Busted Blonde over at Roarprawn has a couple of good posts on Ngai Tahu.
The first is about a potential battle between Ngai Tahu and the Government over the the effects of the emission trading scheme.
The second is about the Titi season, it is a worry that it's so bad but it is seasonal...
BB and I are at opposite sides of the political spectrum but I love that. I enjoy Roarprawn and recommend it highly. Kia kaha BB.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
iPod racist game by apple
Makes you wonder
"A top-selling iPhone game depicting the torture and murder of "primitive islanders" has outraged New Zealand's Pacific Islands community.
Many are calling for a wave of protest against the game, Pocket God, in which people play god over islanders in grass skirts, tossing them around, setting them on fire and feeding them to sharks.
The game is described as making the player an "all-powerful god that rules over the primitive islanders".
Its creators argue the game is not meant to depict any nationality.
However, protesters say the fact the characters are wearing grass skirts on an island featuring an Easter Island statue shows they are Pacific Islanders."
"Last week, Apple was forced to pull a game, Shake the Baby that allowed players to silence a crying baby by shaking the device."
I used to have some respect for apple - up against microsoft... not anymore they are proving that they just care about the $$$
"A top-selling iPhone game depicting the torture and murder of "primitive islanders" has outraged New Zealand's Pacific Islands community.
Many are calling for a wave of protest against the game, Pocket God, in which people play god over islanders in grass skirts, tossing them around, setting them on fire and feeding them to sharks.
The game is described as making the player an "all-powerful god that rules over the primitive islanders".
Its creators argue the game is not meant to depict any nationality.
However, protesters say the fact the characters are wearing grass skirts on an island featuring an Easter Island statue shows they are Pacific Islanders."
"Last week, Apple was forced to pull a game, Shake the Baby that allowed players to silence a crying baby by shaking the device."
I used to have some respect for apple - up against microsoft... not anymore they are proving that they just care about the $$$
Pandemic swine flu lies
Oh dear
"Pharmacists have warned they will be on alert for "fakers" when anti-viral drug Tamiflu goes on sale over-the-counter tomorrow.
Pharmacy Guild chief executive Annabel Young said she expected pharmacists to be inundated with requests about Tamiflu given the growing concerns about swine flu.
"This is understandable, but there are clear restrictions under which Tamiflu can be sold for the safety of the patient the pharmacist must abide by these conditions."
Tamiflu is available on prescription, but from tomorrow can be legally sold by pharmacists to patients aged over 12 who present with influenza symptoms. A five-day course will cost about $65."
Oh dear
"A secret centre for assessing, testing and isolating potential swine flu victims is operating in Christchurch to prevent the virus spreading."
Oh dear
"Egypt, hit hard by bird flu, has ordered the slaughter of every pig herd in the country as a precaution against swine flu, a step the United Nations said was a mistake."
Oh dear
"Global companies began restricting employee travel in response to a potential flu pandemic that has claimed at least 149 lives in Mexico."
Oh dear
"Kiwis are trying to cash in on the swine flu outbreak as internet auctions become awash with goods designed to beat the virus."
Oh dear
"Swine flu has not yet hit Lebanon but it is threatening a national custom.
Lebanese should stop greeting each other with kisses to the cheek, Health Minister Mohammad Khalifeh told a news conference called to explain measures to tackle the potential spread of the deadly strain.
"If you visit someone, don't exchange kisses... Let's stop the social kissing habit," Khalifeh said."
Oh dear
"New Zealand's Catholic bishops have issued hygiene recommendations for church services in preparation for a swine flu pandemic.
The bishops are stopping parishioners receiving communion wafers on the tongue, communion wine from the chalice and from shaking hands at the sign of peace at masses in New Zealand."
Oh dear
"Community based centres to deal with swine flu patients could be set up around the country, it was announced this morning... Medical authorities are treating those that test positive for Influenza A as having swine flu."
Okay...
Every year between 250,000 and 500,000 people die from flu around the world.
WHO have confirmed less than 20 deaths in this 'outbreak'.
If you want to know the truth about these pandemic scares - follow the money! Who is making money? What about the TV and media shows, Tamiflu makers are getting rid of their stockpiles, anyone else?
"Pharmacists have warned they will be on alert for "fakers" when anti-viral drug Tamiflu goes on sale over-the-counter tomorrow.
Pharmacy Guild chief executive Annabel Young said she expected pharmacists to be inundated with requests about Tamiflu given the growing concerns about swine flu.
"This is understandable, but there are clear restrictions under which Tamiflu can be sold for the safety of the patient the pharmacist must abide by these conditions."
Tamiflu is available on prescription, but from tomorrow can be legally sold by pharmacists to patients aged over 12 who present with influenza symptoms. A five-day course will cost about $65."
Oh dear
"A secret centre for assessing, testing and isolating potential swine flu victims is operating in Christchurch to prevent the virus spreading."
Oh dear
"Egypt, hit hard by bird flu, has ordered the slaughter of every pig herd in the country as a precaution against swine flu, a step the United Nations said was a mistake."
Oh dear
"Global companies began restricting employee travel in response to a potential flu pandemic that has claimed at least 149 lives in Mexico."
Oh dear
"Kiwis are trying to cash in on the swine flu outbreak as internet auctions become awash with goods designed to beat the virus."
Oh dear
"Swine flu has not yet hit Lebanon but it is threatening a national custom.
