Saturday February 14, 2026
News:
Cabinet removes te reo Māori name of school lunches scheme
The Government has quietly changed the name of the school lunches programme, dropping the te reo Māori title.
Cabinet papers obtained by Newstalk ZB under the Official Information Act (OIA) show that in October last year the Government agreed to update the name of the programme to “Healthy School Lunches”.
The scheme was launched in 2020 with the name “Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches”.
Associate Education Minister David Seymour, who is responsible for the lunches programme, said in a statement that “people need to know what things are”.
“That’s why we’re using an English name that everyone understands.”....
See full article HERE
Māori language academics discuss putting action to research
She said that the aim was to bring together Māori language academics to come up with a pathway to disseminate their research widely into communities that would benefit most.
More than 200,000 people can hold a conversation in te reo, according to the 2023 Census, and Māori is the second most widely spoken language in the country. However, the percentage of te reo speakers hardly shifted between 2013 and 2023 at 18.4% and 18.6%.....
See full article HERE
‘Stop-gap’ or strong representation? Council kicks of over Māori reps
Hamilton City councillors have locked in the city’s Māori representation model for another three years, but not after avigorous debate to kick off the first full council meeting of the year.
The motion to keep the Maangai Maaori model was passed with a vote of 11-4, with supporters arguing that the system was already working well, and dissenters arguing that unelected officials should not be able to vote on council committees.
It was part of a running theme about what good representation required. Councillors later discussed another issue - the worry that, hit with 500 pages of documents on a short deadline, they could not properly scrutinise submissions to the central government.....(paywalled)
See full article HERE
'We'll finish the job': Peters explains why NZ First campaigning on Māori seats referendum
Winston Peters won't say if a referendum on abolishing the Māori seats would be a post-election negotiations sticking point.
He's announced the NZ First policy today - reigniting its 2017 campaign, which didn't make it into the coalition agreement with Labour that year.
Peters says things could be different this election.
"No use saying it's the bottom line if they don't give you the tools - how can it be a bottom line? If you walk in here with not enough votes, you're not going to be able to get there."....
See full article HERE
Local voices appointed to shareholders' committee for new water entity
Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council and Rangitīkei District Council have appointed their representatives to the Central Districts Water Shareholders’ Committee, marking an important step in establishing local oversight of the new water services entity.
The collective iwi across the three council regions have formed a Roopu (working group) called Nga Tapuwae o Hau to represent them. The three iwi nominations to the committee were made through Nga Tapuwae o Hau for the three councils to approve.
The iwi representatives are Hayden Turoa of the Tainui Confederation with Tiwana Tibble as his alternate, Danielle Harris of the Kura hau po Confederation, with Di Rump as her alternate, and Marj Heeney representing the Greater Rangitīkei region, with Suze Hepi as her alternate.
Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden says the appointments reinforce the importance of local voices and partnership in shaping the future of water services.....
See full article HERE
Bay of Plenty regional councillors debate local government reform proposal
Several Bay of Plenty regional councillors have expressed dismay at a local government overhaul proposed by central government, labelling it “fundamentally” flawed, potentially expensive and lacking Māori representation.
Eight concerns were highlighted, including the need for clear vision, strong regional input, Māori partnership, affordability, and managed financial risks. It also recommended councillors remain until 2028.
Ōkurei Māori councillor Iwi Te Whau raised concerns that the current proposal did not “give a voice to our people”.
There is no mandatory role for specific iwi or Māori representation on proposed combined territories boards – effectively killing off regional Māori constituencies.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council pioneered Māori representation at the council table, being the first local government organisation to introduce Māori constituencies in 2004.
Te Whau said the lack of a mandatory role in the new proposal was a concern among others, including regarding funding, with huge implications for “the interests of whenua and iwi”.
He wanted sections of the council’s submission related to Māori representation to be “beefed up” to ensure Māori voices were being reflected.....
See full article HERE
Act Deputy Leader Brooke Van Velden Says Her Party Also Supports Abolishing The Seats, But Not Via Referendum.
“It’s been an ACT Party position and a long-standing position that we should abolish the Māori seats because it goes against what the ACT Party’s philosophy is, which is that all people are equal before the law and that it’s wrong to have separate seats based on people’s ethnicity.”
She questioned the need for a public vote.
“We don’t believe it should go to referendum, I’d say, why not do it just through an act of Parliament rather than through a referendum. It looks like we’ve got two parties of the coalition that agree, why not a third?”....
