Saturday March 28, 2026
News:
Gisborne $29.7m recovery funding bid awaits Government decision
Gisborne leaders are awaiting the Government’s response to a $29.7 million funding bid for a joint agency/iwi-led recovery plan after January’s severe weather event.
The letter was co-signed by representatives from Te Runanganui O Ngāti Porou (Tronp), the council and the region’s economic development and tourism agency, Trust Tairāwhiti.
According to the joint agency/iwi-led recovery model sent to Penk, the funding bid covers $8.1m for community wellbeing, $13.5m for environmental resilience, $6.2m for the primary sector – land management, and $1.9m for economic growth.
The governance would require commitment by key partner agencies, the council, Trust Tairāwhiti and Tronp.....
See full article HERE
“Disgraceful Decision”: Māori Radio News Service Axed With No Replacement
Radio Waatea General Manager Matthew Tukaki has today condemned Te Māngai Pāho’s decision to end funding for the national Māori radio news service, calling it a disgraceful failure that will leave communities without a critical source of information.
After nearly two decades of continuous service, the Te Reo Māori radio news bulletins will cease at midnight on 31 March 2026 — with no confirmed replacement in place.
Tukaki says the decision is not a transition, but a complete abandonment of Māori radio.....
See full article HERE
Sale of burial ground opposed
The public is being urged to fight a potential plan to sell a section of red zone land with a Māori burial ground dating back more than 600 years on it.
The urupa is located off McCormacks Bay Rd, adjacent to Main and Beachville Rds. It lies northwest of the Moa Bone Point Cave and is on Christchurch City Council’s list of properties which could potentially be sold as part of its Annual Plan 2026/27.....
See full article HERE
Push to boost Māori enrolment as roll campaign gets underway
More than 560,000 Māori voters are being asked to check they’re enrolled and decide how they want to vote in this year’s election, as a nationwide campaign gets underway under tighter rules.
Enrolment packs outlining the Māori Electoral Option are now being rolled out by the Electoral Commission, prompting voters to check whether they are on the Māori roll or the general roll, and decide if they want to change.....
See full article HERE
Videos:
Michael Laws: Why The New Water Entities Are A Financial Disaster
Propaganda:
‘Our heart goes out to Turitea’: Iwi extends forgiveness to regional council for degradation of awa
Government bowel screening expansion comes at cost to Māori lives; further legal action being considered
The governance would require commitment by key partner agencies, the council, Trust Tairāwhiti and Tronp.....
See full article HERE
“Disgraceful Decision”: Māori Radio News Service Axed With No Replacement
Radio Waatea General Manager Matthew Tukaki has today condemned Te Māngai Pāho’s decision to end funding for the national Māori radio news service, calling it a disgraceful failure that will leave communities without a critical source of information.
After nearly two decades of continuous service, the Te Reo Māori radio news bulletins will cease at midnight on 31 March 2026 — with no confirmed replacement in place.
Tukaki says the decision is not a transition, but a complete abandonment of Māori radio.....
See full article HERE
Sale of burial ground opposed
The public is being urged to fight a potential plan to sell a section of red zone land with a Māori burial ground dating back more than 600 years on it.
The urupa is located off McCormacks Bay Rd, adjacent to Main and Beachville Rds. It lies northwest of the Moa Bone Point Cave and is on Christchurch City Council’s list of properties which could potentially be sold as part of its Annual Plan 2026/27.....
See full article HERE
Push to boost Māori enrolment as roll campaign gets underway
More than 560,000 Māori voters are being asked to check they’re enrolled and decide how they want to vote in this year’s election, as a nationwide campaign gets underway under tighter rules.
Enrolment packs outlining the Māori Electoral Option are now being rolled out by the Electoral Commission, prompting voters to check whether they are on the Māori roll or the general roll, and decide if they want to change.....