Lebanese should stop greeting each other with kisses to the cheek, Health Minister Mohammad Khalifeh told a news conference called to explain measures to tackle the potential spread of the deadly strain.
"If you visit someone, don't exchange kisses... Let's stop the social kissing habit," Khalifeh said."
Oh dear
"New Zealand's Catholic bishops have issued hygiene recommendations for church services in preparation for a swine flu pandemic.
The bishops are stopping parishioners receiving communion wafers on the tongue, communion wine from the chalice and from shaking hands at the sign of peace at masses in New Zealand."
Oh dear
"Community based centres to deal with swine flu patients could be set up around the country, it was announced this morning... Medical authorities are treating those that test positive for Influenza A as having swine flu."
Okay...
Every year between 250,000 and 500,000 people die from flu around the world.
WHO have confirmed less than 20 deaths in this 'outbreak'.
If you want to know the truth about these pandemic scares - follow the money! Who is making money? What about the TV and media shows, Tamiflu makers are getting rid of their stockpiles, anyone else?
Mana building
This is good.
"Marlborough iwi could get Blenheim's Woodbourne Air Base as part of a Treaty settlement deal."
"Three iwi, Rangitane, Ngati Apa and Ngati Kuia known collectively as Kurahaupo have been negotiating over Woodbourne.
Chairman Richard Bradley said he was heartened by the defence review proposals that some properties might be better managed by the private sector.
"Certainly, that has been one of the Kurahaupo strategies; turning what's a deteriorating regional asset into something of more benefit to the local economy," he said."
Chairman Richard Bradley said he was heartened by the defence review proposals that some properties might be better managed by the private sector.
"Certainly, that has been one of the Kurahaupo strategies; turning what's a deteriorating regional asset into something of more benefit to the local economy," he said."
"In a ceremony to sign February's agreement, Rangitane chairwoman Judith MacDonald told Prime Minister John Key the acquisition of Woodbourne Air Base would be a "deal-breaker".
Bradley said Woodbourne's "iconic" value was the reason it was so important to iwi.
"The iconic part of it, of course, is that our iwi has a long history of association with the Crown and all its wars."
Also, physically, to be seen to be the kaitiaki of a military base in the South Island.
"So there's those types of relationships which make it iconic. It's not just an old car park or a crusher works down the riverbank.""
Bradley said Woodbourne's "iconic" value was the reason it was so important to iwi.
"The iconic part of it, of course, is that our iwi has a long history of association with the Crown and all its wars."
Also, physically, to be seen to be the kaitiaki of a military base in the South Island.
"So there's those types of relationships which make it iconic. It's not just an old car park or a crusher works down the riverbank.""
As we know, it can be a double edged sword when you take over a ex or non exmilitary base. I hope they manage expectations well. The other aspect of the iconic status is that these bases are often in great spots, that inevitably have strong maori history attached to them.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Big profits for bank - who's paying?
Interesting bit of news.
"ANZ National Bank’s underlying profit in New Zealand is up 24 per cent to $494 million, in the half year."
Obviously getting rid of the jobs here and over the ditch have done the trick and it's onwards and upwards for this multinational bank.
"Parent company ANZ Banking Group said its net profit for the six months ended March 31 fell 28 percent to A$1.417 billion ($1.79 billion), from A$1.963 billion in the previous corresponding half, after charges for bad debts rose."
"ANZ National Bank’s underlying profit in New Zealand is up 24 per cent to $494 million, in the half year."
Obviously getting rid of the jobs here and over the ditch have done the trick and it's onwards and upwards for this multinational bank.
"Parent company ANZ Banking Group said its net profit for the six months ended March 31 fell 28 percent to A$1.417 billion ($1.79 billion), from A$1.963 billion in the previous corresponding half, after charges for bad debts rose."
Swine Flu - forced detentions and isolation for non-containable flu
I have been resisting the urge to post about swine flu and i will continue to do so, but these developments really do worry me - much more than the flu itself.
"Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce has consented to sweeping new quarantine powers for health officials in response to the global outbreak of swine flu.
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon approached Ms Bryce on Tuesday night to approve the powers, which include allowing authorities to detain people suspected of having the potentially deadly virus.
"Using disinfectants on planes or at ports, through to the far more extreme (powers) which are making sure that people are isolated and perhaps detained if they don't co-operate and are showing symptoms of this disease," she told ABC Radio on Wednesday."
Perhaps it's the use of the word 'detain', it worries me. I also note that we are enacting legislation today to add swine flu to the list of diseases that can trigger anti epidemic measures like forced quarantine.
Hmmm
The World Health Orgainsation said, "The swine flu virus first detected in Mexico can no longer be contained and countries should focus on mitigating its effects..."
So just to recap - The swine flu cannot be contained, yet here and in Aussie, legislation has been put through around detention and forced quarantine.
Makes you wonder - doesn't it?
"Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce has consented to sweeping new quarantine powers for health officials in response to the global outbreak of swine flu.
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon approached Ms Bryce on Tuesday night to approve the powers, which include allowing authorities to detain people suspected of having the potentially deadly virus.
"Using disinfectants on planes or at ports, through to the far more extreme (powers) which are making sure that people are isolated and perhaps detained if they don't co-operate and are showing symptoms of this disease," she told ABC Radio on Wednesday."
Perhaps it's the use of the word 'detain', it worries me. I also note that we are enacting legislation today to add swine flu to the list of diseases that can trigger anti epidemic measures like forced quarantine.