See full article HERE
Referendum On Māori Seats Must Be Put To Voters This Year
Hobson’s Pledge welcomes New Zealand First’s call for a referendum on Māori seats, but asks what are we waiting for?
“Winston Peters and NZ First deserve credit for standing up for equal political rights and equal representation for every New Zealander,” spokesperson Elliot Ikilei says.
“Hobson’s Pledge has long argued that the future of the Māori seats should be decided by the public. It is encouraging to see a coalition party finally committing to let New Zealanders have their say.”....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Minister seeks answers over race-based cultural leave at Oranga Tamariki
Māori seats referendum a Treaty Principles-sized headache for Luxon
Cultural leave offered to Māori public servants
Propaganda:
Growing numbers of Pākehā seeking to understand Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Kōrero with Rawiri Waititi: Infrastructure, Rights and the Road Ahead
Māori Seats Are Constitutional, Not Conditional
Associate Education Minister David Seymour, who is responsible for the lunches programme, said in a statement that “people need to know what things are”.
“That’s why we’re using an English name that everyone understands.”....
See full article HERE
Māori language academics discuss putting action to research
She said that the aim was to bring together Māori language academics to come up with a pathway to disseminate their research widely into communities that would benefit most.
More than 200,000 people can hold a conversation in te reo, according to the 2023 Census, and Māori is the second most widely spoken language in the country. However, the percentage of te reo speakers hardly shifted between 2013 and 2023 at 18.4% and 18.6%.....
See full article HERE
‘Stop-gap’ or strong representation? Council kicks of over Māori reps
Hamilton City councillors have locked in the city’s Māori representation model for another three years, but not after avigorous debate to kick off the first full council meeting of the year.
The motion to keep the Maangai Maaori model was passed with a vote of 11-4, with supporters arguing that the system was already working well, and dissenters arguing that unelected officials should not be able to vote on council committees.
It was part of a running theme about what good representation required. Councillors later discussed another issue - the worry that, hit with 500 pages of documents on a short deadline, they could not properly scrutinise submissions to the central government.....(paywalled)
See full article HERE
'We'll finish the job': Peters explains why NZ First campaigning on Māori seats referendum
Winston Peters won't say if a referendum on abolishing the Māori seats would be a post-election negotiations sticking point.
He's announced the NZ First policy today - reigniting its 2017 campaign, which didn't make it into the coalition agreement with Labour that year.
Peters says things could be different this election.
"No use saying it's the bottom line if they don't give you the tools - how can it be a bottom line? If you walk in here with not enough votes, you're not going to be able to get there."....
See full article HERE
Local voices appointed to shareholders' committee for new water entity
Horowhenua District Council, Palmerston North City Council and Rangitīkei District Council have appointed their representatives to the Central Districts Water Shareholders’ Committee, marking an important step in establishing local oversight of the new water services entity.
The collective iwi across the three council regions have formed a Roopu (working group) called Nga Tapuwae o Hau to represent them. The three iwi nominations to the committee were made through Nga Tapuwae o Hau for the three councils to approve.
The iwi representatives are Hayden Turoa of the Tainui Confederation with Tiwana Tibble as his alternate, Danielle Harris of the Kura hau po Confederation, with Di Rump as her alternate, and Marj Heeney representing the Greater Rangitīkei region, with Suze Hepi as her alternate.
Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden says the appointments reinforce the importance of local voices and partnership in shaping the future of water services.....
See full article HERE
Bay of Plenty regional councillors debate local government reform proposal
Several Bay of Plenty regional councillors have expressed dismay at a local government overhaul proposed by central government, labelling it “fundamentally” flawed, potentially expensive and lacking Māori representation.
Eight concerns were highlighted, including the need for clear vision, strong regional input, Māori partnership, affordability, and managed financial risks. It also recommended councillors remain until 2028.
Ōkurei Māori councillor Iwi Te Whau raised concerns that the current proposal did not “give a voice to our people”.
There is no mandatory role for specific iwi or Māori representation on proposed combined territories boards – effectively killing off regional Māori constituencies.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council pioneered Māori representation at the council table, being the first local government organisation to introduce Māori constituencies in 2004.
Te Whau said the lack of a mandatory role in the new proposal was a concern among others, including regarding funding, with huge implications for “the interests of whenua and iwi”.
