Berryman was told by one Māori student.

This one-sided storytelling not only disadvantages Māori New Zealanders, she says.

"Māori have missed out because their histories are not being told authentically, but so too have non-Māori because they haven't learnt about Māori histories [alongside European colonial history]. They've learnt a particular version of those events.".....
See full article HERE

Nelson could use crowdfunding to buy $16m Pepin Island
The mayor of Nelson wants the public to buy back Pepin Island, just as it bought a beach in the Abel Tasman National Park.

The island is on the market for $16 million, and it has also been suggested by a former iwi trust chair, that Ngāti Tama buy it back.

"Pepin Island was originally … was taken over, if you like, forcibly by Ngāti Tama."

He said Ngāti Tama retained its link to the island, up to the point Huria Matenga gained ownership by decree of the Native Land Court.

"Once it got into the hands of Huria Matenga and her husband Hemi, who became the dominant force in that partnership, eventually the island along with a lot of parts of Wakapuaka were sold off."

Mr Mitchell said the island slipped out of iwi hands in about 1880s.

It was turned into a working farm and bought by a German businesswoman in 1996 for $2 million......
See full article HERE

New Plymouth councillor labels Māori version of national anthem a tune he is 'ashamed to sing'
A New Plymouth councillor previously censured for making offensive and divisive comments has posted on Facebook about his "shame" in singing the Māori version of the national anthem.

Under a post made on Steve West's Facebook page, which asked people to "name a song you are ashamed of singing" Murray Chong replied with: "The te reo version of the NZ national anthem".

West, who alerted Stuff to the Facebook exchange, then asked Chong if he was threatened by it.

"Not at all but I only need to sing the original version," Chong replied. When questioned further by West, Chong said it was "because that's the original. If we all have to be made to sing the anthem in 2 languages, then the haka should be sung in 2 languages too."......
See full article HERE

Free mentoring for Maori start-ups
A workshop aimed at developing Maori business in Tairawhiti will be delivered in Gisborne on Wednesday.

The Pakihi - Getting Into Business workshop will be held at Te Wananga o Aotearoa Whirikoka Campus.

Pakihi is an initiative that provides free workshops and mentoring to help grow Maori businesses and enterprise throughout the country......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

13  January  2019

From the NZCPR archives by Michael Coote
Treaty train rocks on to radio waves
The grim object lesson of the 3G spectrum concession being leveraged up into 4G should be looked at closely by those concerned to project what will happen to MOM privatisations when Maori can pull the same kind of acquisitive stunt over water as they have over radio bands.

An extraordinary aspect of the Maori water rights looting in train under a National government in thrall to its Treaty negotiations minister is the way in which prime minister John Key could have what he now notoriously calls a “brain fade” concerning what has happened under his leadership.

Mr Key denies that Maori can own water, but concedes that they can own water rights.

He has conspicuously failed to explain to the New Zealand public, perhaps due to brain fading, that under his government and the close supervision of his Treaty negotiations minister, Treaty claim settlement laws have been bulk-voted through Parliament that have destroyed the ability of the Crown to preserve water rights in public ownership......
See Michael’s full article HERE 
November 24, 2012

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

11  January  2019

NZ Police and tikanga Māori - who takes care of rāhui after drownings?
Any death at sea, in Māori terms at least, generally means restricted access to the site.

However, now NZ Police are taking an increased approach to work with iwi to allow customary Māori practise more room in dealing with such issues.

Respected Bay of Islands elder, 84-year-old Hirini Kingi (Ngāti Tautahi, Ngāti Whakaeke) is apart of the Police push to involve tikanga Māori when dealing with death at sea, especially drownings.

"All I can do is be honest with you and say that we need to work with them," says Kingi.

The new initiative is being trialled between NZ Police Maritime Units and iwi across the Bay of Islands region this summer.

It remains yet undecided when this collaborative initiative will be rolled out nationwide.....
See full article HERE

Massey University misses obvious lesson from Brash saga
Massey University will have eagerly turned the page on 2018, but choices loom about the year ahead.

The university's leadership will have to figure out what being a Treaty of Waitangi-led organisation means day to day.

More importantly, there's a badly battered reputation in need of repair. Massey's self-inflicted wounds came from the university forgetting what universities are supposed to be about – robust debate, for example.

Right from the start, Massey made clear the decision to ban Brash was not just about security. Naively, the vice-chancellor took the chance to take pot shots at Brash.....
See full article HERE

Hawkins receives health research scholarship
Te Arawa and Tainui descendant Sonia Hawkins is one of four people to be awarded the Health Research Council scholarship valued at more that $128,000.

The funding will allow her to complete her doctorate which will focus on understanding racial and ethnic bias in the nursing profession......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

10  January  2019

Kāpiti's welcome signs defaced in apparent act of defiance against Māori language
Someone appears to have taken offence to – and then literally taken – the macron on Kāpiti's welcome sign, again.

The tiny line that formed part of the district's welcome signs on State Highway 1 at Paekākāriki and Ōtaki was painted out over the Christmas period.

Macrons are the horizontal lines above some vowels that are used to indicate a longer vowel sound.

The latest attack was the third time in six months the signs have been defaced, a Kāpiti Coast District Council spokeswoman said......
See full article HERE

Waitangi Day preparations well underway
On February 3 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is expected to be welcomed onto Ōtamatea Marae for the first time, the marae urupā is the resting place of former Labour MP Paraire Paikea, and his son Tapihana - a site of significance for Labour's Northland based māori MPs.

"The Governor-General, Dame Patsy Reddy will present our kaumātua [Hekenukumai Busby] with his knighthood at Waitangi. It's something we are all hugely looking forward to celebrating his large portfolio of works over the many years," says Tipene.

On the 5th of February, there will be more ceremonial welcomes for Ardern, the Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy, and Chief Justice Sian Elias. Tipene says māuri stones will also be unveiled for the new 28th Māori Battalion Museum in Waitangi.....
See full article HERE

Pure Canterbury water more valuable than oil, so market it better: Councillor
Christchurch's city council should join forces with local iwi to bottle and sell Canterbury's famed pure aquifer water abroad to help reduce rates and fund projects.

Keown wants to negotiate a partnership with iwi that would see the council and Māori jointly own the water in the city's aquifers.
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

9  January  2019

Ngāti Tuwharetoa hapu invests in Rafting NZ tourism business on Tongariro River
A trust affiliated with Ngāti Tūwharetoa says it makes sense to invest in a local river rafting firm, doubling its size.

Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust [LRFT] has entered into a joint venture with Turangi-based business Rafting NZ.

The trust manages 30,000 hectares of commercial pine forest to the south and east of Lake Taupō for 1500 beneficial owners.....
See full article HERE

Fonterra's Kapiti cheese name Tuteremoana insulting to descendants of great chief, advisor says
Fonterra has been accused of appropriating Māori culture by naming a cheese after a Kapiti chief.

Fonterra said the cheese was named after the landmark.

Regardless, putting the name of a place that was named after an ancestor on a food product was particularly insulting to that person and their descendants, he said.

"From a customary point of view it shows that you are going to eat that person," Taiuru said.

He said he knew of at least two families who were direct descendents of Tuteremoana who were insulted by Fonterra's use of their ancestor's name on its cheese.

"There should be some consultation and an apology."....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

8  January  2019

NIWA Scientists to head to Antarctica to research Ross Sea
While there are no Māori scientists on-board for this trip, NIWA and some iwi have been working together on establishing what possible connections Māori have to Antarctica.

Dr Pinkerton says, "We've got quite a large Māori component to the project so we're trying to explore Māori connections and aspirations for the Antarctic.

So we're working with Ngai Tahu and Ngāti Wai with landcare as well as trying to look through the history and the connections that those iwi have within the Antarctic and we hope to open it up to a hui of national significance to get input from all iwi in New Zealand."....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

7  January  2019

'What is the sea telling us?': Māori tribes fearful over whale strandings
Seven decades later, Parata, 75, has now overseen more than 500 strandings and is renowned in New Zealand as the leading Māori whale expert, called on by tribes around the country for cultural guidance as marine strandings become increasingly complex and fatal.

“Man’s greed in the ocean is hurting the whales,” says Parata, a fierce and uncompromising elder of the Ngātiwai tribe of eastern Northland.

Ngātiwai believe the whales beach when they are ready to die and want to return to their families, the Māori people. Then, their human families use the whales’ gift of their bodies for sacred carvings, for traditional medicines, and even for compost.

There are marked tribal differences across New Zealand and while some tribes work to refloat stranded whales, others like Parata’s Ngātiwai stand back and allow the Department of Conservation and volunteer groups to take the lead in rescue efforts.

Then the tribe moves in en masse and holds a karakia (prayer), names each animal and sets to work removing their bones, blubber, eyes and teeth for cultural purposes......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

6  January  2019

New Zealand businesses continue to culturally appropriate Māori culture in their marketing.
Karaitiana Taiuru a PhD candidate at Awanuiarangi and a Māori Trademarks advisor believes that cultural appropriation of Māori has become normalised over multiple generations by New Zealand businesses.

Karaitiana has recently identified a number of businesses who are culturally appropriating Māori culture.

Companies recently identified include:

Kapiti Cheese, a brand owned by Fonterra have named a cheese after a famous Māori ancestor....

Some BP petrol stations offering organic coffee and advertising coffee branded with the Māori deity of fertility – Tiki....

Titoki Whiskey bottle represents the god of fertility Tiki as well....

The Warehouse are showing television adverts with the Māori god of fertility Tiki on shopping bags.....
See full article HERE

Financial mentoring aims to get whānau out of debt
Salvation Army spokesperson Pam Waugh says around 45 per cent of families they help are Māori and over the last 10 years poorer families have been getting “further and further behind” in debt.

According to Waugh, the highest percent of Māori living in extreme poverty are in the far North, Whangarei and Rotorua.

“We have financial mentoring plans. We have social workers. We have counselling and we have life skills groups, says Waugh.

“All of those programs work together to help a family develop new skills or help them with their financial management and financial literacy.”.....
See full article HERE

Pā Wars pulls Naati's home
With nearly half of the Ngāti Porou population living beyond the traditional tribal territory on the East Coast, Ngāti Porou Pā Wars is helping tribal members reconnect back to their marae.

Pā Wars began in 1990 and continues to grow, with over 21 marae being represented at the games in Ruatōria this year bringing more than 1,000 people together......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

5  January  2019

From the NZCPR archives by Michael Coote 
Maori myths & legends: Deconstructing the Maorification of NZ
Maori Language Week has just passed and the all-inclusive, Maoist-tinged slogan used for it was clearly aligned with the fact that submissions close on September 30 concerning Maihi Karauna, billed by Te Puni Kokiri as “the Crown’s Strategy for Maori Language Revitalisation 2018 – 2023”. (See Kia Kaha Te Reo Maori web page HERE.)

Plainly Maori Language Week was a public opinion manipulation campaign orchestrated to elicit the kinds of submissions the government wants to receive. While there is a benign interpretation possible for the catch-all “Maori language is for everyone” theme, Maihi Karauna goes far beyond that. Its evident function is to entrench Maori institutional racism across New Zealand society, using the Trojan horse of Maori language as the means.

Of course, people are free to learn and practice Maori language skills as they see fit – Maori and non-Maori alike. Maori has been an official language of New Zealand since 1987. It is not as if it is some sort of linguistic contraband. A positive aspect of Maori language week was encouragement of people to become more proficient in New Zealand’s original tongue. If people undertake this enterprise voluntarily then good on them. Perhaps not so forefronted was that New Zealand English already contains many Maori words used every day – think names and phrases for places, native flora and fauna, foods, greetings, and what have you. It could be a constructive exercise to count up how many Maori words and phrases one uses and understands speaking and hearing New Zealand English in the space of a week. It is not such a big step to learn more about Maori language based upon its longstanding embeddedness in New Zealand English if so desired.

But that is not what elements – Maori and non-Maori – attempting the radical Maorification of New Zealand society want. They are after Maori hegemony over the rest of the country as close as they can achieve to the status quo prevailing before the Treaty of Waitangi. Nothing less can sate them. Maori language is the means they have found to reach this goal, not least because the Crown has let itself become hogtied into promoting and bankrolling it to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars to date, with much more to come. Government intervention is essential to the Maorificationist enterprise, which is dependent on commandeering the state’s power and wealth to make Maori pre-eminence mandatory in New Zealand. Without government intervention, Maori language usage would settle into an equilibrium state of natural supply and demand, which is not fit for purpose in the Maorificationist context. Instead, Maihi Karauna is advocated as the government’s strategy to impose Maori monoculturalism necessarily underpinned by acceptance of Maori racial supremacism.........
Read Michael’s full article HERE 
September 16, 2018

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

4  January  2019

From the NZCPR archives by Dr Muriel Newman
Agendas and demands
It appears the movement to revitalise te reo is largely driven by Maori sovereignty activists.

The former co-leader of the Maori Party Marama Fox revealed as much in an interview in the Listener just before the election. She described how the path to Maori control of New Zealand would take 12 election cycles to achieve and hinged on te reo becoming compulsory in schools.

She said it was all ‘plotted out’: “It would take 36 years – 12 election cycles – for a Maori sovereignty party to share government… it’s a radical vision… but if we believe in it, then we need to march towards it.”

According to Marama Fox, their vision of shared Government involves replacing our Westminster model of Parliamentary democracy with a “unique form of governance that would favour Maori customs, principles and values.”