Hmmm
The World Health Orgainsation said, "The swine flu virus first detected in Mexico can no longer be contained and countries should focus on mitigating its effects..."
So just to recap - The swine flu cannot be contained, yet here and in Aussie, legislation has been put through around detention and forced quarantine.
Makes you wonder - doesn't it?
Great day - saw a humpback whale calf!
Great story!
"How was your day at work yesterday? Yeah, same here.
Oh, except that while researching a story yesterday morning with Otago Daily Times illustrations editor Stephen Jaquiery, we stumbled upon a whale."
Oh, except that while researching a story yesterday morning with Otago Daily Times illustrations editor Stephen Jaquiery, we stumbled upon a whale."
"The whale swam in circles on its side, its gaping maw wide open. Jaquiery got some great photos - although most of them were flukes.
Department of Conservation coastal marine ranger Jim Fyfe later told us the whale was a humpback calf. "
"They often travel through here at this time of year. They migrate from the Antarctic up to the Pacific and then spend summer swimming around Tonga.""
Department of Conservation coastal marine ranger Jim Fyfe later told us the whale was a humpback calf. "
"They often travel through here at this time of year. They migrate from the Antarctic up to the Pacific and then spend summer swimming around Tonga.""
In the past, a lot of my relatives were whalers. I'm pleased we don't kill these animals anymore.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Want to govern? Why?
I have decided to repost this because the comments were so good. It was originally posted on 28 April 2009.
What thoughts would you like to add. Just forget about my last one - what has changed? - has anything changed? In either the world or your thoughts.
This is good but I do have a slight issue.
"Each year the Te Rūnanga Group of companies is asked to appoint (or re-appoint) Directors to serve on the Boards of those companies. Many of these appointments are made by Te Rūnanga and some are made by our subsidiary companies."
"Te Rūnanga has a longstanding policy of appointing the best available person for each position and a desire to see that, over time, these positions are filled by members of Ngāi Tahu Whānui. In order for us to meet those objectives, we are interested in the names and details of all members of Ngāi Tahu Whānui who are both qualified and available to be considered for appointment to these Boards."
"Te Rūnanga is seeking expressions of interest from individuals who aspire to hold governance roles and wish to be considered as part of succession planning initiatives, including supported governance appointments."
So pretty good. TRONT want to appoint the best person (good) and they want to see, over time, Ngai Tahu whanui filling the directors positions (very good).
My only issue is the push verses pull strategy.
Are the people that aspire to hold governance roles the ones we really want?
I would prefer an approach of 'tapping on the shoulder' in other words, succession planning that is planned, not just left to the whims of individuals.
We have many iwi members who would be excellent directors of our companies and organisations. Natural modesty would stop a lot of people applying for these roles.
Are we serious about getting our people as directors or is this just 'lip-service'?
What thoughts would you like to add. Just forget about my last one - what has changed? - has anything changed? In either the world or your thoughts.
This is good but I do have a slight issue.
"Each year the Te Rūnanga Group of companies is asked to appoint (or re-appoint) Directors to serve on the Boards of those companies. Many of these appointments are made by Te Rūnanga and some are made by our subsidiary companies."
"Te Rūnanga has a longstanding policy of appointing the best available person for each position and a desire to see that, over time, these positions are filled by members of Ngāi Tahu Whānui. In order for us to meet those objectives, we are interested in the names and details of all members of Ngāi Tahu Whānui who are both qualified and available to be considered for appointment to these Boards."
"Te Rūnanga is seeking expressions of interest from individuals who aspire to hold governance roles and wish to be considered as part of succession planning initiatives, including supported governance appointments."
So pretty good. TRONT want to appoint the best person (good) and they want to see, over time, Ngai Tahu whanui filling the directors positions (very good).
My only issue is the push verses pull strategy.
Are the people that aspire to hold governance roles the ones we really want?
I would prefer an approach of 'tapping on the shoulder' in other words, succession planning that is planned, not just left to the whims of individuals.
We have many iwi members who would be excellent directors of our companies and organisations. Natural modesty would stop a lot of people applying for these roles.
Are we serious about getting our people as directors or is this just 'lip-service'?
Kai at the marae is ka pai!
Another awesome initiative.
"A new food safety guide designed for marae cooks will be officially launched at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia today."
“Sharing kai is a core element of Maori culture, and the marae is often the centre of this experience,” says Minister for Food Safety Kate Wilkinson.
“This guide aims to help maintain the mana and dignity of marae cooks by providing them with hints and tips for keeping food safe.”
Notwithstanding that I didn't even realise we have a Minister for Food Safety, this is the right way to do it. Work with the system in place - don't try to impose alien values or explain why you are right. Be humble and realise that whilst you are there to teach, you are also there to learn. Good on Kate.
"Anyone can download the guide from NZFSA’s website http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/." Although it wasn't there when I looked.
"A new food safety guide designed for marae cooks will be officially launched at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia today."
“Sharing kai is a core element of Maori culture, and the marae is often the centre of this experience,” says Minister for Food Safety Kate Wilkinson.
“This guide aims to help maintain the mana and dignity of marae cooks by providing them with hints and tips for keeping food safe.”
Notwithstanding that I didn't even realise we have a Minister for Food Safety, this is the right way to do it. Work with the system in place - don't try to impose alien values or explain why you are right. Be humble and realise that whilst you are there to teach, you are also there to learn. Good on Kate.