He wanted sections of the council’s submission related to Māori representation to be “beefed up” to ensure Māori voices were being reflected.....
See full article HERE
Act Deputy Leader Brooke Van Velden Says Her Party Also Supports Abolishing The Seats, But Not Via Referendum.
“It’s been an ACT Party position and a long-standing position that we should abolish the Māori seats because it goes against what the ACT Party’s philosophy is, which is that all people are equal before the law and that it’s wrong to have separate seats based on people’s ethnicity.”
She questioned the need for a public vote.
“We don’t believe it should go to referendum, I’d say, why not do it just through an act of Parliament rather than through a referendum. It looks like we’ve got two parties of the coalition that agree, why not a third?”....
See full article HERE
Referendum On Māori Seats Must Be Put To Voters This Year
Hobson’s Pledge welcomes New Zealand First’s call for a referendum on Māori seats, but asks what are we waiting for?
“Winston Peters and NZ First deserve credit for standing up for equal political rights and equal representation for every New Zealander,” spokesperson Elliot Ikilei says.
“Hobson’s Pledge has long argued that the future of the Māori seats should be decided by the public. It is encouraging to see a coalition party finally committing to let New Zealanders have their say.”....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Minister seeks answers over race-based cultural leave at Oranga Tamariki
Māori seats referendum a Treaty Principles-sized headache for Luxon
Cultural leave offered to Māori public servants
Propaganda:
Growing numbers of Pākehā seeking to understand Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Kōrero with Rawiri Waititi: Infrastructure, Rights and the Road Ahead
Māori Seats Are Constitutional, Not Conditional
This Breaking Views Update monitors race relations in the media on a weekly basis. New material is added regularly. If you would like to send Letters to the Editor in response to any of these articles, most media addresses can be found HERE.
Friday February 13, 2026
News:
New Zealand First campaigning for referendum on Māori seats
New Zealand First is campaigning for a referendum to be held on the future of Māori electorates.
Currently, voters can enrol in either the general or the Māori roll - which means they vote for either a general electorate representative, or a Māori electorate representative in Parliament.
News:
New Zealand First campaigning for referendum on Māori seats
New Zealand First is campaigning for a referendum to be held on the future of Māori electorates.
Currently, voters can enrol in either the general or the Māori roll - which means they vote for either a general electorate representative, or a Māori electorate representative in Parliament.
The Māori seats have a very long history in New Zealand politics. They were first created in 1867. They were initially used to limit the democratic influence of Māori, giving Māori voters just four seats - while Pākehā had 72. But today, all electorates are roughly the same size - meaning no one’s vote is more powerful.
This referendum, if successful, would put the future of these seats to a general vote....
See full article HERE
Australian brand Aroha changes name following cultural appropriation backlash
The Australian activewear brand Aroha is changing it’s name to Vyra after being called out for cultural appropriation.
Aroha went viral in Aotearoa for all the wrong reasons when it’s founder Katie Bourke, who has no Māori whakapapa, said she chose the name to “be a little bit different.”
The brand announced its name change to Vyra on Wednesday via social media - but the announcement didn’t cite the backlash as its reason for changing....
See full article HERE
Te Ao Māori Framework Reshapes State of the Nation 2025
For the first time, the annual State of the Nation report has embedded a Te Ao Māori wellbeing framework into its analysis, led by Te Ao Māori Policy Analyst Charm Skinner (Ngāti Wairere).
The inclusion marks a significant shift in how Māori wellbeing is measured and understood, moving beyond standard economic and social indicators to incorporate concepts grounded in kawa, tikanga, ritenga and āhuatanga.
By centring Māori worldviews, the report reframes wellbeing as more than income levels, employment rates or health statistics. It considers belonging, cultural identity, intergenerational strength and connection to whenua as essential components of prosperity.....
See full article HERE
Auckland Council leads with local voice for RMA submissions
The Council also believes Māori interests must be better protected in future decision-making.
‘Neither bill requires Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi principles to be enforced. This weakens long-standing protections of Māori values, rights and interests, and the bills reduce recognition of broader Māori values, including kaitiakitanga (stewardship) and ancestral relationships between Māori and their land, water, sites and other taonga,’ it states.
This conflicts with Auckland Council’s ongoing commitment to work in partnership with Māori in a way that respects and recognises te Tiriti, said the Council.....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Matua Kahurangi: Oranga Tamariki’s race-based leave policy is indefensible
Propaganda:
Sea life returns to Maitai Bay, eight years after local hapū declares unofficial fishing ban
Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles meets Human and Organisational Performance
Hīkoi Calls for Protection of Ōpihi Whanaungakore
This referendum, if successful, would put the future of these seats to a general vote....