She explained that the thinking of New Zealanders needs to be shifted to achieve this goal, and a “critical step” is to make “the Maori language a core subject in the country’s schools… People look at things differently once they’ve acquired te reo. It’s a world view. The Maori world view is different and that’s expressed in the language. The language unlocks our history and our thinking.”

In other words, the compulsory teaching of the Maori language is a critical step in the Maori sovereignty movement achieving its ultimate objective – control of the country.

Political support is coming from the Green Party – it believes that te reo should be a “universal core subject alongside English and Maths” in all State schools from years 1 to 10.

The crucial importance to the Maori sovereignty movement, of embedding te reo in the next generation, also explains why those who speak out against the compulsory teaching of the Maori language in schools are subjected to such vicious attacks.

In general, when questions are asked about the substantial public resources being used to prop up the Maori language, the most common response is that because it’s our ‘official’ language it cannot be allowed to die. The ‘official’ language argument is also used by advocates to justify their call for compulsion.

But their arguments don’t stack up. Governments give languages ‘official’ status as a symbol of their importance to segments of the population – and as a gesture of respect. This then allows the language to be used in a variety of ‘official’ situations, such as legal proceedings in Courts and Tribunals, so that those who rely on the language are not disadvantaged.

The fact that a language has official status does not mean it has to be learnt and used by everyone – far from it. That’s evident from a cursory examination of New Zealand’s second official language – sign language. While information about sign language is available in most schools, there are no plans for it to be made compulsory.

Ironically the English language is a compulsory subject in schools, but it’s not an ‘official’ language. English has never needed ‘official’ status, because it’s the universal language of commerce and literature and everyday living – a language that’s embraced all around the world.

Not only is the Maori language being forced onto our kids, but it’s also being used by the New Zealand Geographic Board to erase our European history from place names.

In fairness, the responsibility for using Maori names is written into their Act, with Section 6 stating that In order to recognise the Crown’s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi, the Geographic Board must collect the original Maori names of geographic features for recording on official maps, and encourage their use.

With the law allowing anyone to call for a place-name change, many iwi are now doing so and their requests are largely being rubber stamped by the ‘independent’ Board that consists of the Surveyor-General as Chairman, a hydrographic specialist, and eight other members – two appointed by the Minister for Land information, two by the Minister of Maori Development, one from Ngai Tahu (which was negotiated as part of their Treaty Settlement), and one each from the New Zealand Geographical Society, the Federated Mountain Clubs, and Local Government New Zealand.

Radio New Zealand is another Government agency with a responsibility for promoting the Maori language that appears to have ramped up its efforts in recent times.

According to its charter Radio NZ is required to remain politically neutral as “an independent broadcaster to serve the public interest”. But it also has a statutory duty to “reflect New Zealand’s cultural identity, including Maori language and culture”.

This has led to the adoption of a Maori strategy, which states, “RNZ has implemented a new, long-term strategy that represents a commitment to creating high-quality Maori content, supporting Te Reo Maori and fostering Maori journalism. While there will still always be Maori-specific broadcast and online content, RNZ’s strategy puts its emphasis on the integration and normalising of te reo across all its platforms.”

Some of their initiatives include ensuring te reo is heard in almost every RNZ news bulletin, training all employees in the Maori language, and enabling Maori staff to take the lead in live programming on national days such as Waitangi Day.....
See full article HERE
February 4, 2018

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

2  January  2019

TPK, Māori Wardens & Ture Whenua Act Mahuta’s focus for 2019
Nanaia Mahuta, the first woman to take on the role of Māori Development Minister, reflects on 2018 and talks about priority areas for the new year.

"In the new year, I will meet with the Māori Wardens to really discuss the different areas and changes they want to pursue to push this forward."

But come the new year Te Puni Kōkiri will remain a key focus for the Minister.

As well as the Ture Whenua Māori Act.

The Minister will also be watching very closely the Māori media space with the Māori media sector currently under review.......
See full article HERE

Takanini or Takaanini? Auckland Transport's new sign leaves commuters confused
Auckland Transport (AT) has stirred up a storm in a tea cup after adding an extra letter to the suburb Takanini.

Signage at the Takanini train station in south Auckland now reads 'Takaanini' – leaving some commuters scratching their heads.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

31  December  2018

Scholarship for Maori mental health studies
An eminent psychiatrist has lent his name to a scholarship which will hopefully help tackle "institutional racism" in the mental health system, a University of Otago Maori leader says.

A master's level scholarship geared specifically towards Maori students interested in mental health and addiction has been announced at the university, and students studying a range of fields - anything from psychiatry to social work - can apply.

Office of Maori Development director Tuari Potiki, who is also national chairman of the NZ Drug Foundation, said the scholarship would be jointly funded by the university and national Maori health provider Te Rau Matatini, who would each contribute $7500.

Since the university would also be waiving the recipient's fees, the scholarship was worth $21,000 in total........
See full article HERE

Mangatu lands claims ‘too oblique’
Do these Treaty claims relate to the land?

Are they “well-founded” claims to the land?

These are key points to consider in determining the fate of Mangatu Crown forest licensed lands in the latest Waitangi Tribunal remedies hearing, say Crown lawyers.

The atrocities of the 1865 invasion of Waerenga a Hika Pa should not be considered by the Tribunal for this case, as was put forward by iwi Te Aitanga a Mahaki, say Crown counsel. Neither should a claim into the forest lands by local iwi Te Whanau a Kai be considered.

The claims made by the iwi do not relate to the Mangatu Crown forest licensed lands, it says.

The Crown’s counsel made these statements during closing submissions in the Mangatu remedies hearing to the Waitangi Tribunal in Wellington......
See full article HERE

A call for change
The call for systemic change was a major topic at a national hui for Maori RTLB (resource teachers learning and behaviour) at Whangara Marae last month.

Leading the conversation was Ngati Porou educationalist Professor Linda Tuhiwai-Smith, who has spent decades working in education and was a keynote speaker at the hui.

“If you put the Treaty of Waitangi into the Education Act (1989), it should be considered,” said Professor Tuhiwai-Smith.

“I see constant watering down of the principles of the Treaty.

“Multi-cultural is an excuse to not acknowledge the Treaty of Waitangi, and not get to grips with what Maori are saying about education.”

She says all of the challenges and barriers for Maori in education boil down to one thing — racism.

“I do think we have a problem of racism in New Zealand. It’s deeply embedded......
See full article HERE

Call to replace royal honours system with something more Kiwi - Order of Tui?
Is an Order of Tui something that could ever fly? Could a Kauri Grand Companion stand the test of time?

Victoria University of Wellington public law expert Dean Knight believes so.

He says the current royal honours system is antiquated, with too much emphasis on sirs and dames, harking back to a monarchical past that was not relevant to the present.

He wants a more Kiwi flavour to the way we recognise good sorts such as changing the titles used to te reo Māori or having orders which reflect distinctly New Zealand symbols.......
See full article HERE



Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

30  December  2018

From the NZCPR archives by Dr Muriel Newman
Return the Coast to Public Ownership
Looking back, New Zealanders were essentially duped by the National Government into believing that the statutory tests in the new law were so onerous that few claims would succeed.

It now appears they were badly misled.

But there is more bad news.

The Attorney General, who most people had thought would oppose the High Court claims in the public interest, recently clarified that this in not his role: “To be clear, the Attorney-General does not consider it is his role to oppose applications in the public interest”.

While he then went on to explain that he will act as an interested party in each claim to ensure that the statutory tests are met, it seems there is no guarantee that the claims will be opposed.

With tens of millions of dollars of taxpayers’ funding filling the legal war chests of claimants, and without a guarantee that our elected Government will defend the public interest in the coast, there is an increasing chance that even spurious claims will succeed.

Furthermore, while the public may have been reassured by the fact that since all of the claims overlap, they would fail the ‘exclusive’ use and occupation test, this too may have been premature. Claimants are being asked to resolve the boundary issues ‘according to tikanga’, so that by the time their claims progress to a hearing, they will no longer overlap.

As a result, claimants are now busy carving up the coast between themselves ahead of advancing their exclusive use arguments. Many tribal groups believe it is only a matter of time before the coast is theirs......
Read Muriel’s full article HERE 
November 4, 2018

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

29  December  2018

Taranaki iwi call Moriori 'conquered and subjugated' in modern-day land battle
Attempts to hand land back to Moriori of the Chatham Islands are opening up old and painful wounds.

The Taranaki iwi which invaded their home in 1835 say it can't happen, because Moriori have been "conquered and subjugated".

Now, Ngāti Mutunga is trying to block a planned transfer of 12,000 hectares of Department of Conservation (DoC) land back to Moriori, saying they have no right to have it exclusively........
See full article HERE

Opinion: Shame on those exploiting Moriori for their anti-Māori bigotry
OPINION: Yesterday, Newshub ran this story. I'd worked for weeks on it with Moriori and with input from iwi trust Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri.

The story was about attempts to hand land back to Moriori of the Chatham Islands and how that was opening up old and painful wounds.

But instead of actually reading the story and trying to understand it, many used it as an excuse to legitimise the wrongs perpetrated by European colonisers by making incorrect and sweeping generalisations totally devoid of fact.......
See full article HERE

Maori health directorate appointed
A new Maori health directorate has been appointed by the Southern District Health Board to try to turn around the region's dismal Maori health statistics.

Gilbert Taurua has been named chief Maori health strategy and improvement officer, alongside two associate officers, Nancy Todd and Peter Ellison.

"I took the challenge up because I thought it was a way I could contribute to the Maori health cause....
See full article HERE

The state of Maori Affairs - the things that kept Maori awake at night
“So we wanted to know what keeps our people up at night and the answers might just shock a lot of non-Maori but will make a lot of sense to Maori.” He said

The top five things that concern Maori are:

1. Mounting debt and financial insecurity (26%)
2. Housing affordability, homelessness (21%)
3. State of rivers and lakes / concern for the land (19%)
4. The number of Maori children in State Care (16%)
5. The number of Maori in prison (9%) & (equal) The rising suicide rate and the mental health system (9%).....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

28  December  2018

Māori Caucus to focus on targeted funds in 2019
Labour's Māori caucus co-chairs Willie Jackson and Meka Whaitiri dispute some critics' opinions that the caucus did not bring enough outcomes for Māori in the new Government's first year.

The pair says 2018 brought many results for Māori, and the caucus aims to build on that momentum.

Next year’s focus will be to secure funding, Jackson says.

"Universal and targeted funding. That is a big area for us to work on, both areas. This year the big one was universal funding but next year it is right for us to focus on Māori programmes, like Whānau Ora and broadcasting."

Jackson says he returned to politics to get more funds, resources and outcomes for Te Ao Māori and that's the key focus of the caucus for the coming years.....
See full article HERE

Minister again fails Māori students
News that the Government has failed to fund a programme that supports Māori students into science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) subjects is extremely disappointing and shows a repeating pattern of de-prioritisation of our Māori students, National’s Māori Education spokesperson Jo Hayes says.

“The failure of the Government to support the popular, successful Pūhoro STEM Academy programme shows how it is continuing to fail Māori students. The Government must prioritise investing in STEM – particularly for our Māori students......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

27  December  2018

Tough calls ahead on 5G mobile roll-out
A boat race, Chinese espionage fears, and a Māori spectrum claim may all play a part in deciding how long New Zealanders have to wait to experience the next generation of mobile technology.
 
Maori claim in play
Complicating matters further, there is an existing Waitangi Tribunal ruling – ignored or danced around by previous governments – upholding a Māori claim to radio spectrum when new property rights are created.

Antony Royal, who has been a key figure in Māori spectrum discussions in the past, says there is no need for Māori to make a separate or fresh claim for 5G spectrum.

But iwi have raised the issue of 5G in discussions with the Government and had received "an indication that the Crown is considering Māori interests", he says.

"There is an expectation there will be a conversation with Māori prior to any auction of rights.".....
See full article HERE

Iwi place rāhui after car plunges into Wanganui River
Iwi spokesperson John Maihi says it’s a sad start to Christmas Day.

“We went down to the bridge this morning and placed the rahui and depending on how the police search goes, it could be lifted Thursday, but we have to wait and see.”.....
See full article HERE

Hundreds of Māori students missing out on education programme
An academic course for Māori high school students is proving so popular there's a waiting list to join. But there is little hope they'll be able to sign up next year because the Ministry of Education won't fund the programme.

"There is bias within the secondary system that pathways Māori students into non-academic futures," says Pūhoro STEM Academy director Naomi Manu.

"But they're more than capable of being on an academic trajectory."

Manu says her STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programme is doing what the government hasn't been able to achieve.

Pūhoro is based on Māori principles....
See full article HERE

Summer Solstice over Aotearoa
This time last year a celestial star compass was built in the tribal area of Ngāti Kahungunu to mark days such as this, and this week they welcomed their first summer solstice at the site.

On the Māori calendar each year during the month of December, the Southern Hemisphere bares witness to the summer solstice.

Piripi Smith or Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Raukawa says, "This is the time when the Antares star rises, the summer star. It's also when the Sun unites with the Goddess of the Summer."......
See full article HERE

An introduction to Te Reo Maori for juniors book 1.
This four-book series is written for any early childhood centre or junior department of a primary school that wishes to incorporate Te Reo Maori into its teaching curriculum. Together, the books build children's Maori abilities from saying single words to using simple sentences and conversations. Each book offers fun language-based activities relating to such topics as He Tangata (people), Te Whanau (family) and Te Whenua (the land).....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

24  December  2018

Community members needed to shape Southland's future
Expressions of interest are now being sought for people interested in contributing to Southland’s future.