"Anyone can download the guide from NZFSA’s website http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/." Although it wasn't there when I looked.
Working together for everyone's benefit
Good work being done here.
"National Services Te Paerangi works in collaboration with local iwi, museums, community, and heritage organisations to provide training opportunities that help with the long-term care and preservation of taonga held in the community."
"National Services Te Paerangi has a series of marae-based workshops planned around Aotearoa New Zealand in 2009."
"Participants will learn the basic theory and techniques behind capturing good quality copies with a digital camera, techniques and methods for the care and storage of paper taonga,and how to make appropriate storage containers.
Workshop presenters from Te Papa include photographer Michael Hall and paper conservator Vicki-Anne Heikell (Te Whänau-a-Apanui), who have many years experience between them, and who are looking forward to the opportunity to share their knowledge with the community."
Preserving these photos and other taonga is just so important. I hope TRONT have a similar preservation and protection strategy and program going for Ngai Tahu Taonga. They do, don't they?
"National Services Te Paerangi works in collaboration with local iwi, museums, community, and heritage organisations to provide training opportunities that help with the long-term care and preservation of taonga held in the community."
"National Services Te Paerangi has a series of marae-based workshops planned around Aotearoa New Zealand in 2009."
"Participants will learn the basic theory and techniques behind capturing good quality copies with a digital camera, techniques and methods for the care and storage of paper taonga,and how to make appropriate storage containers.
Workshop presenters from Te Papa include photographer Michael Hall and paper conservator Vicki-Anne Heikell (Te Whänau-a-Apanui), who have many years experience between them, and who are looking forward to the opportunity to share their knowledge with the community."
Preserving these photos and other taonga is just so important. I hope TRONT have a similar preservation and protection strategy and program going for Ngai Tahu Taonga. They do, don't they?
Weightlessness and then 4g's
Wow! I wish I was going... sort of.
"A star-struck Christchurch teenager will soon get a taste of the final frontier at a training camp for aspiring astronauts.
Rosie Bolderston, 17, a year 12 pupil at St Margaret's College, is one of two New Zealand students selected to attend the International Space Camp (ISC) in Huntsville, Alabama, in July.
She will join 150 other students from 23 countries for five days of "astronaut training", including learning about the mental, emotional and physical demands astronauts face, and scuba diving.
She will also experience four Gs of liftoff force and weightlessness in a space simulator."
Rosie Bolderston, 17, a year 12 pupil at St Margaret's College, is one of two New Zealand students selected to attend the International Space Camp (ISC) in Huntsville, Alabama, in July.
She will join 150 other students from 23 countries for five days of "astronaut training", including learning about the mental, emotional and physical demands astronauts face, and scuba diving.
She will also experience four Gs of liftoff force and weightlessness in a space simulator."
Dream big dreams - they might come true.
Everyone wins when the kids are eco-literate
Great news about a new school that is going to incorporate eco-literacy.
"A new Christchurch school has opened with a roll call of its differences, including a promise pupils will become "eco-literate".
The Seven Oaks School in Opawa, on the former horticulture campus of the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, has been set up by the Holistic Education Trust to add "real-life experiences" to the academic curriculum."
It is so important to marry real life experiences with academia, not just around the environment but money and culture too.
"Trust chairman Bruce McIntyre, the founder of outdoor apparel company Macpac, opened the school yesterday, saying it sprung from a dissatisfaction with humankind's environmental destruction.
"If we are to secure a place on this planet for our children and their children, we have no option but to improve the level of human consciousness," he said.
"And the only institution in society that can do this is education."
McIntyre said in addition to the "3Rs", pupils at Seven Oaks would become eco-literate.
"Even more importantly, they will become highly aware of who they are physically, emotionally, mentally and intuitively," he said."
Good luck to this group who have 'grasped the nettle' and taken action to get the results they believe in.
"A new Christchurch school has opened with a roll call of its differences, including a promise pupils will become "eco-literate".
The Seven Oaks School in Opawa, on the former horticulture campus of the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, has been set up by the Holistic Education Trust to add "real-life experiences" to the academic curriculum."
It is so important to marry real life experiences with academia, not just around the environment but money and culture too.
"Trust chairman Bruce McIntyre, the founder of outdoor apparel company Macpac, opened the school yesterday, saying it sprung from a dissatisfaction with humankind's environmental destruction.
"If we are to secure a place on this planet for our children and their children, we have no option but to improve the level of human consciousness," he said.
"And the only institution in society that can do this is education."
McIntyre said in addition to the "3Rs", pupils at Seven Oaks would become eco-literate.
"Even more importantly, they will become highly aware of who they are physically, emotionally, mentally and intuitively," he said."
Good luck to this group who have 'grasped the nettle' and taken action to get the results they believe in.
Creating identity - start with the truth
This is interesting,
"Despite almost half a million people claiming their ethnicity as "New Zealander" in the last census, Statistics New Zealand is opposed to making the grouping official."
New Zealander isn't an ethnic group, like for instance maori or indian.
"A Statistics New Zealand discussion paper issued yesterday recommends no changes to the ethnicity question for the 2011 census.
It says that, of those who wrote New Zealander, 90 per cent would come under the New Zealand European group."
This question goes to the heart of people's identity. And I, like everyone else in this country, want an identity. I want to identify. That is why there is the fuss about the naming of the islands or other natural features of this land, that is why some people can get away with racism by grouping tangata whenua as another minority. Until colonisation and the true place of maori are recognised and respected then we will have no peace.