See full article HERE
Australian brand Aroha changes name following cultural appropriation backlash
The Australian activewear brand Aroha is changing it’s name to Vyra after being called out for cultural appropriation.
Aroha went viral in Aotearoa for all the wrong reasons when it’s founder Katie Bourke, who has no Māori whakapapa, said she chose the name to “be a little bit different.”
The brand announced its name change to Vyra on Wednesday via social media - but the announcement didn’t cite the backlash as its reason for changing....
See full article HERE
Te Ao Māori Framework Reshapes State of the Nation 2025
For the first time, the annual State of the Nation report has embedded a Te Ao Māori wellbeing framework into its analysis, led by Te Ao Māori Policy Analyst Charm Skinner (Ngāti Wairere).
The inclusion marks a significant shift in how Māori wellbeing is measured and understood, moving beyond standard economic and social indicators to incorporate concepts grounded in kawa, tikanga, ritenga and āhuatanga.
By centring Māori worldviews, the report reframes wellbeing as more than income levels, employment rates or health statistics. It considers belonging, cultural identity, intergenerational strength and connection to whenua as essential components of prosperity.....
See full article HERE
Auckland Council leads with local voice for RMA submissions
The Council also believes Māori interests must be better protected in future decision-making.
‘Neither bill requires Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi principles to be enforced. This weakens long-standing protections of Māori values, rights and interests, and the bills reduce recognition of broader Māori values, including kaitiakitanga (stewardship) and ancestral relationships between Māori and their land, water, sites and other taonga,’ it states.
This conflicts with Auckland Council’s ongoing commitment to work in partnership with Māori in a way that respects and recognises te Tiriti, said the Council.....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Matua Kahurangi: Oranga Tamariki’s race-based leave policy is indefensible
Propaganda:
Sea life returns to Maitai Bay, eight years after local hapū declares unofficial fishing ban
Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles meets Human and Organisational Performance
Hīkoi Calls for Protection of Ōpihi Whanaungakore
Thursday February 12, 2026
News:
Mauri Stone Laid For Bridge To Better
Bridge to Better is a key part of Councils plans to revitalise our city centre. We are fortunate to have secured $36.3 million of the $78 million cost from Government.
A dawn ceremony held this morning at the corner of Bridge Street and Haven Road marked the start of the substantial construction phase of the Bridge to Better project, with iwi laying a mauri stone to acknowledge the significance of the site and the work now underway.
News:
Mauri Stone Laid For Bridge To Better
Bridge to Better is a key part of Councils plans to revitalise our city centre. We are fortunate to have secured $36.3 million of the $78 million cost from Government.
A dawn ceremony held this morning at the corner of Bridge Street and Haven Road marked the start of the substantial construction phase of the Bridge to Better project, with iwi laying a mauri stone to acknowledge the significance of the site and the work now underway.
Iwi representatives, elected members and representatives from Isaac Construction gathered for the ceremony, which took place at the edge of the former Te Paruparu estuary, recognising the historical and cultural significance of the coastal environment.....
See full article HERE
Proposed Resource Management Act overhaul set to breach Treaty - experts warn - as submission deadline looms
Experts say proposed reforms strip Treaty protections, undermine settlements and could set Māori participation in environmental decision making back decades.
Warnings are being raised about the Government’s proposed overhaul of the Resource Management Act, with Māori advocates and legal experts saying the reforms strip away Treaty protections, weaken environmental safeguards and fundamentally change how iwi and hapū could participate in decisions affecting land and water.
The reforms would replace the Resource Management Act with two new laws, a Planning Bill and a Natural Environment Bill, which the Government says are designed to simplify the system, speed up development and enable more housing and infrastructure. Ministers argue the existing framework is too slow, overly complex and restrictive.
However, critics say the changes go far beyond streamlining and instead dismantle the legal foundation that has enabled Māori participation and environmental protection for more than three decades.....
See full article HERE
Derelict Tokanui Hospital site in line for a clean-up
Derelict Tokanui Hospital buildings will be demolished and contaminated land cleaned up so the site can be offered back to iwi.
The former psychiatric hospital, southeast of Te Awamutu, sits on land taken from Ngāti Maniapoto under the Public Works Act in 1910.