Environment Southland and Te Ao Marama (the environmental arm of Ngai Tahu ki Murihiku) are now seeking people to become members of the Regional Forum.

Te Ao Marama Kaupapa taiao manager Dean Whaanga said the Regional Forum needed to reflect the diversity of all our communities in Southland.

"It also needs to have an urban/rural balance, broad geographic representation, and will have a defined role for tangata whenua to reflect the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi," he said.....
See full article HERE

Hui Aligns Healthcare for Māori Across Northern DHBs
Iwi from across the upper North Island have come together in an historic health-sector first, paving the way for a unified approach to the delivery of healthcare to Māori.

Waitematā DHB Chief Advisor Tikanga, Dame Rangimarie Naida Glavish, says co-governance within the DHBs will deliver a strategic and holistic approach to health care that puts Māori intelligence and sense-of-whānau at the very centre of patient experience.

“It will have a strong focus on tikanga, which, loosely translated from Māori, means ‘the right way of doing things,’” she says. “This is better known as a whānau–ora approach and it is 100 per cent designed to deliver better outcomes for Māori, ensuring key players across all three DHBs are united in their approach and working to the Articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi).”.....
See full article HERE


The Mole wishes everybody a very Merry Xmas and a wonderful New Year.



Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

23  December  2018

South Taranaki iwi Ngati Ruanui calls for review in wake of spying revelations
A Taranaki iwi fears its activities opposing a seabed mining project off the South Taranaki coast could have been watched by private investigators.

Māori Party president Che Wilson said the inquiry findings exposed an underlying attitude by Government that activism is terrorism.

"They're effectively treating Māori as a potential terrorist threat, and that's unacceptable within this whenua, our home, Aotearoa," Wilson said in a statement.....
See full article HERE

Ngāti Rangitihi signs agreement in principle with Crown
Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust has today signed an Agreement in Principle (AIP) with the Crown at Rangitihi Marae in Matatā.

"Pivotal to Te Mana's aspirations is establishing a legislative entity charged with restoring the mauri of Tarawera Awa and Te Awa o Te Atua," Comer said.

The agreement also includes $4 million of financial and commercial redress. This is in addition to the $7m of commercial redress the iwi received in the 2008 Central North Island Forests Settlement.....
See full article HERE

“We’re not given a fair go” says poverty advocate
When asked if treatment towards those groups was the same as the treatment towards Pākehā she replied “No I don’t think so. I think they’ve been victimised in some cases, they’re not given a chance.”

Paraha later added. “We should be treated as one, with respect.”

But The Minister of Social Development, Carmel Sepuloni of both Samoan and Tongan descent, says Māori and Pacifica are not being targeted.

Māori and Pacifika have the highest percentage of people accessing MSD per capita, of all of the ethnicities here in New Zealand.....
See full article HERE

Minister applauds appointment of woman Māori judge
The Attorney General this morning announced that La-Verne King whose iwi include Ngātikahu ki Whangaroa and Ngāti Paoa will have jurisdiction in the Family Court.....
See full article HERE

Help more teenagers discover taonga in their backyard, group urges
Maori achievement at NCEA level 2 across the country often sat below 70 per cent, he said.

"However when we take them ... into a kaupapa-based learning environment, where they're learning about Te Ao Māori (the Māori World), connections to Te Ao Māori and to each other, we're able to develop a platform that they absolutely thrive in and achieve NCEA level 2 pass rates upwards of 95 per cent."

Teaching kaupapa Māori on the programmes helped normalise things like respect, kaiako Elkington said......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

22  December  2018

Air New Zealand and Te Matatini sign alliance agreement
Air New Zealand and Te Matatini Society Incorporated have signed a strategic alliance agreement to work closely together to develop and showcase the Te Matatini kapa haka (Māori performing arts) festival as New Zealand’s premium cultural event, promoting Aotearoa New Zealand to the world.

Under the agreement the two organisations will collaborate to promote the festival to new audiences in New Zealand and around the world, as well as enhance the country’s cultural reputation by showcasing the best of Māori performing arts internationally.....
See full article HERE

Iwi leaders want Haumaha back on job
A member of the Police Commissioner’s Iwi Leaders Forum says there should be no impediment to deputy commissioner Wally Haumaha resuming full duties now the Independent Police Complaints Authority has released its report.....

See full article HERE

No iwi discount for Napier Port shares
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council says it will place Hawke’s Bay residents, port employees and iwi at the front of the queue to buy shares in Port of Napier but it won’t offer the discount sought by iwi.

Iwi have said they are keen to buy, but the amount of extra investment needed as well as the history of taking Maori land for port purposes means a discount is warranted......
See full article HERE

Naming project to celebrate Kaipātiki's Māori history
Kaipātiki Local Board is among 11 local boards participating in a regionwide naming project – partnering with mana whenua to add names significant to Māori to parks and community facilities, including libraries, community and leisure centres, in their area.

It has invited mana whenua to provide a Māori name and narrative for 26 local parks in Kaipātiki.

“We are really pleased to be partnering with mana whenua on this project,” says Kaipātiki Local Board Chair John Gillon.....
See full article HERE

Submissions are open on the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Vesting Bill
The Chairperson of the Māori Affairs Committee, Rino Tirikatene, is calling for public submissions on the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Vesting Bill. The bill seeks to transfer the assets and liabilities of the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) to the Te Puia New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute limited partnership, which is a joint trust of iwi partners.

The bill would fulfill an agreement made in August 2017 between the Crown and trustees to introduce vesting legislation that would provide for the transfer.....
See full article HERE

Tertiary Education Institution Council appointments
Biographies for new appointees

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
Liz Te Amo (Te Arawa - Waitaha, Tahourangi, Tapuika, Ngati Moko) is Chief Executive Officer for Tauranga-based Maori berryfruit company Miro LP. Before that, Liz was responsible for leading the national Crown-Maori economic development strategy and partnership at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Liz’s career in both the public and private sector has focused on developing New Zealand businesses internationally and, specifically, on growing Maori exporters, leadership and economic development. Her governance roles include Te Hono Primary Sector Leaders group, NZ Rugby Commercial Committee, and Waitaha Group Holdings.

Te Wananga o Raukawa
Tiwana TIBBLE is a Fellow Chartered Accountant with experience in Investment Banking and Iwi Development. He has been a high achieving Chief Executive, having grown Ngati Whatua Orakei assets from $50 million to over $600 million in 15 years. Mr Tibble now focuses on a broader range of Maori Land Development opportunities, including Geothermal Power, Forestry, Tourism, Horticulture, Fishing and Farming. His current roles are with Tauhara North No2 Trust, Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust, Ngati Porou Holdings and the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board.

University of Otago
Suzanne ELLISON MNZM (Kai Tahu, Kati Mamoe and Te Atiawa) is an iwi manager and researcher for arts and cultural heritage projects. She is Runaka Manager for Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki, chairs the Ngai Tahu Funds Committee, and her governance experience includes Toi Aotearoa the Arts Council of New Zealand. She was a senior manager with Ngai Tahu Development Corporation for more than 10 years and received her MNZM for services to Maori, the arts and governance....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

21  December  2018

Govt signs off $mil funds for Māori Wardens
The Māori Wardens will be focusing on developing opportunities for rangatahi in education and employment now that the government has signed off the $1mil promised in Budget 2018.

Te Puni Kōkiri Māori Wardens project manager Te Rau Clarke says, "The focus will be on moving rangatahi onto a programme or a pathway that moves them closer to education or employment."

Māori Wardens from across the country will build a programme based on their experiences in the regions. It's part of the wider Pae Aronui programme targeting Māori youth not in employment, education or training.......
See full article HERE

Birth education programme based on Māori practices kicks off in top of the south
Antenatal classes based on kaupapa Māori practices and principles are being offered to pregnant women and their whānau across Nelson and Marlborough.

In a South Island first, the hapu wananga programme draws on traditional Māori childbirth practices, pregnancy, child birth and parenting. It is open to pregnant women and their wider whānau......
See full article HERE

Cancer sufferers once again let down by PHARMAC
“This is why our people turned first to the Maori Affairs Select Committee – they should be the voice of our people in the Parliament and the facts are laid bare for all to see. One in nine women diagnosed with breast cancer are women. Maori are less likely to be able to afford the life saving and life extending medications as it stands and Maori women are at higher risk of death than non-Maori. So; its time for PHARMAC to be hauled in and held accountable.” Tukaki said

“Maori Council will always fight for the interests and well-being of our people” Tukaki said.....
See full article HERE

View of mountain would be blocked by hotel, iwi company says
Tūwharetoa Limited says an eight storey hotel planned for Taupō would block views of Mt Tauhara and change the future use of its own commercial property in the CBD.

But the proposed hotel developer says views of the mountain should not be a factor in determining whether the project could be approved......
See full article HERE

New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute another step closer to iwi ownership
An internationally-famous tourism business in Rotorua is a step closer to iwi ownership after the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Vesting Bill had its first reading in Parliament today.

Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta said it was a significant step in the journey towards iwi ownership.

"The journey began 10 years ago between the Crown and Ngāti Whakaue, Tūhourangi and Ngāti Wahiao......
See full article HERE

Kaimai treaty claim journey of rediscovery
A proposed settlement of historic claims has been a journey of rediscovery for Matamata’s Ngāti Hinerangi.

The iwi signed an agreement in principal last Friday for an $8 million settlement covering claims stemming from its support for Tauranga Moana in the Land Wars and the subsequent loss of its lands through confiscation and the activities of the Native Land Court......
See full article HERE

Mount urban space officially named
City Council elected members have voted six to five to adopt an official name for the new urban space, located in the heart of the Mount retail area.

The space will be titled Te Papa o Ngā Manu Porotakataka (The Place of the Circling Birds).

The new name was provided by Ngai Tukairangi and Ngati Kuku. Council has been working with local iwi and hapu since 2016 about the concept design of the new open urban space in the Mount, and invited iwi to provide a name for the park.....
See full article HERE

Urgent hearing granted on prisoner voting rights
The Waitangi Tribunal has announced an urgent hearing on Māori prisoners having the right to vote. Current legislation disqualifies sentenced prisoners from participating in general elections.

The claim has been filed by prisoners and includes two applications for an urgent inquiry into the electoral act.

Auckland lawyer Richard Francois, who is representing claimants, says the urgent hearing is good news for sentenced prisoners.......
See full article HERE

Scholarships to increase Maori and Pasifika doctoral scholars
Massey University has awarded 40 scholarships to doctoral students who will start their study next year.

For the first time, the University awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Pasifika Doctoral Scholarship and a further three scholars were presented with Vice-Chancellor’s Māori Doctoral Scholarships.

The four recipients were part of a cohort of 23 scholars who received a Vice-Chancellor Doctoral Scholarship that provides an annual stipend of $30,000, plus fees, for three-years of full-time study, making it the highest value centrally-funded scholarship for doctoral students offered upon enrolment by any New Zealand university.......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

20  December  2018

Tauranga City Council may gift $1m historic Mission St property to trust
A $1 million historic public property near Tauranga's CBD may be gifted to a trust.

Tauranga City Council yesterday agreed in principle to transfer 11 Mission St to the Ōtamataha Trust for no cost, on the understanding the trust would lease the land to the Elms Foundation at a "peppercorn" rent such as $1 a year.

The Ōtamataha Trust, which represents the interests of Ngāi Tamarāwaho and Ngati Tapu, also put in a claim to be gifted the land in recognition of their mana whenua status and ancestral connection, subject to a lease favouring the foundation......
See full article HERE

Funding boost for Whakatohea Maori Trust Board's aquaculture projects
Years of planning has paid off for the Whakatohea Maori Trust Board as it looks to develop its own aquaculture interests in the Eastern Bay.

The board has received 950 thousand dollars from the Government's provincial growth fund......
See full article HERE

Settlement future uncertain as Ngāpuhi say no to evolved mandate
The next step in the Ngāpuhi Treaty settlement process is uncertain after the iwi rejected a new Treaty negotiation plan.

One leader said it is a chance for hapū who voted yes to move forward together; another agreed but said not with the evolved mandate; a kaimahi for Whangārei hapū said it's a chance to pause; and another leader said experienced people needed to come together, engage hapū, and build a new model....
See full article HERE

Coroners Act amended for tikanga Māori values
The Coroners (Access to Body of Dead Person) Amendment Bill passed its third reading in Parliament last night.

“The Bill will ensure tikanga Māori and other ethnic cultural beliefs are considered and respected by our coronial system,” said Justice Minister Andrew Little.

“The Bill strengthens the Coroners Act 2006 focus on cultural considerations. The Bill provides an explicit requirement for coroners to consider cultural considerations when determining who can view, touch, or remain near a tūpāpaku - body of a deceased person......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

19  December  2018

A 'bridge' to better Maori Crown relations launched at Parliament
Maori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti Minister Kelvin Davis has welcomed the launch of the Office for Maori Crown Relations - Te Arawhiti at Parliament tonight.

"Tonight was about bringing together people with a range of experiences across the Maori Crown relationship and celebrating the important role Te Arawhiti will play," Kelvin Davis said.

"When the Prime Minister first asked me to lead this portfolio, we knew that we wanted to change how the Government engaged and worked with Maori, and to change how policy is developed.

"We didn’t want to repeat the mistakes of the past by deciding in Wellington what we thought was best for Maori and then presenting Maori with a done deal......
See full article HERE

Mental health, addiction survey shows cultural gaps
New data from those working in mental health and addictions services has found that more needs to be done on cultural appropriateness for Māori tāngata whaiora. The findings have been released in the Ngā Poutama Ōranga Hinengaro report, which was coordinated by the Health Quality & Safety Commission.