"Academics say the desire to drop the "European" element shows a search for a new identity."
We also see this search manifested via creating icons (Hillary) and myths (number 8 wire mentality). We also see it in the support given to ANZAC day and the men and women who died to create a nation called 'New Zealand'.
"Despite almost half a million people claiming their ethnicity as "New Zealander" in the last census, Statistics New Zealand is opposed to making the grouping official."
New Zealander isn't an ethnic group, like for instance maori or indian.
"A Statistics New Zealand discussion paper issued yesterday recommends no changes to the ethnicity question for the 2011 census.
It says that, of those who wrote New Zealander, 90 per cent would come under the New Zealand European group."
This question goes to the heart of people's identity. And I, like everyone else in this country, want an identity. I want to identify. That is why there is the fuss about the naming of the islands or other natural features of this land, that is why some people can get away with racism by grouping tangata whenua as another minority. Until colonisation and the true place of maori are recognised and respected then we will have no peace.
"Academics say the desire to drop the "European" element shows a search for a new identity."
We also see this search manifested via creating icons (Hillary) and myths (number 8 wire mentality). We also see it in the support given to ANZAC day and the men and women who died to create a nation called 'New Zealand'.
Friday, April 24, 2009
GUESTPOST by Tempest
You know I bank with one of those parasitic outfits that ship my money offshore to invest in housing collapses, derivatives, arms dealers and phony stocks. I am paranoid that whoever really owns the bank is suddenly going to collapse. Thats why I wonder what are the alternatives? I think Ngai Tahu have done a good job getting Whai Rawa off the ground but the returns are very weak. Why not take it to the next stage and form a bank? In that way I can invest my money with Ngai Tahu, gain a fair return, seek a mortgage at a fair rate and all profits go back to where I can see and understand them. Wouldn't it be nice to actually employ Ngai Tahu people. With the number of members of Ngai Tahu and the ability to engage in internet banking it seems possible to consider this as an option. Wouldn't all that money sloshing around Ngai Tahu be better in a Ngai Tahu bank? Could we actually be visionary? Dare we dream.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
inspirational and indigenous
A good example of indigenous people making a difference.
"When Hugo Jabini saw his people's territory in Suriname being devastated by logging in the mid-1990s, he and a tribal leader of the forest-dwelling Saramaka decided to devote their days to halting the buzz of chain saws."
"Their activism toward halting the clearcutting of vast stands of tropical trees was rewarded Monday with the Goldman Environmental Prize, given annually by the San Francisco-based Goldman Environmental Foundation to six winners, one on each inhabited continent."
"The Goldman Foundation said Eduards and Jabini helped changed the law so that prior and informed consent of indigenous groups will be required for major development projects throughout the Americas.
"They saved not only their communities' 9,000 square kilometres of forest, but strengthened the possibility of saving countless more," the San Francisco-based group said in a statement."
"They saved not only their communities' 9,000 square kilometres of forest, but strengthened the possibility of saving countless more," the San Francisco-based group said in a statement."
So they not only halted the clear-felling in their forest but also helped change the law and empowered all indigenous people in the Americas.
"Suriname's government, which had previously granted concessions to Chinese logging companies without notifying the indigenous tribes, announced in January 2008 that it would abide by the judgment of the Costa Rica-based court."
Congratulations on the award, you inspire us all.
Blessings for new state school
This is the right way to do it.
"Land where the first new state school in Otago and Southland in 30 years will be built was blessed in an informal ceremony early yesterday morning.
Ngai Tahu representative Dean Whaanga, of Bluff, led 34 people in a cleansing of the Lake Ave site and laid down a clear pathway for the Remarkables Primary School project to take place by symbolically sprinkling water from Lake Wakatipu.
Mr Whaanga gave thanks to Mother Earth and asked her forgiveness for the tilling of the land, which began later the same day."
When such programs are started out correctly, then their success is much more likely.
Amazing to think that this is the first state school built in Otago and Southland for 30 years.
"Land where the first new state school in Otago and Southland in 30 years will be built was blessed in an informal ceremony early yesterday morning.
Ngai Tahu representative Dean Whaanga, of Bluff, led 34 people in a cleansing of the Lake Ave site and laid down a clear pathway for the Remarkables Primary School project to take place by symbolically sprinkling water from Lake Wakatipu.
Mr Whaanga gave thanks to Mother Earth and asked her forgiveness for the tilling of the land, which began later the same day."
When such programs are started out correctly, then their success is much more likely.
Amazing to think that this is the first state school built in Otago and Southland for 30 years.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Hidden gems in Te Karaka
An area of Te Karaka magazine that I really enjoy is the book reviews. It's great to read the views of the reviewers and awesome to see the range of books that they cover.
This month the following titles were reviewed:
Ratana The Prophet and Ratana Revisited
An Unfinished Legacy, 100 Years Of Maori Rugby League 1908 - 2008
The Matriarch
The Beating Heart: A Political And Socio-Economic History of Te Arawa
He Pataka Kupu.
That is an impressive selection! I read widely and alot and I like hearing other viewpoints.
So well done to the Te Karaka team and all of the reviewers: Donald Couch, Arapata Reuben, Karen Meihana, Dave Brennan, Eruera Tarena and Lisa Reedy-Jennings for the CD review of Nesian Mystik.
Sorry hedgehogs - you gotta go
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This is very interesting
"The humble hedgehog has been outed as public conservation enemy No 1 near the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.