It closed in 1998 after decades as a hospital and has had “minimal maintenance” since, according to a decision on what comes next.....(paywalled)
See full article HERE
Articles:
Geoff Parker: Colonisation Is Not What’s on the Dinner Plate
Propaganda:
Ngarimu Blair: Calling for Courage, Unity and Cultural Confidence
Jim Moriarty: Health, Treaty Partnership and the Path Forward
Proposed Resource Management Act overhaul set to breach Treaty - experts warn - as submission deadline looms
Experts say proposed reforms strip Treaty protections, undermine settlements and could set Māori participation in environmental decision making back decades.
Warnings are being raised about the Government’s proposed overhaul of the Resource Management Act, with Māori advocates and legal experts saying the reforms strip away Treaty protections, weaken environmental safeguards and fundamentally change how iwi and hapū could participate in decisions affecting land and water.
The reforms would replace the Resource Management Act with two new laws, a Planning Bill and a Natural Environment Bill, which the Government says are designed to simplify the system, speed up development and enable more housing and infrastructure. Ministers argue the existing framework is too slow, overly complex and restrictive.
However, critics say the changes go far beyond streamlining and instead dismantle the legal foundation that has enabled Māori participation and environmental protection for more than three decades.....
See full article HERE
Derelict Tokanui Hospital site in line for a clean-up
Derelict Tokanui Hospital buildings will be demolished and contaminated land cleaned up so the site can be offered back to iwi.
The former psychiatric hospital, southeast of Te Awamutu, sits on land taken from Ngāti Maniapoto under the Public Works Act in 1910.
It closed in 1998 after decades as a hospital and has had “minimal maintenance” since, according to a decision on what comes next.....(paywalled)
See full article HERE
Articles:
Geoff Parker: Colonisation Is Not What’s on the Dinner Plate
Propaganda:
Ngarimu Blair: Calling for Courage, Unity and Cultural Confidence
Jim Moriarty: Health, Treaty Partnership and the Path Forward
Wednesday February 11, 2026
News:
Government backs energy resilience in Far North
Reliable, affordable electricity is on the way for a kura (school) and five marae north of Kaitaia with a grant of up to $1.26 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF), Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced today.
News:
Government backs energy resilience in Far North
Reliable, affordable electricity is on the way for a kura (school) and five marae north of Kaitaia with a grant of up to $1.26 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF), Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced today.
“Marae and kura often double as vital civil defence centres for locals in times of crisis. The solar power generated from this project will supply six essential community hubs with reliable, reduced cost power, improving the region’s energy security and strengthening its resilience during emergencies."
The project called Whiti Mai Te Rā is forecast to save the marae and kura more than $100,000 per year in energy costs.....
See full article HERE
Massey welcomes seventh Vice-Chancellor
The first welcome, supported by Rangitāne and Te Pūtahi-a-Toi, School of Māori Knowledge, acknowledged his arrival, and reaffirmed the university’s partnership with the iwi. Senior leaders from the university, alongside members of the Massey University Council and Ngā Kaiwhakapūmau i Te Tiriti o Waitangi I Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, attended the pōwhiri. Professor Venter was accompanied by his wife, daughter, former colleagues from Fonterra, and the Vice-Chancellor of Auckland University of Technology and Universities New Zealand Chair Professor Damon Salesa.
The pōwhiri was followed by an informal meet-and-greet at The Refectory, providing staff with the opportunity to chat with Professor Venter.
On his second day, Professor Venter was welcomed into Te Rau Karamu marae on the Pukeahu campus in Wellington. Kurt Komene Smith, Te Āti Awa, Taranaki Whānui, led the pōwhiri on behalf of mana whenua, while Associate Professor Hone Morris, Ngāi Te Rangitotohu, Ngāti Mārau, Ngāti Maru, Ngāi Te Ao Kāpiti, spoke on behalf of the manuhiri and our new Vice-Chancellor. Afterwards, Professor Venter joined staff for refreshments.
Professor Venter was received on the Ōtehā Auckland campus on Wednesday with a pōwhiri led by Ngāti Whātua. He was accompanied by his son. The event was followed by kai and coffee with staff.....
See full article HERE
New study finds colonisation driving food insecurity for Māori
Food insecurity experienced by Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand is not the result of individual choice or lifestyle, but a direct and ongoing consequence of colonisation, according to new research.