The survey also found that the use of te reo Māori in services is low, as is the use of the Māori cultural practices of mihi and whakawhanaungatanga......
See full article HERE

Disability reforms overlook Māori needs
A Māori disability advocate says a new accessibility work programme won’t benefit Māori unless there is proper funding and dedicated advocacy.

"For a lot of Māori it's like: 'Oh no, not again.' Occupational therapists, physios, doctors, there's no process. Unlike with ACC where if you have an accident there is a team of people waiting to assess and assist you, you don't get that with medical disabilities which Māori are predominantly high in numbers of," she says.

Ms Hickey says 84 percent of disabled Māori get no support services at all......
See full article HERE

Māori bilingual teacher
We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and collaborative kaiako who is committed to raising student achievement. We are looking for a kaiako who has culturally responsive practices, who can inspire and engage our tamariki and their whānau, in authentic learning partnerships.....
See full article HERE

Ngāi Tahu backs out of Agria deal, takes direct stake in Wrightson
Ngāi Tahu Capital has taken a direct stake in PGG Wrightson, ending a seven-year relationship with Singapore-domiciled Agria as the foreign investor's grip on the rural services firm remains uncertain.

Ngāi Tahu has taken direct ownership of 27.4 million Wrightson shares, or 3.6 per cent of the company, worth about $14 million at the current 51 cents share price. No consideration was paid, documents lodged with the stock exchange show.....
See full article HERE

Treaty claims could be the straw that breaks the back of capital gains tax
OPINION: As if the Tax Working Group does not have enough to grapple with, it faces a dilemma which arguably goes to the heart of the sovereignty of the tax system.

Does it accept warnings that an introduction of capital gains tax (CGT) could breach the Treaty of Waitangi?

Two large iwi organisations have submitted to the Tax Working Group (TWG) that unless they receive an exemption from CGT , the new tax would breach the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

If the iwi case is strong enough, the path of least resistance for Labour may well be to grant iwi and exemption.....
See full article HERE

French supermarket Auchan slammed for 'haka' advertisement
A French supermarket chain, Auchan, which used the haka to promote its in-store sales, has been slammed for being "offensive", "desperate" and "ignorant".

The video posted on YouTube shows a comedian acting like an aggressive drunk person being asked to leave by an Auchan security guard when a flash mob of people with stripes of war paint arrive and attempt to perform the Māori haka Ka Mate.....
See full article HERE

No voice for Maori – Council calls for "Maori Voices" report
New Zealand Maori Council has called on the Secretariat for the Mental Health and Addictions Inquiry to release reports and material related to the voices of Maori. The call comes after it emerged the Secretariat failed to inform stakeholders and the public about the existence of a series of reports that underpinned the recently released Inquiry recommendations. This includes a report related to the Maori voices and submissions.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

18  December  2018

Environment Canterbury workers to strike Monday
One-hundred-and-fifty Environment Canterbury workers will strike from noon on Monday amid stalled union pay and contract negotiations.

The Public Service Association (PSA) who are representing the 152 workers - about 35 percent of Environment Canterbury (ECan) staff - hoped it would encourage ECan to reconsider adding in a clause recognising Te Tiriti (The Treaty of Waitangi).

Organiser Angela Collier said members wanted a clause in that proved ECan valued people's cultural beliefs.

"We've put forward a clause that recognises Te Tiriti and also recognises the organisation validating and valuing employees cultural beliefs - in particular Māori in relation to Te Tiriti......
See full article HERE

Ngāpuhi and Oranga Tamariki commit to a brighter future
Grainne Moss, Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki says this partnership is vital to New Zealand’s success. “We are all in this together, and if we partner we are stronger. Keeping children with whānau, and providing kaupapa Māori approaches to our work is vital. We’re committed to working differently, and value the leadership of iwi.”

Leaders today signed the Strategic Partnership Agreement, which is based on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, recognising a proactive Māori-Crown relationship.....
See full article HERE

More scholarships offered to attract Māori and Pasifika
Lincoln University is continuing its drive to increase Māori and Pasifika representation in tertiary study, by introducing a suite of scholarships in 2019.

The $5000 scholarships are intended to assist those passionate about agriculture, science, tourism, Mātauraka Māori including Mahinga kai, and to support students pathwaying up from other tertiary providers.

Lincoln introduced Māori and Pasifika Accommodation Scholarships at the start of 2018, while Sir Turi Carroll Scholarships for Māori student leaders were initiated in 2013.....
See full article HERE

Census 2018 – Heads should roll, incompetence reigns
The New Zealand Maori Council has poured scorn on Statistics New Zealand for what is turning out to be an embarrassing waste of resources, money and planning when it comes to the 2018 Census.

“When it comes to Maori there is a mountain of building evidence that is telling us that many people in rural, regional and remote communities didn’t even get a visit from anyone on Census night and why is that?

“This is a disgrace because the data runs the risk of telling a story that is neither accurate or true. It gives public servants the ability to paint a picture that because there was no or little response from some of these Maori communities that no one lives there and therefore its perfect excuse to withdraw services.” Tukaki said.....
See full article HERE

Trade and Enterprise appointment supports Māori business
The Board of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) Board is welcoming a new director, who will bring extensive experience in business, and in particular the development of the Māori economy.

Ms Traci Houpapa MNZM has been appointed a member of the NZTE Board for a three-year term by the Minister for Economic Development, Trade and Export Growth, David Parker....
See full article HERE

Government accused of ignoring Waitangi Tribunal reports
A new report is being seen as stronger evidence that the government is ignoring Waitangi Tribunal recommendations.

In the past 40 years, the Crown has only fully-settled the claims raised in 21 tribunal reports out of a total 130 reports that have been completed.

The late Saana Murray of Ngāti Kuri dedicated her whole life to the Wai 262 claim she helped lodge in the Waitangi Tribunal in 1991.

"It is actually quite sad aye ... we have been really marginalised from our land and our relationship from our taonga for a long time," Ms Waitai said.

"We are constantly trying to forge a relationship, in a space where the Crown doesn't actually know how to have a relationship."

For the first time, Te Puni Kōkiri has released a break down of all the tribunal claims back to the first out in 1978.

This shows that of the 130 reports, just 21 have been settled. That means most of the claims in the reports have been addressed through Treaty settlements or policy changes.

A number of others have been partially settled, are in progress or their status is unknown.

Treaty lawyer Annette Sykes said the numbers are telling.

"The Crown has ignored and I believe deliberately ignored the gravamen of some of the issues that they have been confronted with," she said......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

16  December  2018

Auckland iwi Ngāi Tai wins Supreme Court case in stoush over Rangitoto, Motutapu commercial rights
An Auckland iwi has won a Supreme Court case giving it the right to re-apply for exclusive rights to conduct commercial operations on Rangitoto and Motutapu.

Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki Tribal Trust has claimed rangatiratanga, exclusive rights, to conduct commercial tours on the Rangitoto and Motutapu motu (islands) in the Hauraki Gulf for at least five years.

The iwi lost challenges in both the High Court and Court of Appeal over the Department of Conservation's issuing of five-year tourism concessions to Fullers and the Motutapu Island Restoration Trust on Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands.

While the islands are administered by DoC, Ngāi Tai has claims there based on historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi both as an iwi and as part of Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau.

Ngāi Tai had argued in granting those concessions DoC did not properly give effect to section 4 of the Conservation Act, which relates to principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Both the High Court and Court of Appeal agreed DoC had made errors, but believed it was still consistent with the Treaty.

In a majority decision released today, the Supreme Court ruled in Ngāi Tai's favour. It said the concessions needed to be reconsidered in a manner that involved a "proper application of s4"......
See full article HERE

Māori still more likely to die of cardiac arrest - report
A St John's report into cardiac arrest outside of hospitals shows Māori continue to have the highest rates of cardiac arrest and the lowest survival rates.

The Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Registry Report for 2017/18 shows Māori have a rate of incidence of 135.5 per 100,000 people.

This compares to European rates of 96.4 per 100,000 people and 104.5 for Pacific people.

Māori have a 24 percent chance of surviving cardiac arrest outside of hospital compared to 31 percent for people of European descent.

In the last year St John New Zealand has treated more than 2000 people for cardiac arrest outside of hospital....
See full article HERE

Reo-speaking Santa hears children's Xmas wishes
Reo Māori-speaking families are taking Christmas into their own hands in the wake of the Māori Santa at the Nelson Christmas parade who was the subject of an online racist tirade. The latest, Christmas calls to a reo-speaking Santa Clause.

For reo-speaking children, the only Santa that exists is Māori Santa. Videos have emerged of families initiating conversations for their children with Santa in te reo, enabling fluent kids to take part in the Christmas tradition of asking for their Christmas wishes.

Te Ataakura Pewhairangi says, “My daughter Tapairu has long been asking to call Santa so that she can ask for Christmas presents and, the thing is, te reo Māori is her first language.”.....
See full article HERE

MSD takes preventative approach to staff safety
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) rolls out new and improved security measures and front of house changes at the Ōtara Work and Income offices today.

Some of the changes to make the feel of the office more comfortable for the clients is having areas for private conversations with clients, comfortable chairs for those who have difficulty with movement, more open office spaces and Māori signage.

It will be three years before these new measures are in place in all the offices across the country......
See full article HERE

Waikato iwi and Crown sign deed of settlement
A Waikato iwi has initialled its Treaty of Waitangi deed of settlement valued at more than $8 million with the Crown.

Ngāti Hinerangi signed the deed today at a ceremony with Crown officials in Hamilton.

The initialled deed of settlement includes financial redress of $8.1m and the return of 14 sites of cultural significance.

This includes part of the Wairere Falls Scenic Reserve near Matamata - a sacred awa to Ngāti Hinerangi - and a cultural revitalisation fund, and five commercial properties.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

15  December  2018

Ngāti Tūwharetoa passes third reading
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Andrew Little, today welcomed Te Ariki Tā Tumu Te Heuheu and members of Ngāti Tūwharetoa to Parliament to witness the Third Reading of their Treaty Settlement legislation, the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Claims Settlement Bill.

The Settlement provides Crown Apology redress, including an agreed historical account and Crown acknowledgments of its historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Ngāti Tūwharetoa will receive financial and commercial redress of $25 million, and cultural redress, including funds totalling $3.95 million, to support their aspirations for the cultural and environmental revitalisation of Ngāti Tūwharetoa. They will also have 32 sites of cultural significance returned to them.....
See full article HERE

New Zealand lacks comprehensive strategy to counter family violence - new report
Colonisation had had a traumatic affect on Māori, and culturally-appropriate solutions - informed by science - were needed for Māori and Pacific communities.

"Despite the well-reported relative absence of whānau violence before colonisation, Māori are now highly exposed to it. The trauma of colonisation has had an inter-generational effect on Māori, who experience disproportionate rates of family violence, combined with other negative social effects of racism, discrimination and dislocation, alongside strengths and resilience factors that endure."....
See full article HERE

Iwi not to blame for Ngāpuhi settlement delay - Treaty expert
A Treaty expert says iwi are not to blame for lengthy delays in settling Treaty claims.

Former Treaty Negotiations minister Chris Finlayson told RNZ Ngāpuhi leaders were making it impossible for progress to be made on the settlement.

"You've got people who want to run the show as though it's a politburo ... they've had 10 years, they messed me around [and] they had all sorts of promises made to them.

"Sonny Tau has been a great disappointment [and] Hone Sadler ... he's a person that hasn't made much of a contribution so I think some of these guys need to get lost," Mr Finlayson said.

But an expert in the Treaty of Waitangi and Māori law, Dr Carwyn Jones, said it was a Crown-led process which made it difficult for iwi to settle their treaty grievances......
See full article HERE

TOP Wants to work with Māori Party for 2020 election
The Opportunities Party (TOP) and the Māori Party both fell short in last year's general election. However, TOP hopes they can work together for 2020.

The new leader of TOP, Geoff Simmons, hopes by working together with the Māori Party, the party will establish how a 'genuine' Treaty relationship would work.

A major policy TOP hopes will glean Māori votes is focusing on Māori water rights.

“The big thing at the moment is water, recognizing Māori rights over fresh water- that's the real live issue and we're 100% supportive of that”....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

14  December  2018

Hawke's Bay Tourism criticised over lack of Māori tourism growth
Hawke's Bay Tourism has being criticised over the lack of growth for Māori tourism in the region.

At the Hawke's Bay Regional Council's corporate and strategic committee meeting yesterday , committee member Toro Waaka said there needed to be more accountability as to where the funding was going.

Waaka is also a director of New Zealand Māori Tourism, and chair of Hawke's Bay Māori Tourism.

"What strategy have you got to engage with Māori, and what are the key performance indicators that you have to do so, and who are you engaging with?" Toro asked representatives of Hawke's Bay Tourism at the meeting.

He said Māori made up roughly 20 per cent of the Hawke's Bay population, and therefore 20 per cent of the funding should be directed into growing Māori tourism.....
See full article HERE

Harcourts promises not to repeat 'culturally offensive' ad portraying marae for sale
A Harcourts ad has been labelled "culturally offensive" for suggesting an iconic East Coast marae was for sale.

The unaddressed mail ad for Harcourts Real Estate had a colour image of a $500 banknote containing a photo of a Harcourts real estate agent, an image of a Maori meeting house with a "for sale" sign across the front and the words "Reserve Bank of Harcourts".