More than half of the 5029 predators caught over four years, across 20,000 hectares of the Tasman riverbed, were hedgehogs."
More than half of the 5029 predators caught over four years, across 20,000 hectares of the Tasman riverbed, were hedgehogs."
I have to say I just never thought about hedgehogs like this, they always seemed to me to be an urban dweller.
"The surprisingly adaptable creatures, introduced to New Zealand in the late 19th century, were found as high as 1000 metres above sea-level.
Nelson said the prickly creatures ate birds eggs but it was not known whether they carried off young birds.
They also ate weta, beetles, grasshoppers and even lizards."
Nelson said the prickly creatures ate birds eggs but it was not known whether they carried off young birds.
They also ate weta, beetles, grasshoppers and even lizards."
"The $745,000 Tasman Valley trapping programme - which is four years into its five-year term - aims to create a "mainland island" to protect riverbed wildlife.
No poisoning is done in the valley.
About 1100 traps were laid from Whale Stream up to, and including, part of the national park. Hedgehogs and stoats were 75 per cent of the trapped predators."
No poisoning is done in the valley.
About 1100 traps were laid from Whale Stream up to, and including, part of the national park. Hedgehogs and stoats were 75 per cent of the trapped predators."
I like this idea of a "mainland island" to protect riverbed wildlife... and it seems to be working!
"The success of the trapping was measured by the breeding of native birds in riverbeds.
This season, the rare wrybill had a 100 per cent success rate for hatching chicks in the Tasman riverbed and only one banded dotterel nest was hit by predators."
This season, the rare wrybill had a 100 per cent success rate for hatching chicks in the Tasman riverbed and only one banded dotterel nest was hit by predators."
Hard to imagine you sleep well at night
Sometimes what people say really makes me wonder.
"A HIV-positive taxi driver twice found guilty of raping a teenaged female passenger was jailed for nine years today."
9 years - okay, it's at the lower end, the Crown wanted 12 years. The guilty driver aged 56. The victim aged 18 - the HIV status must surely be taken into account.
"Mussa's lawyer, Donald Stevens QC, asked for a starting point of eight years."
"He said Mussa already had a shorter life-span than other people, so the jail sentence represented more of his life than those not infected."
Yes that's right, this lawyer argues that because he was HIV positive, and therefore has a shorter lifespan, when he raped the teenage girl - he should get a shorter sentence. What a sick joke Donald Stevens QC you should be bloody ashamed.
Here's what the judge said about the effect of this rape
"Passing sentence in Wellington District Court today, Judge Bruce Davidson commented on the long-term effects of the rape, saying the victim still suffered depression, low self-esteem and was uncomfortable in the presence of men."
"A HIV-positive taxi driver twice found guilty of raping a teenaged female passenger was jailed for nine years today."
9 years - okay, it's at the lower end, the Crown wanted 12 years. The guilty driver aged 56. The victim aged 18 - the HIV status must surely be taken into account.
"Mussa's lawyer, Donald Stevens QC, asked for a starting point of eight years."
"He said Mussa already had a shorter life-span than other people, so the jail sentence represented more of his life than those not infected."
Yes that's right, this lawyer argues that because he was HIV positive, and therefore has a shorter lifespan, when he raped the teenage girl - he should get a shorter sentence. What a sick joke Donald Stevens QC you should be bloody ashamed.
Here's what the judge said about the effect of this rape
"Passing sentence in Wellington District Court today, Judge Bruce Davidson commented on the long-term effects of the rape, saying the victim still suffered depression, low self-esteem and was uncomfortable in the presence of men."
A play on colonisation
I like theatre and I like creativity.
"Wanaka will adopt a strong Gallic flavour for a day next week to celebrate the world premiere of a Kiwi play.
New Zealand playwright Dave Armstrong's play Le Sud, which explores French colonisation of the South Island, is part of Wanaka's Festival of Colour."
"Le Sud assumes a successful French colonisation of the South Island has turned it into a wealthy, independent French-speaking nation, a stark contrast to the English-colonised North Island which is in constant recession with race-relations issues."
Interesting concept... be great to see a play where Maori colonise France or England.
cadbury/pascall insult Inuits and us
This needs fixed.
"Seeka Lee Veevee Parsons, 21, an Inuit of the Nunavut Territory in Canada, said she was shocked when she found the Eskimo marshmallows for sale last week, saying there were an insult to her people."
"The word Eskimo was unacceptable in her country and carried with it negative racial connotations, she says.
The correct term was Inuit, Parsons says.
"I was taken aback. When I was a little girl white kids in the community used to tease me about it in a bad way. It's just not the correct term," she says.
She also believed the shape of the lolly was an unfair stereotype of her people."
Okay, i think Seeka has raised fair points that deserve consideration. It is easy for slippage into racism to occur - once noted, it can be remedied.
So what does the company say.
"But Cadbury Australia and New Zealand communications manager Daniel Ellis says Cadbury/Pascall did not intend to rename or remove the product.
"Pascall Eskimos are an iconic New Zealand lolly and have been enjoyed by millions of New Zealanders since they first hit shop shelves way back in 1955," he says.
"They continue to be incredibly popular today. Last year, we produced almost 19 million individual Eskimos, making it one of our most sought after Pascall products.
"It has never been our intention to offend any member of the public, and whilst we are disappointed to learn that this traditional New Zealand product has caused any concern, this is only the second time in the product's 54-year history that we have received such a complaint.This shows that the overwhelming majority of consumers do not find Eskimos to be offensive."