See full article HERE
Videos:
Michael Laws: Why The New Water Entities Are A Financial Disaster
Propaganda:
‘Our heart goes out to Turitea’: Iwi extends forgiveness to regional council for degradation of awa
Government bowel screening expansion comes at cost to Māori lives; further legal action being considered
NPDC Mayor Must Answer
Opinion: What I learned from Julian Batchelor’s defamation case against TVNZ - Te Aniwa Hurihanganui
Opinion: What I learned from Julian Batchelor’s defamation case against TVNZ - Te Aniwa Hurihanganui
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 March 27, 2026
News:
Ngāi Tahu confirms run at Molesworth
The South Island’s largest tribal group, Ngāi Tahu, has confirmed it is in the running to apply for rights to lease Molesworth Station.
Five parties have been confirmed by the Department of Conservation as applying for lease consideration on New Zealand’s largest farm, and Farmers Weekly can confirm two of those applicants.
News:
Ngāi Tahu confirms run at Molesworth
The South Island’s largest tribal group, Ngāi Tahu, has confirmed it is in the running to apply for rights to lease Molesworth Station.
Five parties have been confirmed by the Department of Conservation as applying for lease consideration on New Zealand’s largest farm, and Farmers Weekly can confirm two of those applicants.
Alongside Ngāi Tahu is a charitable trust initiative headed up by former Molesworth manager Jim Ward.....
News:
Wellington District leadership deepens cultural capability through Sites of Significance Kaupapa
The kaupapa was intentionally led by Wellington District Manager, Gareth Hughes, who recognised the importance of strengthening authentic, enduring relationships with mana whenua, culturally significant landscapes, and Māori leadership structures.
See full article HERE
First steps to return Porirua ancestral maunga to Ngāti Toa
Land held by the Porirua City Council at Rangituhi/Colonial Knob could be returned to Ngāti Toa Rangatira.
The council decided at its meeting on Thursday investigate how it could pass back 107.5 hectares of council land at Rangituhi, which includes Te Rahui o Rangituhi reserve that features most of the Rangituhi/Colonial Knob Walkway. The council’s chief executive, Wendy Walker, described it as the most important Ngāti Toa land in the council’s hands.
The iwi formally raised the prospect late last year, saying it had no intention to cut public access to its ancestral maunga/mountain other than having their name on the title.....
See full article HERE
First steps to return Porirua ancestral maunga to Ngāti Toa
Land held by the Porirua City Council at Rangituhi/Colonial Knob could be returned to Ngāti Toa Rangatira.
The council decided at its meeting on Thursday investigate how it could pass back 107.5 hectares of council land at Rangituhi, which includes Te Rahui o Rangituhi reserve that features most of the Rangituhi/Colonial Knob Walkway. The council’s chief executive, Wendy Walker, described it as the most important Ngāti Toa land in the council’s hands.
The iwi formally raised the prospect late last year, saying it had no intention to cut public access to its ancestral maunga/mountain other than having their name on the title.....
See full article HERE
Thursday March 26, 2026
News:
Wellington District leadership deepens cultural capability through Sites of Significance Kaupapa
The kaupapa was intentionally led by Wellington District Manager, Gareth Hughes, who recognised the importance of strengthening authentic, enduring relationships with mana whenua, culturally significant landscapes, and Māori leadership structures.
‘From a strategic perspective, this is about building a leadership system that is connected to the communities we serve,’ says Gareth. ‘If we want to be effective in complex environments, we need to understand not just the physical landscape, but the cultural landscape as well. This initiative helps us lead with greater awareness, stronger relationships, and ultimately better outcomes for our communities.’
The programme reflects a growing recognition of the vital role hapori Māori play during emergency events. Māori communities consistently mobilise quickly to support response efforts, often providing immediate assistance and resources. In acknowledgement of this, Wellington District leadership is actively strengthening pathways for engagement and partnership that uphold mana, reciprocity, and shared responsibility.....
See full article HERE
Council suspends mana whenua role
The Invercargill City Council has been urged to become a place Māori want to work alongside after a rūnaka requested its mana whenua seat be disestablished.