A kaupapa Māori study, led by postdoctoral health researcher Madeline Shelling (Ngāti Porou) from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, draws on in-depth interviews with Māori kai experts. It documents how colonial land loss, environmental degradation, restrictive laws and the marginalisation of mātauranga Māori have dismantled Māori food systems across generations.
Before colonisation, Māori maintained sophisticated and sustainable food systems that supported strong health and collective well-being. Diets included forest foods, freshwater species such as tuna, coastal and deep-sea fish, shellfish, birds, berries and fern root. Surplus kai enabled trade between hapū and iwi, while harvesting was guided by mātauranga Māori and kaitiakitanga......
See full article HERE
Te Kāpehu Whetū opens new kura in Tāmaki Makaurau
Te Kāpehu Whetū has opened the doors of its new bilingual kura in Tāmaki Makaurau, welcoming around 40 ākonga and their whānau at Ōrākei Marae.
The pōwhiri marked the beginning of a new chapter for the kura hourua, which was first established in Te Tai Tokerau and is now expanding into Auckland’s CBD.
Focusing on physical health, technology and academic learning in a bilingual environment, Te Kāpehu Whetū offers a education grounded in kaupapa Māori and hands-on learning......
See full article HERE
Articles:
Colinxy: The Myth of the Māori Elite — Rebutted
Propaganda:
Māori leaders reflect on political pōwhiri at Waitangi
Centrist: ‘Better for Māori than Labour’ - Duncan Garner praises coalition government record
Dr Rawiri Taonui – Hastings District Councillor Steve Gibson out of step with te reo and community
Willie Jackson says Labour can work with Māori Party to change government
The project called Whiti Mai Te Rā is forecast to save the marae and kura more than $100,000 per year in energy costs.....
See full article HERE
Massey welcomes seventh Vice-Chancellor
The first welcome, supported by Rangitāne and Te Pūtahi-a-Toi, School of Māori Knowledge, acknowledged his arrival, and reaffirmed the university’s partnership with the iwi. Senior leaders from the university, alongside members of the Massey University Council and Ngā Kaiwhakapūmau i Te Tiriti o Waitangi I Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, attended the pōwhiri. Professor Venter was accompanied by his wife, daughter, former colleagues from Fonterra, and the Vice-Chancellor of Auckland University of Technology and Universities New Zealand Chair Professor Damon Salesa.
The pōwhiri was followed by an informal meet-and-greet at The Refectory, providing staff with the opportunity to chat with Professor Venter.
On his second day, Professor Venter was welcomed into Te Rau Karamu marae on the Pukeahu campus in Wellington. Kurt Komene Smith, Te Āti Awa, Taranaki Whānui, led the pōwhiri on behalf of mana whenua, while Associate Professor Hone Morris, Ngāi Te Rangitotohu, Ngāti Mārau, Ngāti Maru, Ngāi Te Ao Kāpiti, spoke on behalf of the manuhiri and our new Vice-Chancellor. Afterwards, Professor Venter joined staff for refreshments.
Professor Venter was received on the Ōtehā Auckland campus on Wednesday with a pōwhiri led by Ngāti Whātua. He was accompanied by his son. The event was followed by kai and coffee with staff.....
See full article HERE
New study finds colonisation driving food insecurity for Māori
Food insecurity experienced by Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand is not the result of individual choice or lifestyle, but a direct and ongoing consequence of colonisation, according to new research.
A kaupapa Māori study, led by postdoctoral health researcher Madeline Shelling (Ngāti Porou) from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, draws on in-depth interviews with Māori kai experts. It documents how colonial land loss, environmental degradation, restrictive laws and the marginalisation of mātauranga Māori have dismantled Māori food systems across generations.
Before colonisation, Māori maintained sophisticated and sustainable food systems that supported strong health and collective well-being. Diets included forest foods, freshwater species such as tuna, coastal and deep-sea fish, shellfish, birds, berries and fern root. Surplus kai enabled trade between hapū and iwi, while harvesting was guided by mātauranga Māori and kaitiakitanga......
See full article HERE
Te Kāpehu Whetū opens new kura in Tāmaki Makaurau
Te Kāpehu Whetū has opened the doors of its new bilingual kura in Tāmaki Makaurau, welcoming around 40 ākonga and their whānau at Ōrākei Marae.
The pōwhiri marked the beginning of a new chapter for the kura hourua, which was first established in Te Tai Tokerau and is now expanding into Auckland’s CBD.