As usual PROFIT above the sensibilities of indigenous people. And sorry international corporation called cadbury/pascall, I do find it offensive and i will be writing to you to tell you that.
In 1955 this country was a very different place for maori.
"Seeka Lee Veevee Parsons, 21, an Inuit of the Nunavut Territory in Canada, said she was shocked when she found the Eskimo marshmallows for sale last week, saying there were an insult to her people."
"The word Eskimo was unacceptable in her country and carried with it negative racial connotations, she says.
The correct term was Inuit, Parsons says.
"I was taken aback. When I was a little girl white kids in the community used to tease me about it in a bad way. It's just not the correct term," she says.
She also believed the shape of the lolly was an unfair stereotype of her people."
Okay, i think Seeka has raised fair points that deserve consideration. It is easy for slippage into racism to occur - once noted, it can be remedied.
So what does the company say.
"But Cadbury Australia and New Zealand communications manager Daniel Ellis says Cadbury/Pascall did not intend to rename or remove the product.
"Pascall Eskimos are an iconic New Zealand lolly and have been enjoyed by millions of New Zealanders since they first hit shop shelves way back in 1955," he says.
"They continue to be incredibly popular today. Last year, we produced almost 19 million individual Eskimos, making it one of our most sought after Pascall products.
"It has never been our intention to offend any member of the public, and whilst we are disappointed to learn that this traditional New Zealand product has caused any concern, this is only the second time in the product's 54-year history that we have received such a complaint.This shows that the overwhelming majority of consumers do not find Eskimos to be offensive."
As usual PROFIT above the sensibilities of indigenous people. And sorry international corporation called cadbury/pascall, I do find it offensive and i will be writing to you to tell you that.
In 1955 this country was a very different place for maori.
Lets get rid of the no-names
This is a big one for me.
"The New Zealand Geographic Board is looking for alternative Maori names for the North and South Islands and also wants to make their English names official."
I cannot see what the problem is with Te Wai Pounamu and Te Ika a Maui. Lets ditch the stupid north and south island rubbish. Let's get rid of those nothing names. Let's not get distracted by the people who will try to distract us or put alternatives up.
"The board was looking for alternative names, which would mean that either the English names or the Maori names could be used, or they could be used together. That was different to dual naming, where both names were used together in official documents such as maps, he said."
If the north and south no-names are retained then that will be further evidence about how non-maori see maori in this country. Check out the comments here if you are unsure about this.
"The New Zealand Geographic Board is looking for alternative Maori names for the North and South Islands and also wants to make their English names official."
I cannot see what the problem is with Te Wai Pounamu and Te Ika a Maui. Lets ditch the stupid north and south island rubbish. Let's get rid of those nothing names. Let's not get distracted by the people who will try to distract us or put alternatives up.
"The board was looking for alternative names, which would mean that either the English names or the Maori names could be used, or they could be used together. That was different to dual naming, where both names were used together in official documents such as maps, he said."
If the north and south no-names are retained then that will be further evidence about how non-maori see maori in this country. Check out the comments here if you are unsure about this.
Lake with a 45 letter name spelling mistake sorted
Lake ChargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamauggSee - it's not just us that are getting the spelling mistakes sorted!
"Officials have agreed to correct spelling errors in road signs pointing to a central Massachusetts lake with a 45-letter name.
Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg in Webster has one of the world's longest place names. It's been spelled many different ways over the years. Some locals have given up and simply call it Lake Webster."
Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg in Webster has one of the world's longest place names. It's been spelled many different ways over the years. Some locals have given up and simply call it Lake Webster."
"The area of the Lake is 1,442 acres, which comprise three spring-fed lakes joined by narrow channels, North Pond, Middle Pond and South Pond. There are 17 miles of shore line. The length of the Lake is 3.25 miles, and at its widest point in Middle Pond, the distance is 1.125 miles. The shore line of North Pond is 5.78 miles, of Middle Pond, 7.06 miles, and South Pond is 4.17 miles."
"This lake was a central gathering place for the Nipmuc Indians and their friends."
I thought you were looking after the kids?
The news around early childhood centres and the care they provide is thought provoking.
"New Zealand has among the highest rates of early childhood education participation in the world.
According to Unicef, 32 per cent of Kiwi children under three are enrolled in care, compared with the OECD average of 24 per cent."
That's ONE IN THREE under 3-year olds in childcare!
An important point first. I don't point any blame at parents for trying to do the best they can do, by working and putting their children into childcare.
My question is, "Why is our society set up so that parents have to both work to survive?"
It really is the opposite of the way it should be.
The ERO says,
"Concerns about aspects of compliance in about half of the 74 centres checked. These included the monitoring of sleeping children, hazard management systems and some aspects of record keeping for excursions."
and
"Where routines were not well managed, children often spent too long waiting for food to be provided, to be put to bed or have their nappies changed.
In some centres, resources were stored out of reach and there were barriers between play areas. Inflexible routines stopping children from having independent access to play equipment.
In nearly two-thirds of the centres, the outdoor environment was not set up to encourage children's physical development and exploration.
ERO had concerns about the quality of interactions in some centres, such as teachers not interacting with children at meal times because they were focused on cleaning tasks."
Unless you are there all day, how do we know what is happening with our children.