Yesterday, the council voted to put Te Rūnaka o Awarua’s seat into abeyance following a request in February from rūnaka general manager Andria Cross.
Ms Cross said a stocktake on external representation arrangements had resulted in a decision to relinquish the positions on the city council and Bluff Community Board.....
See full article HERE
Ambitious new plan for te reo Māori at University
Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland has launched a bold new strategy to enhance the use of te reo Māori across the institution and help shape the language’s future.
He Makau Mauroa is the University’s Te Reo Māori Strategy for 2026–2030, building on the success of its inaugural language plan that ran from 2020 to 2025. It’s a renewed commitment to normalising te reo Māori across teaching, research and campus life.
The University’s first language plan saw thousands of staff and students engage in te reo Māori learning opportunities, strengthening confidence and supporting both Māori and non-Māori researchers to embed the language more frequently across teaching, research and everyday university life.....
See full article HERE
Speaker Gerry Brownlee asks court to recall and reconsider Mariameno Kapa-Kingi judgment
Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee is asking the High Court to recall a judgment that ultimately reinstated Mariameno Kapa-Kingi to Te Pāti Māori.
Brownlee has asked for the rewording of a clause in the judgment which he believes is tantamount to the court intruding on the business of Parliament, which is Parliament’s jurisdiction, not the courts’.
It raises questions of parliamentary privilege and comity, the principle by which the branches of government respect their various jurisdictions.....
See full article HERE
Te Arawa Lakes Trust buys Rotorua Duck Tours in strategic tourism move
A leading Rotorua iwi entity has made an “exciting” move to buy one of the city’s most iconic tourism businesses.
Te Arawa Management Ltd, the commercial arm of Te Arawa Lakes Trust, has bought Rotorua Duck Tours – a 23-year-old business involving land-to-lake tours on amphibious World War II landing craft.
It says the move will create jobs for descendants, as it looks to develop the businesses into a Māori storytelling experience authentic to Te Arawa.....
See full article HERE
Minister gives green light for hundreds of homes in Levin, denies iwi input
The Government has approved a district plan change to allow a large new housing development in Levin, but aspects relating to iwi involvement have been rejected....(paywalled)
See full article HERE
Propaganda:
Emergency housing rejections surge with Māori continuing to bear the brunt
The programme reflects a growing recognition of the vital role hapori Māori play during emergency events. Māori communities consistently mobilise quickly to support response efforts, often providing immediate assistance and resources. In acknowledgement of this, Wellington District leadership is actively strengthening pathways for engagement and partnership that uphold mana, reciprocity, and shared responsibility.....
See full article HERE
Council suspends mana whenua role
The Invercargill City Council has been urged to become a place Māori want to work alongside after a rūnaka requested its mana whenua seat be disestablished.
Yesterday, the council voted to put Te Rūnaka o Awarua’s seat into abeyance following a request in February from rūnaka general manager Andria Cross.
Ms Cross said a stocktake on external representation arrangements had resulted in a decision to relinquish the positions on the city council and Bluff Community Board.....
See full article HERE
Ambitious new plan for te reo Māori at University
Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland has launched a bold new strategy to enhance the use of te reo Māori across the institution and help shape the language’s future.
He Makau Mauroa is the University’s Te Reo Māori Strategy for 2026–2030, building on the success of its inaugural language plan that ran from 2020 to 2025. It’s a renewed commitment to normalising te reo Māori across teaching, research and campus life.
The University’s first language plan saw thousands of staff and students engage in te reo Māori learning opportunities, strengthening confidence and supporting both Māori and non-Māori researchers to embed the language more frequently across teaching, research and everyday university life.....
See full article HERE
Speaker Gerry Brownlee asks court to recall and reconsider Mariameno Kapa-Kingi judgment
Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee is asking the High Court to recall a judgment that ultimately reinstated Mariameno Kapa-Kingi to Te Pāti Māori.