Focusing on physical health, technology and academic learning in a bilingual environment, Te Kāpehu Whetū offers a education grounded in kaupapa Māori and hands-on learning......
See full article HERE
Articles:
Colinxy: The Myth of the Māori Elite — Rebutted
Propaganda:
Māori leaders reflect on political pōwhiri at Waitangi
Centrist: ‘Better for Māori than Labour’ - Duncan Garner praises coalition government record
Dr Rawiri Taonui – Hastings District Councillor Steve Gibson out of step with te reo and community
Willie Jackson says Labour can work with Māori Party to change government
Monday February 9, 2026
News:
Green Party celebrates decision to decline Taranaki seabed mining
In a draft decision on Thursday, the fast-track approvals panel declined Trans-Tasman Resources’ (TTR) bid to mine 50 million tonnes of seabed a year for 30 years in the South Taranaki Bight.
The panel found there would be a credible risk of harm to Māui dolphins, kororā/little penguin and fairy prion.
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said it was a huge win for the environment and the community.....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Colinxy: Annual Māori Whine Day
Seems a bit undemocratic to me?
Waitangi Day - Graeme Spencer.
Propaganda:
Rurawhe: Te Pāti Māori faces election wipeout, 'lucky' to keep one seat
Seabed Mining Banned In Aotearoa Under Reintroduced Member’s Bill
Making an uncommon land
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said it was a huge win for the environment and the community.....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Colinxy: Annual Māori Whine Day
Seems a bit undemocratic to me?
Waitangi Day - Graeme Spencer.
Propaganda:
Rurawhe: Te Pāti Māori faces election wipeout, 'lucky' to keep one seat
Seabed Mining Banned In Aotearoa Under Reintroduced Member’s Bill
Making an uncommon land
Sunday February 8, 2026
News:
“Water Is Life” — Māori Leaders Call for National Responsibility Over Water
The leaders are urging changes in how water is governed in Aotearoa, with priorities that include:
They say that addressing water challenges is not simply an environmental policy question, but one deeply tied to Māori wellbeing, tikanga, and settlement of Treaty obligations.....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Mike Butler: Waitangi heckles and what’s ahead
Geoff Parker: Three Flags, One Country
Ani O'Brien: Waitangi 2026 - the year of in-fighting on the Left
Pee Kay: The Theatre That is Politics
The Treaty or Te Tiriti? It Matters..... - Michael Bassett.
News:
“Water Is Life” — Māori Leaders Call for National Responsibility Over Water
The leaders are urging changes in how water is governed in Aotearoa, with priorities that include:
> co-governance and co-management arrangements that ensure Māori decision-making is embedded at all levels,
> stronger protections against contamination and extraction that harms ecosystems,
> legal recognition of the rights of water bodies themselves,
> equitable access to safe, healthy water for all whānau.
They say that addressing water challenges is not simply an environmental policy question, but one deeply tied to Māori wellbeing, tikanga, and settlement of Treaty obligations.....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Mike Butler: Waitangi heckles and what’s ahead
Geoff Parker: Three Flags, One Country
Ani O'Brien: Waitangi 2026 - the year of in-fighting on the Left
Pee Kay: The Theatre That is Politics
The Treaty or Te Tiriti? It Matters..... - Michael Bassett.
This Breaking Views Update monitors race relations in the media on a weekly basis. New material is added regularly. If you would like to send Letters to the Editor in response to any of these articles, most media addresses can be found HERE.
15 comments:
What is it with these people, they have a special connection to water. Really, isn't it about time we all ignored their lunacy.
Why does our system even entertain the crackpot concepts that govern Maori beliefs.
From where I stand, it seems many New Zealanders especially the governing class are foolish in the extreme and need to ignore all of it.
What can go wrong? Auckland paying $3MILLON PER YEAR for water In December 2023, Watercare signed a confidential "agreement relating to relationship matters" with Te Whakakitenga o Waikato Inc (the main governance body for Waikato-Tainui iwi). This commits Watercare to paying $1 million per year for 20 years, totaling $20 million. The funds are intended to support research and environmental projects in the lower Waikato River area and catchment.This payment is separate from an earlier requirement under Watercare's resource consent (finalized around 2022 after a Board of Inquiry process), where Watercare already pays $2 million annually to the co-governed Waikato River Authority for river restoration and clean-up projects (part of a broader $40 million+ commitment over time for environmental betterment).The $20 million deal drew criticism in September 2024 when it became public:It was not disclosed to Auckland ratepayers upfront.