In a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority a J Staite said they were concerned the pamphlet may be culturally offensive as it showed Porourangi Meeting House, at Waiomatatini Marae with a "for sale" sign across it.....
See full article HERE

Passing of Medicinal Cannabis Bill prompts iwi discussions
The only Māori company with a medicinal cannabis growing licence says the passing of the government's medicinal cannabis bill is a step in the right direction. Hikurangi Enterprises Managing Director Panapa Ehau says New Zealand could be a world leader in the medicinal cannabis space.

"If whānau Māori or whānau that are in this industry are put at the centre of this, which there's a good chance that will happen, it's going to create a whole lot of opportunities both economic and in the well-being space for our people."....
See full article HERE

Te Mata Peak should get legal status as person - iwi
Te Mata Peak should be given the legal status of a person, a Hawke's Bay iwi says.

It is one of several recommendations made to Hastings District Council in a cultural report by iwi organisation Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga.

It was commissioned by the council following the outcry after Craggy Range winery cut a controversial walking track up the eastern slope of the peak last year.....
See full article HERE

Long-running land dispute resolved as Parliament passes Waitara Lands Bill
After 30 years of talks and nearly 160 years of disagreement, a law's been passed to resolve the long dispute over leasehold land at Waitara.

It's the third attempt to settle the case for two hapū - Manukōrihi and Ōtaraua.

They'll get $28 million from property sales on Waitara land over the next two decades, plus $28m more to go to projects co-managed by hapū, iwi and the Taranaki Regional Council.

They'll also get 120 hectares of land, mostly in reserves.

Another $34m will be allocated to Waitara River and environmental projects, co-governed by the council, and hapū and iwi with interests in the river.....
See full article HERE

South Auckland marae to receive $1mil from Māori Housing Fund
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today that the initial investment will support the marae's papakāinga plan.

“It’s the government’s overall priority to improve the wellness of New Zealanders and their families and ensure everyone has a warm, dry home,” says Ardern.

The $1mil will assist with infrastructure and the construction of six kaumātua flats on the marae site.
See full article HERE

Helping businesses lift their te reo Māori capability
Victoria University of Wellington Te Kawa a Māui lecturer Dr Vini Olsen-Reeder is helping financial education firm Banqer lift its Māori language and cultural competency.

“I want to see a bilingual nation in New Zealand, and celebrating te reo Māori promotes this vision,” says Dr Olsen-Reeder. “It’s great to see businesses turning to te reo Māori more and more to create a point of difference for their product.”...
See full article HERE

New warrants for Māori wardens
As well as giving tohu for long service and acknowledging several well-respected wardens who have died in recent years, 27 wardens were given their unique warrant to operate, something that hasn’t happened for several years.

"That just gives the wardens the right to go into areas where our Māori people might be congregating, looking after the kaupapa around the marae or in hotels where our people are drinking and they might get a bit intoxicated so the Māori wardens are there to make sure they don't get into their vehicles, and we have got a van to take them home," Mr Henry says......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

13  December  2018

Colonisation trauma linked to family violence - Report
A new report by the prime minister's chief science adviser says it is possible to prevent and end family violence in New Zealand. The report, titled Every 4 Minutes, acknowledges the link between the trauma of colonisation and prejudice to the high rates of family violence and incarceration among Māori.

Lambie says, "Colonisation has had an inter-generational effect on Māori and Māori are disproportionately affected by family violence combined with other negative social effects of racism, discrimination and dislocation. Programme design and implementation must be in accord with [the] Māori world view."

Children’s Commissioner Andrew Becroft says, "I don't think a 'one-size-fits-all' approach will work. It doesn't for children and we need to focus and harness the resources of iwi and Māori organisations and I look forward to that happening."

The Te Rōpū group which will advise ministers directly of the needs of Māori will be announced in the new year......
See full article HERE
Here’s the link to the actual report > HERE
Also see Mihingrangi-Forbes Twitter tweet here > HERE 

Rongoā Māori Research Project Presents Guidelines
These guidelines challenge the research community to have an understanding of Te Ao Māori values and the practice of Rongoā Māori before engaging with future Rongoā study participants. They encourage researchers to address Māori concerns about the exploitation of traditional knowledge which is shared in studies for commercial gain, or the assumption of intellectual property rights beyond those traditionally charged with carrying such knowledge. The CERLS guidelines also draw researchers’ attention to a duty of care to attend to not only their legal health and safety responsibilities, but also to the cultural health and safety aspects of their studies.

It is considered imperative that new models, paradigms and frameworks are found that will allow Rongoā Māori to be treated as the taonga it is, even if not currently fully understood by science, medicine or research and which will ensure that the future generations can feel secure that Rongoā Māori is a taonga that continues to be treasured and protected in the years to come.....
See full article HERE

Talks underway to bring iwi justice panels to Taranaki
A new initiative to keep people from walking through courtroom doors could be on the cards in Taranaki.

Known as Te Pae Oranga, the iwi justice panels are part of a nationwide pilot under the Turning of the Tide strategy which is designed to cut Māori offending rates.

The initiative, which is open to all offenders who fit the criteria, aims to address low level offending and ensure participants don't go to court. It will put in place supports to ensure they stay crime-free.....
See full article HERE

Pre-fab Māori-style house scheme launched: traditional weaving, carving reflected in architecture
An affordable pre-fabricated house scheme has been launched, with places having aspects of Māori exterior and interior design elements.

Craig Wilson of Britomart's TOA Architects in Auckland said that business had joined with Christchurch-headquartered Mike Greer Architectural, Nelson-headquartered cross-laminated timber manufacturing business XLam Building Solutions and others to launch Māori Modular House.......
See full article HERE

Māori health advocates say ASA lacks cultural awareness
The Advertising Standards Authority recently decided not to uphold a complaint from public health collective Healthy Auckland Together (HAT) about advertising junk food to children. The complaint was targeted at a YouTube advertisement for Kinder Surprise.

HAT considered the Kinder Surprise advertisement a breach of The Children and Young People’s Code as it is a chocolate bar for children, advertised by child actors and seen by children.

The response by the ASA complaints board included these comments relating to the advertisement being run adjacent to the video clip of ‘Aotearoa’, a reo Māori pop song performed by Māori artists Stan Walker, Ria Hall, Maisey Rika and Troy Kingi. The song was launched during Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori in 2014 and has been viewed 4.6 million times:

"I guess this illustrates what happens when you don’t have enough people with whānau Māori in their lives sitting around the decision-making table," says Janell Dymus-Kurei, General Manager Māori Public Health for Hāpai. "It's an enormously popular song with tamariki Māori - you’d be hard pressed to find a kura kaupapa or kohanga kid who doesn’t know all the words. I guess the complaints board don’t spend enough time with our communities to know that."....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

12  December  2018

Freshwater conference embraces Māori values as it looks to the future
Protecting freshwater is not a question of ownership, but guardianship, an iwi representative says.

Barney Thomas, a Nelson iwi manager for the Department of Conservation, said freshwater was "probably the most important bloody issue in the universe" at a freshwater sciences society convention in Nelson.

Conference convener Cawthron Institute freshwater ecologist Joanne Clapcott, Ngāti Porou, said looking after freshwater was something all New Zealanders had a role in.

Her focuses for the convention were mātauranga Māori, or Māori knowledge and wisdom; and emerging science.

"There is a deepening understanding of the importance of mātauranga Māori, but a real capability and capacity crunch," she said......
See full article HERE

Ex-education minister Nikki Kaye signs up sitting Minister Chris Hipkins to progress bill for teaching languages
The bill is also likely to extend the provision of Māori language teaching in schools as well as foreign languages.

The bill requires the Government to set 10 priority languages - likely to include Mandarin, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Pacific languages and possibly Hindi as well as official languages Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language.

It also requires the Government to resource the provision of those languages in primary and intermediate schools.

She said the bill would also ensure universal access to te reo Māori as a result and more young people learning te reo.

"I think it should be very, very positive for iwi and Māori." ....
See full article HERE

Space for Māori in Tomorrow's Schools revamp
The Principal's Federation is welcoming a focus on the Treaty of Waitangi and Māori achievement in the proposed revamp of the tomorrow's school's framework.

This includes a proposal to set up a hub focused on the needs of kaupapa Māori education
See full article HERE

Iwi gutted council snubs them for homeless contract
A Wellington iwi social service has been left confused and angry after the Wellington City Council declined its funding bid to help the homeless.

Instead the Wellington City Council awarded $476,000 per year to DCM, formerly known as Downtown City Mission, to do the job.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

11  December  2018

MDC seeks more iwi input
More iwi representation is being sought around the Marlborough District Council table.

The council will hold a hui, or workshop, with Te Tau Ihu iwi from the top of the south in the new year to establish a stronger partnership and encourage more iwi into local government.

It comes as part of the council’s first Te Ao Maori subcommittee, held last month, which aims to achieve greater representation for iwi in the Marlborough region.

The subcommittee had the power to allocate $30,000 a year to projects that improved the council’s access to cultural advice and long-term relationships with Maori.

The immediate focus of the subcommittee was creating a visible Maori presence in the council buildings through artwork and bilingual signage, and increasing access to knowledge and education for council staff.......
See full article HERE

Ngāpuhi hapū reject Treaty of Waitangi proposal
A new proposal for Treaty negotiations has had the thumbs down from a majority of Ngāpuhi hapū.

The iwi's many hapū have been holding endorsement hui for the past three weeks, on a revised mandate.

But on the last day of voting, the 'no' votes have already passed the threshold of 38 - at which the mandate is declared rejected.....
See full article HERE

Tōtaranui suggested as alternate Māori name for Abel Tasman National Park
The country's most popular national park should also have a Māori name, says the author of a new book on the Abel Tasman.

Acclaimed conservationist Philip Simpson has suggested Tōtaranui National Park as an alternate Maori name for the 23,000 hectare park that has one of the country's Great Walks along its spectacular Nelson coastline......
See full article HERE

Tu Te Manawa brings whare to Shannon park
Ngati Whakatere is leading the construction of a new whare taiao, or information kiosk, in Te Maire Park, Shannon.Ngati Whakatere is leading the construction of a new whare taiao, or information kiosk, in Te Maire Park, Shannon.

The whare is one of eight being constructed along the Manawatū River as part of the iwi-led Tu Te Manawa project, which aims to restore the mauri of the Manawatū River and reconnect iwi, hapu and communities with their awa......
See full article HERE

Principals welcome Tomorrow's Schools Report
Cormick also expressed his pleasure at the centrality of the Treaty of Waitangi to all aspects of the report.

‘It is pleasing to see that the Treaty of Waitangi and true partnership with Maori is strongly embedded throughout the report, so rather than seeing Maori as a problem to be fixed, they will be seen as equal participants. Our young Maori people will now be educated in a way that is consistent with their cultural beliefs and practices,’ said Cormick.....
See full article HERE

Maori Council call for culture change in SOE
The New Zealand Maori has today released figures showing only six Maori sit on boards right across the State Owned Enterprise Sector begging the statement from Council’s Executive Director Matthew Tukaki – “No wonder we are not making progress around our social and economic futures we aren’t even sitting at the table!”.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

10  December  2018

Māori education: 'We certainly have got a lot of work to do'
The Tomorrow School's Review has shown changes are needed to the education system to stop it failing Māori.

The review taskforce is calling for a national Kaupapa Māori education hub committed to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi to be set-up.

And it's estimated Māori educational inequity is costing the economy $2.6 billion a year.

Mr Ferris said the systemic racism within the education system was a key concern for Māori education.

Māori make up 25 percent of the school-aged population.

"When we have students in this country saying in their own words that 'my teacher is racist,' we certainly have got a lot of work to do."

He wants kaupapa Māori schooling to be at the centre of the changes. .....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

9  December  2018

First study of Māori league players discovers health and well-being issues
An alarming number of Māori rugby league players have been found to suffer from early onset osteoarthritis after they retire.

Dr Trevor Clark has two new titanium knees because of his 12-year footy career.

Clark played professionally in England from 1983 to 1995, during which he received an honours and masters degree majoring in exercise physiology and sports psychology.

Five years ago, he started researching whether other Māori players had experienced similar issues he had. He focused on Māori because no one else had and on how many Māori play the game.....
See full article HERE

2018 - the year of quiet revolution
The year will also be remembered as a tipping point for Māori, especially for te reo. The goodwill towards the language seen this year has been unprecedented and suddenly it feels like New Zealand is headed towards bilingualism of a sort. Te Wiki o te Reo Māori​ prompted much more than the usual token effort and other moves, such as Radio New Zealand's emphasis on te reo and Crown Law Office lawyers introducing themselves to the court in Māori, signal a solid future for the language.

The question of how much of Māori culture should be regarded as sacrosanct and non-negotiable has yet to be decided but at least the future of te reo looks more secure......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

8  December  2018

Māori 'contaminated' by a lack of Te Reo
A prominent kaumatua has put the blame for the 'P' scourge squarely on the diminished role of Te Reo among Māori.

"When our kids are taught Te Reo we don't have this," he said.

Curtis said Te Reo provided "cultural oxygen" and that it had been denied to Maori for 178 years.

"We were taught at school a language we never heard at home," he said.

"English language doesn't touch my emotional intelligence. . . for 178 years we have been denied.".....
See full article HERE

Winston Peters slams Māori Santa as 'arrogant'
NZ First leader Winston Peters caught up with Jamie Mackay from The Country today for a wide ranging conversation on the issues currently leading the news.