Brownlee has asked for the rewording of a clause in the judgment which he believes is tantamount to the court intruding on the business of Parliament, which is Parliament’s jurisdiction, not the courts’.
It raises questions of parliamentary privilege and comity, the principle by which the branches of government respect their various jurisdictions.....
See full article HERE
Te Arawa Lakes Trust buys Rotorua Duck Tours in strategic tourism move
A leading Rotorua iwi entity has made an “exciting” move to buy one of the city’s most iconic tourism businesses.
Te Arawa Management Ltd, the commercial arm of Te Arawa Lakes Trust, has bought Rotorua Duck Tours – a 23-year-old business involving land-to-lake tours on amphibious World War II landing craft.
It says the move will create jobs for descendants, as it looks to develop the businesses into a Māori storytelling experience authentic to Te Arawa.....
See full article HERE
Minister gives green light for hundreds of homes in Levin, denies iwi input
The Government has approved a district plan change to allow a large new housing development in Levin, but aspects relating to iwi involvement have been rejected....(paywalled)
See full article HERE
Propaganda:
Emergency housing rejections surge with Māori continuing to bear the brunt
Wednesday March 25, 2026
News:
Waihī Estuary’s original name Te Heriheri restored as part of wetland project
An estuary near Maketū in the Bay of Plenty has had its original name Te Heriheri restored as part of an iwi-led project to restore the health of the entire wetland ecosystem.
Waihī Estuary’s original name Te Heriheri restored as part of wetland project
An estuary near Maketū in the Bay of Plenty has had its original name Te Heriheri restored as part of an iwi-led project to restore the health of the entire wetland ecosystem.
Te Wahapū o Waihī – the collective of Ngāti Whakahemo, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Mākino, Ngāti Pikiao and Tapuika – was established by the iwi and hapū of Waihī Estuary to restore and protect the health and mauri of the wai.
The collective works with a range of organisations, including Bay of Plenty Regional Council, the Ministry for the Environment, local landowners, the Waihī Drainage Society and community members....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Colinxy: Popping the “Māori Are Oppressed by Colonisation” Bubble
Propaganda:
Rising Fuel Prices A Big Concern For Iwi
Government moves to strip Māori land court oversight of Treaty settlement trusts
Mauri Stone Placed On Kahurānaki Maunga By Kahungunu Horse Trekkers
The collective works with a range of organisations, including Bay of Plenty Regional Council, the Ministry for the Environment, local landowners, the Waihī Drainage Society and community members....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Colinxy: Popping the “Māori Are Oppressed by Colonisation” Bubble
Propaganda:
Rising Fuel Prices A Big Concern For Iwi
Government moves to strip Māori land court oversight of Treaty settlement trusts
Mauri Stone Placed On Kahurānaki Maunga By Kahungunu Horse Trekkers
Tuesday March 24, 2026
News:
New face joins Invercargill City Council
A new face will soon join Invercargill City Council, with Waihōpai Rūnaka officially appointing Mike Bain as its mana whenua representative for the triennium.
News:
New face joins Invercargill City Council
A new face will soon join Invercargill City Council, with Waihōpai Rūnaka officially appointing Mike Bain as its mana whenua representative for the triennium.
As Pou Manawhenua – Waihōpai, Mr Bain (pictured) will be appointed to the Water, Infrastructure and Growth, and Community and Regulatory committees. He will also have speaking rights at full Council meetings.
Mr Bain (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha) has experience across the motor trade, education, and legal sectors, and has also represented the rūnaka on a number of community-based komiti, including on the Te Unua Iwi Advisory Group......
See full article HERE
Articles:
Wendy Geus: Seymour must demand Luxon 'incinerate' te mana o te wai or appears to support it
Propaganda:
Robbie Williams believes Kiwi tattoo helped saved his life
Cultural safety in nursing — brave but unsuccessful first steps
Tīpene: A legacy reborn
Hone Hurihanganui: Following the reo
ACT Should Leave Nursing To Professionals And Medical Evidence
Mr Bain (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha) has experience across the motor trade, education, and legal sectors, and has also represented the rūnaka on a number of community-based komiti, including on the Te Unua Iwi Advisory Group......