Critics (including some councillors and commentators) described the benefits to ratepayers as "murky at best," questioning value for money and labeling it as unnecessary or a form of "rent-seeking" since water is considered a public good under current law.
Watercare's CEO defended it as part of building positive relationships, reducing long-term reliance on the river, and involving Māori-owned businesses in projects.
Some public reactions framed it as iwi "demanding cash" for water access, though the agreement frames it as voluntary support for environmental and relationship initiatives.
Historical ContextIn 2020–2022, during Auckland's drought and Watercare's application to increase its water take from the Waikato River, there were stronger demands. The co-governed Waikato River Authority (with iwi co-chair involvement) initially sought high payments (e.g., reports of 10 cents per litre, equating to massive daily figures like $20 million/day in extreme hypotheticals), but this was rejected.
And what makes Maori feel entitled to have embedded rights regarding water ?
Any technical input from them ?
Please tell me about pre-european plumbing ?
Maori dams to regulate river flow ?
No, just more BS demands for control (=money) and power.
perhaps Pakeha should claim the rain then so Maori will have to pay us?
Which maori leaders and who says they are leaders? Does anyone actually follow these leaders? The term “maori leaders” has become about as useful as references to “experts”.
And when that water causes damage do the maori pay for repairs?
11th Yet more money poured into Insurrection Coordination Centres (marae). I trust there is some formal arrangement about using these in times of emergency. And a very clear understanding of the very limited extent of any payment in view of all the state assistance. With the stroppy independent confrontational attitude now so evident throughout Maoridom as they gain effective control everywhere, what is situation if maori decline to make their subsidised social clubs/political centres available? Or only for a stiff fee? I trust the battery power systems require no skilled or diligent operation and maintenance. Who checks that the batteries always sufficiently charged for emergency?
Presumably the new Massey vice chancellor has a high tolerance of maori twaddle or he would not have applied. But three maori welcomes in 3 days a lot for anybody except the keenest maori twaddle hobbyist. All followed by kai (see 3rd topic for 11th) On the second day welcomed in the presence of some organisation with a leg pull 12 word name. Presumably get a degree for remembering and translating it.
I to am concerned that power shortages and the affect that may have on my small but important (to me) land operation.
A grant of $35K would allow me become resilient and safe up $6,000.00 a year at todays electricity cost.
If an unfortunate event were to occur, I can also
support my ever expanding family.
Never stops does it?
Being 1/64 non european means your maori and definitely a leader or an expert
Water - a great way to keep the wheels of the gravy train moving along.
Just exactly why is a referendum needed to rid us of the Maori seats. Surely this is a constitutional issue that can't be about anyone's opinion.
There existence, plainly un democratic, became unnecessary at least a hundred years ago.
There removal but a simple majority in the house.
Winston is such a tease. He’ll campaign on this maori seats referendum policy, but bet you it never gets into a coalition agreement. Same old tricks Winnie. It’s not my first rodeo either, mate.
"Neither bill requires Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi principles to be enforced."
Council want to
If you define what those principles are, rather than made on the trot, maybe there would be no to "enforce"
Enough "enforcement" is proposed now without council idiots proposing more.
Why do so many people and organisations buy into all this crap is beyond me. Do they perhaps think they will be rewarded in the final act.
Quislings all.
Am I alone in wishing our current coalition would get off its backsides and give us an omnibus referendum BEFORE the coming election to include: Abolition of the Maori seats, abolition of the Waitangi Tribunal, removal of race /ethnicity BS in ALL existing legislation and removal of Treaty machinations in everything where it has absolutely NO relevance?
Common sense prevails. The maori twaddle removed from school lunches name. There is a vast field for further action. I am fed up with constantly having to Google maori named organisations to find out what they are. Dictionary is often of no use as the names are obscurely metaphorical. In this case "ka ora ka ako" into a maori dictionary leads to no fathomable definition. How did such a leg pull get approved in the first place? Where does the fear of cancellation cease? How a nation of one time rational colonists has allowed itself to be routinely conned by these mana seeking maori twaddle leg pulls is beyond me. The annoying thing is that hundreds of hours of paid time will have been spent just on this example. It all counts toward GDP. Little wonder real standards of living stagnate.
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