The pair had an interesting discussion over the allegations against Maggie Barry who is accused of workplace bullying, Jacinda Ardern being named as the 29th most powerful woman in the world and the outrage over Santa Claus being replaced by a Maori man wearing a red korowai (Māori cloak) instead of the traditional outfit......
See full article HERE

Iwi panels using tikanga Māori solutions to help divert low-level offenders from courts
A tikanga Māori solution to keep low-level offenders out of the court system is having a wider impact outside Māori communities.

Police figures show in the year to June 58 per cent of the 1800 people referred to the Te Pae Oranga process did not identify as Māori.

The programme is a partnership originally developed by police and iwi to reduce prosecutions against Māori.

Police Māori, Pacific, and Ethnic Services national manager Michael McLean said the tikanga Māori solution to curb low-level recidivism was proving effective in keeping people of all ethnicities and cultures from entering the justice system......
See full article HERE

National Iwi Chairs Forum Delegation at COP24 UNCCC Katowice, Poland
“It is vital that indigenous peoples voices are heard at these forums and I congratulate the New Zealand government for being responsive to this. I encouraged the Māori & Pasifika youth in Te Ara Whatu to make their presence felt and during a Presidency Dialogue, they made a powerful presentation which drew tears from hardened diplomatic negotiators.”......
See full article HERE

Hundreds swarm Bayfair Shopping Centre for first look at $115m revamp
A blessing was held at 7am, with iwi members leading a crowd of about 40 investors, managers, and team members through prayer down the wide avenues of the new section of mall.

Children from Te Kura o Matapihi performed with song and dance before speeches from dignitaries and those involved in the project......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

7  December  2018

New sculpture for Christchurch's Victoria Square
A new $319,000 taxpayer-funded sculpture paying tribute to the Treaty of Waitangi signatories is likely to be installed in Christchurch's Victoria Square.

Two 4.75 metre-tall upright waka, titled Mana Motuhake, are being gifted to the Christchurch City Council by Crown rebuild company Ōtākaro​, which commissioned the work.

​The artwork, by carver Fayne Robinson, commemorates the significant Treaty signatories and by extension would support the achievements and memory of Queen Victoria, a council report said......
See full article HERE

Brian Tamaki, gang members launch justice protest outside Parliament
Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki descended on Parliament on Thursday to deliver a fiery castigation of New Zealand's prison and justice system.

Surrounded by gang members, Mr Tamaki accused the Government of disproportionately locking up Māori and called for an alternative indigenous justice system.

Mr Tamaki was met by several politicians, including current Justice Minister Andrew Little, former National Justice Minister Judith Collins and ACT Party leader David Seymour.

Mr Tamaki has launched a Waitangi Claim to get Destiny Church's Man Up prison programme funded.

A statement from Mr Tamaki said he had been "prejudicially affected" by the Crown and demanded "fair and equal access to government funding for social programmes" and "access to Māori in prison or other state confinement".......
See full article HERE

$9m reconciliation package for Parihaka announced
A $9 million reconciliation package for people of Parihaka has been finalised at a ceremony in Wellington.

On Thursday Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta met with about 100 members of the coastal Taranaki community and signed an agreement between the Crown and the Parihaka Papakāinga Trust.

Mahuta said the trust, in consultation with the community and Te Puni Kōkiri and Treasury, had produced a development plan for the $9m, which begins with a focus on healing and reconciliation and the development of urgent infrastructure.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

6  December  2018

Treaty of Waitangi 'not taught enough' and not taught well
Educators are calling for the Treaty of Waitangi to be taught accurately and in-depth in schools.

But a lack of teaching material and underlying resistance is getting in the way.

Professor Angus McFarlane from the University of Canterbury said there were concerns about what people were learning about the country's founding document.

"There is a general consensus that it is not taught enough and when it is taught, it is often fraught with inaccuracies," he said.

"Educators need to become more serious about getting to know the Treaty, about the principles and the articles of the Treaty, and how they can be more binding, than separatist."

"If you are passionate about being a New Zealander, you must be passionate about the Treaty of Waitangi. Because without it, we would not exist.".....
See full article HERE

Nationwide debate on Nelson's Santa parade exposes underlying racism
The problem was a lack of an easily recognisable Santa suit, according to most critics of Nelson's Christmas parade Santa, but days on and the gloves are coming off.

A post on social media, shared almost 2000 times, collects a selection of comments about Hana Kōkō - all of which show that the problem is not with what Nelson's Santa was wearing, but with the colour of his skin......
See full article HERE

Uniting new science and traditional Maori knowledge
A major Marsden Fund project will combine cutting edge science with Matauranga Maori to reveal the secrets of pa across the Waikato.

Waikato University’s Associate Professor Alan Hogg, along with Associate Professor Tom Roa and Dr Waikaremoana Waitoki, are working on the $827,000 project. There are more than 500 pa (fortified settlements) around the Waikato. The region is undergoing rapid development that is threatening pa and their landscapes, so work to identify how, when and why they developed is urgent.

The overall aim is to create a regional history of Waikato wetland pa and gardens for the pre-european transitional period - the time interval between about 1400 AD and 1800 AD.....
See full article HERE

Whānau Ora surplus questions raised at TPK review
Te Puni Kōkiri appeared before the Māori Affairs Select Committee today for its annual review where questions were raised about the allocation of surplus funds under the Whānau Ora scheme.

Money and where it did not go dominated discussions, with answers sought about the $600,000 surplus National’s Jo Hayes says went back to shareholders and not to families.

There were disputes around a $5.2mil underspend and whether funds were adequately allocated from the year’s $37mil budget.

National’s Māori development spokesman Nuk Korako says, "Why have they got an underspend? What that tells me is that strategies and policies are not working because you shouldn't have an underspend."....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

5  December  2018

Ngāpuhi hapū take to the polls for tribe's Treaty settlement
Ngāpuhi hapū made a decision on whether or not to accept the government's evolved mandate over the weekend- some remain worried.

Hapū members are uncertain about processes being followed in some hui ā hapū consultation to settle the Ngāpuhi Treaty claim.

This follows hapū consultation meetings around the region.

The iwi could receive up to $300mil. However, Lyndon says money is not the issue for hapū.......
See full article HERE

Māori groups support call to boost addiction treatment funding
Thirty organisations support an open letter calling on government to double funding for addiction treatment each year starting with next year's budget. NZ's largest Māori health organisation, Hāpai Te Hauora, says there is an urgent need in Māori communities.

Iwi and Māori health providers are among those calling for more funds and new models to stub-out substance addiction......
See full article HERE

New committee will work with communities on waterways
New committee will work with communities towards improving the health of waterways and harbour

A new whaitua committee - Whaitua te Whanganui-a-Tara - has been established by Greater Wellington Regional Council to work with communities in the Hutt Valley and Wellington to develop proposals to improve fresh and marine water quality throughout its valley and harbour catchments.

The Committee combines the expertise of local and regional councillors, iwi and community members drawn from throughout the Hutt and Wainuiomata valleys, the suburbs of Wellington Harbour and the south coast and the Makara and Ohariu stream catchments.....
See full article HERE

Te Arawa Lakes Trust says no to treated wastewater in Lake Rotorua
Te Arawa Lakes Trust is opposing plans to discharge treated wastewater into Lake Rotorua in what is being described as a "surprise" move at a late stage.

It's a blow for Rotorua Lakes Council which has worked on the $37 million wastewater upgrade since 2015.

However, the trust backs local hapū concerns, who say Lake Rotorua is a "taonga not toilet".....
See full article HERE

Is Andrew Little in breach of the Treaty of Waitangi? - Right to Life
In an unprecedented attack on the sanctity of life of the unborn the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern and the Minister of Justice propose that the killing of children before birth should not be a crime.

The Minister of Justice, Andrew Little, at the direction of the Prime Minister proposes to amend the Crimes Act to remove women and their unborn from the protection of the Crimes Act. This Act provides legal protection for women and unborn children against the violence of abortion, it also protects the right to life of the unborn, which has been in the Crimes Act since 1856.

Right to Life believes that the decriminalisation of abortion would be a breach of the Treaty of Waitangi and requests our submission be referred to the Waitangi Tribunal for a decision on this matter.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

4  December  2018

Ngāi Tukairangi elder of Tauranga moana seeks acknowledgment
Despite the apology given by the Anglican Church of Aotearoa to Tauranga Moana iwi today for land lost in 1867.

Ngāi Tukairangi representatives voiced their disapproval because only two hapū were formally acknowledged.

In 1838, 80 percent of the 1333 acres belonging to Ngāi Tamarawaho and Ngāti Tapu, later known as the CMS Te Papa Block, was transferred to the Church Missionary Society.

The Anglican Church of Aotearoa formally apologised for their role in the loss of 423ha of Māori land to the Crown.

However, during the formal apology some expressed their disappointment that only two sub-tribes within Tauranga Moana were formally acknowledged......
See full article HERE

Santa gets a remake for Nelson's Santa Parade, but not all are happy
Nelson's Santa parade has taken a bi-cultural approach, but it caused confusion among some of Santa's young fans.

The white-bearded, jolly man was replaced in Sunday's parade by a Māori man representing Santa Claus.

The sleigh led by Santa's reindeer was ridden down Trafalgar St with the merry elves, but Santa's traditional suit was ditched for a red korowai (Māori cloak), worn by Robert Herewini......
See full article HERE

Duncan Garner bashes Nelson's Māori Santa
"Māori don't have to own everything."

That's the blistering message from The AM Show host Duncan Garner, who's accusing Nelson of wrecking Santa with its "PC" attempt at being ethnically diverse.

The Nelson Santa Parade on Sunday descended into debacle after Santa and his traditional outfit were discarded for a de-bearded Māori man wearing a short-sleeved shirt and red korowai. It's a decision that's led to bitter divisions and recriminations....
See full article HERE

Apology issued over lack of traditional Santa in Nelson parade
Organisers of a Nelson Christmas parade have apologised after a non-traditional Santa Claus took centre sleigh, confusing onlookers and sparking a backlash.

Yesterday, a Santa Claus donning a red korowai and holding a taiaha featured in the parade festivities sans trademark hat, beard, and suit......
See full article HERE

Report explains why New Zealand's Māori are better off than Australia's Aborigines
New Zealand's Māori have better outcomes than Australia's Aboriginal people because our Government treats its indigenous people better, according to a report.

The Economist states Aboriginal people living in Australia face a decade-wide gap in life expectancy, high rates of incarceration and suicide, and their children are 10 times more likely to be in state care.....
See full article HERE

NZ makes solar power accessible to all
Solar power is now available to all NZers through a monthly online subscription. Climate Change Minister, James Shaw is backing the worlds first virtual solar power plant.

Minister Shaw says, "It knits together all of the houses that have got rooftop solar and batteries, not just so those houses can have power but that they can work as a community to provide power to the grid."

And for every twenty connections, SolarCity is offering free solar panels to marae, kohanga reo and community centres while training and employing rangatahi to carry out installation and maintenance.......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

2  December  2018

Collaboration key to Waikato regional growth
More than 100 Waikato leaders are looking at ways to improve the region's environment, economy and communities.

Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Māori leaders agree collaboration is key in growing the interests of Māori and the region.

Mahuta says the teaching of King Tawhiao - "If there is but one toetoe stem it will break, but if they are together in a bundle they will never break," is a guide to regional success.

“We need to consider how Māori can engage in these discussions to action our needs in order to strengthen all areas of the region of Waikato,” she says.

FOMA Chair Traci Houpapa is laying down the gauntlet at the inaugural Waikato Regional Council gathering for heads in environment, business, councils and iwi to collaborate.

“Māori need to recognise generally that in order for us to succeed and grow our wealth and prosperity we need to partner,” says Houpapa......
See full article HERE

Action urged after song uses karakia
WELLINGTON: The use of a Maori karakia in a Korean pop song has ramped up calls for the Government to protect Maori intellectual property, some saying that cultural appropriation of Maoritanga is getting out of hand.

The video clip has been viewed about seven million times since in the past week, but it is an uneasy watch for Karaitiana Taiuru.

‘‘I was little bit shocked and disappointed, because of the words that were used . . . It is a karakia and to me our karakia was being mocked,’’ he said......
See full article HERE

Anglican Church apologises to Tauranga Moana iwi over land lost 151 years ago
Today, the Anglican Church of Aotearoa will formally apologise to the iwi of Tauranga Moana for its role in that land being lost, and in particular to the hapū of Ngāi Tamarāwaho and Ngāti Tapu.

The apology is a momentous milestone in what has been a long, painful process to have the grievance recognised and acknowledged.

The apology is also, however, the beginning of a new chapter for iwi and the church.

It's one of reconciliation and, eventually, both parties hope, one of restorative justice.

The block of land in question stretches from The Strand to the suburb of Gate Pā.

It encompasses Tauranga's central business district – a modern place of work, hospitality and city governance.

The Te Papa peninsula, however, was once one of the most densely populated Māori settlements in the region......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

1  December  2018

'He was a murderer' - Gisborne iwi demand apology ahead of Captain Cook celebration
Ahead of celebrations to mark Captain Cook's arrival in New Zealand, a Gisborne iwi is demanding an apology for the atrocities he brought upon their people.

The English explorer landed on the shores of Turanganui-a-Kiwa in 1769. But according to Rongowhakaata, what really happened that day has largely been swept under the carpet.

"Our experience wasn't a great experience in the sense that a number of our tipuna were killed during that first encounter. A number of our taonga were stolen [and] taken. That is a story that hasn't been told."