See full article HERE
Articles:
Wendy Geus: Seymour must demand Luxon 'incinerate' te mana o te wai or appears to support it
Propaganda:
Robbie Williams believes Kiwi tattoo helped saved his life
Cultural safety in nursing — brave but unsuccessful first steps
Tīpene: A legacy reborn
Hone Hurihanganui: Following the reo
ACT Should Leave Nursing To Professionals And Medical Evidence
Sunday March 22, 2026
News:
Australian council to remove First Nations flags despite strong community opposition
A southern New South Wales council will remove First Nations flags from their chambers, despite the motion proposing the controversial move failing to be passed and overwhelming community opposition.
News:
Australian council to remove First Nations flags despite strong community opposition
A southern New South Wales council will remove First Nations flags from their chambers, despite the motion proposing the controversial move failing to be passed and overwhelming community opposition.
The Murray region’s Federation Council met this week to vote on protocols for displaying Indigenous flags in the chamber, debating whether they should only be allowed for certain occasions, such as NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week.
The proposal was introduced last November by Mayor Cheryl Cook, who argued that displaying only the Australian flag would unite the council as a “single, cohesive community under one sovereign emblem.”....
See full article HERE
Students create masks inspired by Māori kirituhi
Mask designs inspired by traditional Māori kirituhi (tattoo) are the subject of East Otago High School students’ still life photography exhibition at the Palmerston Library.
As part of their art class, the year 9›10 students had workshops with Palmerston› based photographer Zenobia Southcombe and school art teacher Rachel Foster.
The students created masks with designs inspired by traditional Māori kirituhi and guidance from teacher of Māori Sian Downes.....
See full article HERE
The proposal was introduced last November by Mayor Cheryl Cook, who argued that displaying only the Australian flag would unite the council as a “single, cohesive community under one sovereign emblem.”....
See full article HERE
Students create masks inspired by Māori kirituhi
Mask designs inspired by traditional Māori kirituhi (tattoo) are the subject of East Otago High School students’ still life photography exhibition at the Palmerston Library.
As part of their art class, the year 9›10 students had workshops with Palmerston› based photographer Zenobia Southcombe and school art teacher Rachel Foster.
The students created masks with designs inspired by traditional Māori kirituhi and guidance from teacher of Māori Sian Downes.....
See full article HERE
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.
6 comments:
Being primarily a maori venue the Waihi estuary has been granted its simple, easily remembered original name. If it had been used more by the general public doubtless some long metaphorical, unmemorable leg pull name would have been contrived (with direct or indirect payment) and "gifted". Presumably, despite public money support, food gathering will be restricted to trace maori.
26 The Invercargill runaka thinking would be of interest. Presumably a Council rep is a two edged sword as more or less obliged to stick by statements the rep may make to council. Unless very astute and artful could be a liability. And if gifted in the art of extortion time more effectively employed elsewhere.
27 Mar: All power to Jim Ward and his “station for the nation” charitable trust idea. What a great way to preserve Molesworth for all NZers, for the next 30yrs at least. With Ngai Tahu also amongst the five interested parties, let’s hope Potaka and DOC find Jim Ward’s idea inspiring too.
Devopments at Molesworth and Colonial Knob a oncern. Loose assurances mean nothing.Maori will ineviitably control. Sticking it to the colonists is a bountiful source of mana.
So communities will lose the sources of information without Maori News! More of Mathew Tukaki's dramatic theatre. A novel idea would be just listen to the news in English? Or is that racist!
I hope sincerely that any taxpayer money given to East Coast recovery work, will have to be accounted for. Or will it just be given to the various groups and forgotten about as usual, without any accountability
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