"We're quite keen to engage with the Royal Society, who were Captain Cook's employers at the time to seek some sort of an apology for the behaviour of the crew of the endeavour and that's to put to rest some of the not so great thing that occurred during that encounter.....
See full article HERE

Foreshore Act repeal Finlayson highlight
Former Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson rates the repeal of the Foreshore and Seabed Act as his proudest achievement in parliament.

During his nine years as a minister he concluded more than 60 treaty settlements, and found it the most satisfying part of the job.

He says he came into parliament determined to overturn Labour’s foreshore claims legislation.

"I had been repelled by the appalling aftermath of the Court of Appeal's decision in the Ngāti Apa case and I still marvel that in the 21st century legislation was rammed through the House to deny a significant proportion of people the right of access to justice and the right to investigate their property rights," Mr Finlayson says.....
See full article HERE

Matched funds draw iwi to Victoria University
More scholarships and internships for Māori will be available through a series of partnerships being formed by Victoria University of Wellington.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori) Rawinia Higgins says more than 20 relationship agreements will be signed with iwi organisations, representatives of Māori trusts and other organisations at a ceremony at the university's Te Herenga Waka Marae next week.

They will bring to more than 60 the He Herenga Tangata agreements formalised with iwi since 2016 to boost opportunities for Māori students and foster research collaborations.

Professor Rawinia Higgins says the university matches the funding provided by Māori partners dollar-for-dollar, to maximise the study and research opportunities for Māori students.....
See full article HERE

Low Census uptake means iwi information deficit
Gaps in collecting Census data could affect both the make up of the next parliament and the ability of iwi to plan for the needs of their people......
See full article HERE

Iwi seeks bigger local stake in Napier port sale
Ngati Pahauwera is urging Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to offer shares in Napier Port to residents and iwi at a discount in order to secure a local cornerstone holding in the firm.

The iwi’s development trust said it would consider investing up to $5 million in the port, with a two-year restriction on sale, were the shares offered at a discount to the general offer......
See full article HERE

Māori landowners targeted for forest fund
Forestry Minister Shane Jones says supporting Māori to realise the potential of their land is one of the priorities for a new One Billion Trees Fund.

Mr Jones and Primary Industries Minister Damien O’Connor today announced the fund led by Te Uru Rākau: Forestry New Zealand would provide $118 million for simple and accessible grants to landowners and organisations looking to plant trees……
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

30  November  2018

Crown has 'failed' to protect fresh water, independent body needed - NZ Māori Council
A Māori water rights claim wants to see the country's rivers and lakes treated as public goods instead of a "free lunch" to commercial interests.

The Waitangi Tribunal is this week hearing the closing submissions into a claim over Māori rights to fresh water, following the government decision in 2012 to put shares in state-owned power companies up for sale.

Ownership of water - whether by Māori, nobody, or everybody - has been the focus of a debate around allocation and management issues....

"The RMA has become a vehicle for providing a free lunch to commercial interests, such as water bottling companies. Many have derived immense financial wealth from their 'free' water. Those who use it for private commercial benefit should pay for it."

An Independent Water Commission would be made up of half Māori representatives, chosen by Māori, and be funded by charging those who used water commercially.

What Māori ownership of fresh water would mean for the general population was still to be determined.

"That is a huge question, but we want the Government to recognise native title to fresh water, and then we can sit down and discuss it......
See full article HERE

Te reo Māori names to be considered for hundreds of Auckland parks
Your local Auckland park could be about to gain a Māori name as local boards consult Māori groups on how to tell the "unique stories of Tāmaki Makaurau".

Brains Park, Dickey Reserve and Eastdale Reserve are just three among 99 places picked by the Whau Local Board in its first group of parks and reserves to go through the review.

The Auckland Council move to add Māori names or even have them replace existing names was initiated by mana whenua - Auckland Māori who have mana and ancestral connections in some part of the region.

Mana whenua groups are being asked to propose Māori names to local boards.....
See full article HERE

Moves underway to set up Māori-owned bank
Could an iwi bank become the next Kiwibank? The Māori Council thinks so and is taking steps to set up a Māori-owned bank.

The Māori Council says Māori are being let down and shut out by the four big Australian-owned banks.

It's calling on iwi to come together and make a Māori-owned bank a reality.....
See full article HERE

Māori entities continue to grow their putea
The Māori asset base continues to grow year on year says Leon Wijohn.

Protecting and growing the putea for future generations is a key ethos in Māori business. The Māori asset base continues to grow year on year as illustrated by this year's Deloitte Top 10 Māori Business Index.....
See full article HERE

Māori to benefit from climate research funds
The Māori Climate Commissioner says Māori should be excited at the number of Māori scientists pitching in to work on climate change solutions.

Donna Awatere Huata has welcomed new funding for crown research institute GNS Science and the Resilience Challenge.

In the latest fund of the Government’s Endeavour Fund GNS got $11.2 million for three new multi-year research projects, on top its two Marsden Fund projects......
See full article HERE

Scholarship awarded to innovative researcher examining mātauranga Māori and environmental science
The Sir Hugh Kawharu Scholarship for Innovation in Science, administered by Royal Society Te Apārangi, has been awarded to Arna Whaanga (Rongomaiwahine, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Rakaipaaka).

Arna is working towards completion of a Masters of Māori Studies at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. Her thesis will examine contemporary kaitaikaitanga in the context of initiatives such as Predator Free Mahia and the Rongomaiwahine Coastal Marine Title application that is currently being processed by the Office of Treaty Settlements.....
See full article HERE

What Māori can teach us about early childhood development
Being surrounded by their own culture is vital for the optimum development of all children, but for many Māori and Pacific children in New Zealand, it has been missing for too long.

Almost four decades ago, Kara Puketapu had the idea to develop Kōhanga Reo (literally: “language nest”) — early childhood centres for Māori children, guided by the Māori philosophy that a child is the sole responsibility of an entire community. Within them, children are enveloped in their language and culture, and provided a safe environment where they are nourished, stimulated, and cared for......
See full article HERE

Spark and Maori Language Commission strengthen ties
Today Spark NZ and Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori (The MaoriLanguage Commision) have signed a mahi tahi Memorandum of Understanding to promote and revitalise te reo Maori.

"With meaningful partnerships like this, we truly believe our national treasure - te reo Maori- will continue to be revitalised and show up as an everyday language which resonates throughout New Zealand.

This is not a new thing for te reo Maori. It was New Zealand’s first language of business and trade. Spark and other companies are restoring te reo Maorito its place in the commercial world".....
See full article HERE

Redress options ‘beyond money’
An expert economist for the Crown has encouraged the Waitangi Tribunal to look more at non-financial redress for Maori, in its bid to determine the Mangatu remedies claim.

Six claimant groups have applied to the Waitangi Tribunal for the return of Mangatu Crown forest-licensed land, and compensation for historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi made by the Crown to Maori.

Dr Meade estimated the monetary value of the overall compensation for the Mangatu claim would be $170 million, plus the return of the Crown forest-licensed land.....
See full article HERE

Māori voices needed in mental health reform
A member of the leadership group advising the government on how to respond to the Mental Health and Addiction inquiry says more Māori representation is needed.

Māori submissons to the review panel included calls for treatment options that include Māori cultural practices, including te reo me ōna tikanga.

"To gain those we need access to our own world, to our own communities, and these things are not necessarily available in mainstream services and one might say shouldn't be but there should be ready access to the things we know helps us heal as Māori," Ms Baker says......
See full article HERE

Māori wardens helping in courts
Māori Wardens are now working at the Wellington District Court.

The initiative was introduced by Sue Little, Manager Justice Services, and Noelene Smiler, Operations Manager of Te Korowai o Te Whanganui a Tara Watene Māori, earlier this year to help break down barriers between court users and the court system and to improve responsiveness to Māori......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

29  November  2018

O'Sullivan fumes after Northland deaths
Dr Lance O'Sullivan has unleashed a scathing attack on NZ's health system following an outbreak of the disease meningitis which has killed six people nationwide, three of which occurred in Northland.

O'Sullivan says he is fed up with seeing brown kids dying because of the health system.

Speaking to Te Kāea, O’Sullivan says the Northland outbreak is a symptom of a wider issue- that the health system is "broken for Māori".

"What's happened in Northland is a symptom of a chronic problem, a chronic disease if you like, which is massive under-performance from the health system for Māori. It's just another boil and festering wound that's showing up as to the problem."

On Facebook, O'Sullivan says in his work around New Zealand he had seen the disparities of treatment for Māori and Pacific children who were neglected or misdiagnosed by health professionals and over-represented for diseases such as rheumatic fever.

"Things need to change and so, what are those solutions you might ask? Well, how about a Minister for Māori Health, a Minister for Māori well-being? Put us in charge and we'll do a better job.".....
See full article HERE

Waitangi Tribunal gets new members
The president of the Māori Women's Welfare league is one of three new members added to the Waitangi Tribunal.

The Māori development minister Nanaia Mahuta annouced the appoinment of eight members to the tribunal - who'll each serve a three year term.

Māori Women's Welfare League president Prue Kapua, te reo Māori advocate Ruakere Hond and public servant Kim Ngarimu are the new members.

"They have already contributed so much to Aotearoa New Zealand," Ms Mahuta said.

The Tribunal will benefit greatly from their skills as it embarks upon significant kaupapa in the coming months."

Dr Angela Ballara, Dr Monty Soutar, Ronald Crosby, Tania Simpson and Professor Pou Temara have been reappointed to the Waitangi Tribunal.

"As I consider the people who will hear these claims on behalf of New Zealand, I take very seriously the mix of expertise, mātauranga and perspective they each bring."

The Waitangi Tribunal's members are appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for Māori Development.
See full article HERE

Tāmaki Iwi welcome new urban housing agency
The poutaki of Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei Marae, Taiaha Hawke, says the new Housing and Urban Development Authority (HUDA) should build Māori communities.

The Auckland-based iwi, alongside Ngāti Paoa, are keen to partner with the Crown's new agency to provide affordable housing for their beneficiaries.

Hawke says they are relishing the new opportunities on the horizon.

“It’s not for the government only to build more housing, let's give all that knowledge to iwi, for iwi to develop their own housing projects to build Māori communities,” he says.....
See full article HERE

Pop Up Project provides a boost to Māori culture in Porirua
A group of community-minded entrepreneurs are using new technology to promote Māori and Pasifika culture by setting up shop in Porirua.

The Arepa Gamers Club are a group of friends and business people united in their desire to provide a safe space for youngsters to play games, while connecting them with positive values and Māori and Pasifika culture.

“We in the process of developing language training courses that use gaming as a tool to help them learn how to speak their language or learn a new language.

“Our end goal is to run gaming events all around the world where you must speak in another language to be able to play....
See full article HERE

Key Maori Businesses recognised as good employers
Forestry Minister Shane Jones has this evening presented the Māori Agribusiness Awards at the Primary Industries Good Employer Awards, which salute the achievements of these and other Maori companies operating in the primary sector.....
See full article HERE

Te Korowai o Wainuiārua one step closer to Treaty Settlement
On Friday the Chair of Uenuku Charitable Trust Aiden Gilbert and the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Hon. Andrew Little signed an Agreement in Principle (AIP) at Parliament.

Included in the Wainuiārua agreement is an acknowledgement and apology from the Crown, cultural redress including a partnership agreement with the Department of Conservation and the vesting back of land within the Erua Forest Conservation area for the iwi to develop a ecosanctuary and tourism venture at Pōkākā.

The Wainiārua core area of interest mainly consists of Crown conservation estate including the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks that are being settled separately.

A number of relationship agreements sit alongside financial redress of $21.7-million and cultural redress of $900,000.

Crown owned properties including 183-hectares of Crown Forestry land at Erua and the former 500-hectare Waikune Prison will be purchased.

National Park and Raetihi Schools and Police Stations along with the Landcorp farm Raurimu Station have been identified for potential transfer and leaseback.

Included in the Wainuiārua agreement is an acknowledgement and apology from the Crown, cultural redress including a partnership agreement with the Department of Conservation and the vesting back of land within the Erua Forest Conservation area for the iwi to develop a ecosanctuary and tourism venture at Pōkākā.

The Wainiārua core area of interest mainly consists of Crown conservation estate including the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks that are being settled separately.

A number of relationship agreements sit alongside financial redress of $21.7-million and cultural redress of $900,000.

Crown owned properties including 183-hectares of Crown Forestry land at Erua and the former 500-hectare Waikune Prison will be purchased.

National Park and Raetihi Schools and Police Stations along with the Landcorp farm Raurimu Station have been identified for potential transfer and leaseback.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

28  November  2018

Waimarino land grab compensation $21.7m
The Government has agreed in principle to a $21.7 million settlement with Te Korowai o Wainuiarua, which covers upper Whanganui River hapu affliating to Uenuku, Tamakana, and Tamahaki.

Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little says the agreement signed on Friday is an important step in the settlement of the their claims.

He says within a short space of time in the late 1800s the hapu lost large tracts of ancestral land to the construction of the main trunk line and subsequent logging of the great Waimarino forests.

The package includes Crown acknowledgments of its Treaty breaches, financial and commercial redress, and the return of sites of cultural significance.
See full article HERE

Council receives Maori language accolade
Rotorua Lakes Council was named a winner at this year’s Maori Language Awards for work delivered by its Te Amorangi ki Mua, Te HÄpai ÅKi Muri Unit.

The event hosted by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori (Maori Language Commission) was held at Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington on Friday. (23 November 2018)....
See full article HERE

Future proofing surf breaks in Aotearoa
Surfer and researcher Dr JordanTe Aramoana Waiti says surf breaks in Aotearoa are increasingly at risk due to coastal development activities, and that iwi have a role to play in their protection.

Dr Waiti says it’s about, “Living lightly on our whenua, and within our moana so that it's around for our future generations in the same state that we've been able to experience it.”

He says, “Māori were surfing pre-European arrival, we were surfing on canoes, planks of wood, using kelp as well, and amongst a lot of iwi throughout the motu there's narratives or kōrero that document this.”.....
See full article HERE

Mangatu hearing to hear the final evidence
The Waitangi Tribunal hearing for the Mangatu remedies claim resumes in Gisborne tomorrow.

The next two days will hear the last round of evidence for the claim, before the tribunal deliberates and works towards a reccommendation.

Six iwi claimant groups have applied for the return of Mangatu Crown forest licensed lands, plus compensation.....
See full article HERE

Māori voices needed in kauri strategy
The leader of a new $13 million strategy for tackling kauri die back and myrtle rust says it’s a chance for Māori voices to be heard.

He says traditional practices like rāhui show Māori had a sophisticated understanding of threats to their natural environment and the tools to tackle them.

Our people have known of the sensitivity of these taonga plants for as long as we have been in Aotearoa," Dr Waipara says.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

27  November  2018

Māori Climate Commissioner pays respects
Māori Climate Commissioner, Donna Awatere Huata, has praised the final UN Climate Vulnerable Forum Communique from the leaders of nations most vulnerable to climate change.

"It is essential the voices of Indigenous and First Nation Peoples are not only given space in the climate change challenge, but that they're provided with the resources for leadership in this debate.

Indigenous cultures have centuries of cultural knowledge when it comes to the values of sustainability and living in harmony with the environment that are desperately needed as we pivot from destructive and short sighted consumer capitalism to a far broader and progressive set of economic and social measures."

"Māori in New Zealand have been kept out of the debate on climate change for too long when we require a leadership role, I call on an Indigenous virtual summit to be held in Aoteroa next year to expand this dialogue and build bridges with other first nation whanau to confront the unique crises we face from global warming.".....
See full article HERE

When the NZ Army became an iwi – Comment.
Every few months a disparate group of New Zealanders file into Rongomaraeroa-o-nga-hau e wha, the National Army Marae in Waiouru. They have just made it past the initial hurdle of Army basic training: the gruelling first few days. The group has come to attest - the process of swearing loyalty to the Queen and formally entering the armed services.

Speeches precede the solemn ceremony. High-ranking officers welcome the recruits, and entreat them to consider eachother as comrades. They then explain the significance of what is about to take place. Having attested, they will have a new family: Ngāti Tumatauenga - ‘Tribe of the God of War’.

This is what makes the New Zealand Army, a small force with few major deployments, so unique. It is not a conventional Western military. In 1994 it transformed itself into Ngāti Tumatauenga: an iwi created by, with and for the state.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

26  November  2018

That's a mouthful': New name proposed for Phoenix carpark reserve in Mount Maunganui
Tauranga City Council wants last-minute public feedback on its new name for the old Phoenix carpark in Mount Maunganui.

Te Papa o Ngā Manu Porotakataka is the name proposed for the new urban space being developed on the site of former Maunganui Rd carpark.

It was picked up by council staff in partnership with Ngai Tukairangi and Ngāti Kuku, and approved by the full council subject to consultation.......
See full article HERE

Northland iwi consent to dead sperm whale's stomach being tested
A sperm whale that died after being stranded on a Northland beach will have its insides tested for plastic by the consent of local iwi.

DOC is working with local hapu Ngāti Kahu to determine how the dead whale should be dealt with, however on Saturday morning Ngāti Kahu performed a karakia to acknowledge the death.

"They plan to pull the whale further up the beach to bury it, according to their cultural traditions," Petrove said.

"The hapu would like to examine the whale's stomach contents to see if there is any plastic.

"They have sought assistance with this from Ngāti Wai expert in whale tikanga, Hori Parata, who is travelling to the site from Whangarei today," she said......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

25  November  2018

Te Korowai o Wainuiārua and Crown sign agreement to settle historical Treaty claims
Te Korowai o Wainuiārua and the Crown have today signed an agreement in the settlement of historical Treaty claims for three iwi, including the return of culturally significant sites to Te Korowai o Wainuiārua.

The agreement, involving claims by Uenuku, Tamakana and Tamahaki, also outlines a broad settlement package which includes provisional Crown ackowledgements of Treaty breaches and the financial and commercial redress of $21.7 million.....
See full article HERE

Government seeks input on plans for post-Brexit deal with UK
The government is calling for public submissions on a post-Brexit free trade agreement with the United Kingdom.

New Zealand would seek an agreement that safeguards protections for labour and the environment, and promotes gender equality and indigenous rights.

"We want to reduce costs and barriers for New Zealand businesses operating with the UK," Mr Parker said.

"Our exports to the UK are already worth over $1.5 billion annually, and there is an opportunity to grow the links between our economies even further."

The deal would include protections for the Treaty of Waitangi and maintain the government's right to pass laws in the public interest, he said.....
See full article HERE

Biggest intake of citizens and first time affirmation in Maori
Yesterday, the Queenstown Lakes welcomed 82 new citizens, the largest number in a single ceremony to date in the district, including two women who became the first in the resort to give their affirmation in Maori.

When she received her citizenship letter, the Queenstown Lakes District Council planner noted giving the affirmation in Maori was not an option, so asked if she could.

"I thought it would be cool to do it in Maori ... it felt right doing it in te reo.

"I asked and they said, ‘Yes, absolutely’."Miss Evans, a graphic designer for Colliers, has been here six years and completed the first two years of her te reo Maori study, doing so "to become part of New Zealand"......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

24  November  2018

Politicians and iwi leaders lambast Taxpayers' Union for 'ignorant' koha criticism
Politicians and iwi leaders are criticising the Taxpayers' Union for saying the government shouldn't give koha because it could be used to buy Māori support.

Giving koha is a Māori custom that has stood the test of time. It's a token of appreciation generally given to hosts of a hui or tangi.

These days, a guest might place an envelope with money in it on the marae ātea during the pōwhiri. 

"That in and of itself sets a very dangerous precedent," Taxpayers' Union executive director Jordan Williams said.

"Literally giving cash to a minister, paid for by taxpayers, to hand over, is grossly inappropriate."

When Crown-Māori Relations Minister Kelvin Davis held 33 hui around the country to consult on the new agency, he gave koha to marae who hosted him, in addition to paying for venue hire and catering.

On average, he spent $2200 per hui in total, he said.....
See full article HERE

Spelling mistakes in Māori words see New Plymouth District Council iwi committee 'fail' new policy Basic spelling mistakes of Māori words have seen a policy guiding how New Plymouth's council will spend millions of dollars sent back to the drawing board.

Spelling mistakes, inaccuracies in the iwi history and a need for more specific statements were among the issues raised.

The errors included the word "waiata" spelled 'waitata', "tokomaru" spelled 'tomomaru' and "kaitake" spelled 'kaikate'.

Councillor John McLeod said the report needed to be in plain English and policy should also extend beyond the current term.

"It's a lot of, for lack of a better word, gobbledegook," he said.....
See full article HERE

Indian teacher passionate about Māori education
An Indian teacher who tutors kids at Edukids early childhood centre is encouraging more teachers to practise Māori education. Judy Mathew has a true passion for te reo Māori.

“The Māori language is the mother tongue of NZ and I live here,” she says.

“I teach te reo to my tamariki through waiata. First of all when I come to the centre I greet everyone in te reo like 'mōrena', 'atamarie' to the children and the whānau.

Te reo Māori is part of the requirements for an early childhood teacher under ECE. At Edukids, they are encouraged to have more Māori education for their multi-cultural students......
See full article HERE

$57mil facility to care for acute mental health patients
Counties Manukau Health opened stage one of the new Tiaho Mai Mental Health Unit at Middlemore Hospital today. Tiaho Mai is a residential unit for supporting people with mental health problems during crises and providing care for people from Ōtāhuhu to Mercer, including Kaiaua and Port Waikato.

The new unit is part of a world-leading 38 bed adult mental health inpatient facility.

Minister of Health David Clarke, who unveiled the new facility today says, "Everyone will be hopeful to see the changes that have been made, the lessons that have been learnt from tangata whaiora and from tangata whenua. The build of this facility incorporates Māori design and has been co-designed by people who have lived experience of mental health needs......
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

23  November  2018

Māori Language Week's 'English sucks' ad ruled okay
An advert for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori which featured a man saying "English sucks" didn't breach standards because English doesn't need protection from ridicule, according to a new ruling.

The ASA says it received several complaints about the advert.

The ASA said mocking English was fine, as opposed to Chinese or Māori for example, because "English is the dominant language, it doesn't need protecting and therefore the Complaints Board agreed this level of teasing was acceptable". .....
See full article HERE

Implementing tikanga Māori rehabilitation across all prisons
Minister of Corrections, Kelvin Davis is currently meeting with Northern iwi leaders to find solutions to the Māori prison population problem.

This comes on the back of only five of the countries 18 prisons offer Māori-focussed rehabilitation programmes for inmates, despite Māori over-representation in national incarceration rates.

Not the first of many conversations the Corrections Minister has been privy to - he's been looking for community input on how to improve Māori rehabilitation programmes in prisons.

"Māori rehabilitation programmes will be built upon in jails, however, I want to stop Māori from going to prison in the first place. However [sic] for those already incarcerated, there is an intention to give more kaupapa Māori," says Davis.

It is still unclear at this stage when the implentation of new tikanga Māori initiatives will be rolled out nationwide.....
See full article HERE

Cell tower proposal for sacred Māori mountain in the Hokianga
Māori elders in the are determined to protect a sacred mountain in the Far North, identified as a potential site for a new cell tower.

Utakura in the Hokianga is a site earmarked under "tourism site priorities" for the Government's Mobile Black Spots Fund to increase mobile coverage around the country.

The maunga is home to a taniwha of the same name, Ruka-Tekorakora said, with ancestors also buried on the hill side.
"We are opposed to them using our mountain tops and proliferating them with things which do not belong," he said.

"We are really concerned about them putting a tower on top of our sacred taniwha and bones of our ancestors - it seems a shame......
See full article HERE

A day to commemorate Māori land wars
The 28th of October has been chosen to commemorate the Māori land wars. However, discussions are currently taking place in Te Awamutu on whether the date is correct.

Minister of Māori Development Naniaia Mahuta wants to ensure the date that's been selected is suitable.

Northland representatives say the day marks the signing of the declaration of independence which is significant for the region.

Aperehama Edwards, chairman of Te Putake o te Riri in Northland says, “We do not want the declaration to be set aside. If this is to go forward the memory of what our ancestors signed will be forgotten.”.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

22  November  2018

Significant Health Research Council grant for Waikato researcher
The Health Research Council has awarded Dr Rawiri Keenan 2019 Career Development Awards.

Dr Keenan is looking at cultural competency and equity in primary care and has the Foxley Fellowship worth $224,727.

The research proposal says cultural competence is a skill and attitude essential to effective communication and therefore effective quality care. This is especially true in primary care/ general practice.

All GP practices and staff in them have obligations for ongoing training and education in the areas of Cultural Competence and Treaty of Waitangi training. Additionally, all practices must have a Māori health plan......
See full article HERE

Language still focus of broadcast policy
Broadcasting Minister Kris Faafoi says Māori radio and television along with other parts of public broadcasting have been underfunded and left to wither over the past decade.

But in the face of a challenge from Paakiwaha host Claudette Hauiti, he was unwilling to concede the crown has an obligation to fund Māori broadcasting for more than the promotion of Māori language and culture.

Māori Broadcasting Minister Nanaia Mahuta has also asked her Māori Development Ministry to review Māori broadcast needs....
See full article HERE

Budget blowout: Extra $50,000 spent on Māori-Crown relations portfolio development
Newshub can reveal the cost of developing the Māori-Crown Relations portfolio blew out by more than $50,000.

Māori-Crown Relations Minister Kelvin Davis told Newshub he's disappointed.

"Anything over we're disappointed with. We take every step we can to reduce costs, it's unfortunate it was slightly over."

Mr Davis attended 33 'engagement hui' across the country between March and June 2018 at a cost of $282,591 - $51,380 more than originally budgeted.....
See full article HERE

Examining Tairāwhiti voyaging philosophies
The list of recipients of the Health Research Council of New Zealand's 2019 Career Development Awards has been announced.

Among the successful recipients is Ngāhuia Mita of Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Hako.

"I'm thrilled to have received this award and to be able to support Te Tairāwhiti Voyaging Trust and the wider Te Tairawhiti community," Mita says.

She will receive over $140,000 which will help go towards her research titled Tairāwhiti Waka, Tairāwhiti tangata - Examining Tairāwhiti voyaging philosophies. It will look into the whakapapa of ancient waka Māori in Te Tairāwhiti.....
See full article HERE

Room for Māori apprentices to step up
Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Auckland is looking for more than 650 rangatahi who want to join the region's booming trades industry.

The 650 scholarships include not only get free fees but one-on-one support from mentors to help them find the right job.

Applicants need to be aged 16 to 40 and of Māori or Pasifika heritage.....
See full article HERE

Mole News is published on a regular basis to expose the on-going build up of race-based privilege in New Zealand. The Mole welcomes tips - please send to mole@nzcpr.com. Older news items can be found HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE  and HERE  and HERE and HERE.

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