So two big questions - Why are we leaders of the world in getting other people to look after our children, while we slave like dogs to make ends meet? and How can we ensure that our children are protected, and properly looked after when they are in the care of early childhood centres?
"New Zealand has among the highest rates of early childhood education participation in the world.
According to Unicef, 32 per cent of Kiwi children under three are enrolled in care, compared with the OECD average of 24 per cent."
That's ONE IN THREE under 3-year olds in childcare!
An important point first. I don't point any blame at parents for trying to do the best they can do, by working and putting their children into childcare.
My question is, "Why is our society set up so that parents have to both work to survive?"
It really is the opposite of the way it should be.
The ERO says,
"Concerns about aspects of compliance in about half of the 74 centres checked. These included the monitoring of sleeping children, hazard management systems and some aspects of record keeping for excursions."
and
"Where routines were not well managed, children often spent too long waiting for food to be provided, to be put to bed or have their nappies changed.
In some centres, resources were stored out of reach and there were barriers between play areas. Inflexible routines stopping children from having independent access to play equipment.
In nearly two-thirds of the centres, the outdoor environment was not set up to encourage children's physical development and exploration.
ERO had concerns about the quality of interactions in some centres, such as teachers not interacting with children at meal times because they were focused on cleaning tasks."
Unless you are there all day, how do we know what is happening with our children.
So two big questions - Why are we leaders of the world in getting other people to look after our children, while we slave like dogs to make ends meet? and How can we ensure that our children are protected, and properly looked after when they are in the care of early childhood centres?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Turn it round Ralph - be a hero!
Commonwealth Bank Ralph Norris boss takes $320,000 cut.
I've worked with Ralph and he is a pretty good guy. "Despite his pay cut, Mr Norris will still retain incentive and performance payments, which could see his total remuneration top $6 million next year."
He has taken the pay cut so that he can "... share the pain with customers."
I know you probably won't agree with me Ralph, but how about taking the $320,000 as your remuneration and take a $6 million cut. You could lead the world and other people on very excessive remuneration - say over 1 M a year might follow your example. It would do a hell of a lot more than trying to get the people with no money to work 9 days in the fortnight. It would show that the tears being cried by the very wealthy about this economic tsunami aren't just crocodille tears - that would really share the pain.
And to be honest, $320,000 is a pretty good income. That is $27,000 a month, $877 a day.
A person on $30,000 lives on $2,500 a month or $82 a day. Minus tax for all of these of course.
6 million = $500,000 a month, that's $16,438.36 a day!
I've worked with Ralph and he is a pretty good guy. "Despite his pay cut, Mr Norris will still retain incentive and performance payments, which could see his total remuneration top $6 million next year."
He has taken the pay cut so that he can "... share the pain with customers."
I know you probably won't agree with me Ralph, but how about taking the $320,000 as your remuneration and take a $6 million cut. You could lead the world and other people on very excessive remuneration - say over 1 M a year might follow your example. It would do a hell of a lot more than trying to get the people with no money to work 9 days in the fortnight. It would show that the tears being cried by the very wealthy about this economic tsunami aren't just crocodille tears - that would really share the pain.
And to be honest, $320,000 is a pretty good income. That is $27,000 a month, $877 a day.
A person on $30,000 lives on $2,500 a month or $82 a day. Minus tax for all of these of course.
6 million = $500,000 a month, that's $16,438.36 a day!
All the leaves... are beautiful
This time of year is lovely. Especially the changing colour of the leaves.
We know that Inuit have many different words for snow, I wonder how many words for red there are in maori?
Sometimes the colours are hard to describe
Beauty is everywhere A wise Ngai Tahu once explained that in the past everything had a known whakapapa. When the europeans arrived whakapapa had to be understood for all of the new things that they bought. This country doesnt have native deciduous trees, whose leaves change colour in autumn. What must our Tupuna have thought when those first trees began to change colour. I imagine they were too busy just surviving. We cannot change the past, we cannot go back, we can only go forward, together.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Get rid of the leechs
I've been pretty tough on Tony Veitch of recent times. Hopefully he is getting help in the way I'm going to describe.
Tony it's all over. you have been under the mistaken impression that you would be able to pick up your former life as a so called celebrity, that you would get back into broadcasting that it could all be saved. It can't - it never could. You hired media advisers and big lawyers, you tried to find dirt, you blamed - you have been in denial. And all of the advisers and mates you have, have perpetuated your illusions, all of the people who have said that you will be back, are in fact your enemies not your friends - they have not helped you one bit, they are like the friend John Kirwin talks about in his ad, that said to him, "Man up mate - get over it.". They are leeches and they don't care about you. There is no Team Veitch there is only Tony.
Stop it all Tony. No comments, no interviews, no justifications, no threats, no photos, no nothing - just drop it all. Get below the radar. It will be difficult because like many men in this country you have been led to believe that your job is you, that the artifical persona created is you - but it isn't you Tony. Now that everything has been stripped away you are left with the real you. get out of Auckland away from the bullshit. sack every adviser you have and save your money. Don't see your celebrity mates anymore - they are no use to you. Get your real friends and your family around so that you can face the grief cycle that you are in and so that you can move through it. You are stuck on denial and disbelief.
Tony many men go through the 'dark night of the soul', perhaps even every man. We either make it or we don't. You need to seek proper counselling to work out your addictions and face the truth about who you are - not veitchy, just good, bad and ugly Tony Veitch. You are just like the rest of us and that is why I know that you can build a new life and find the real you and be happy.
Tony it's all over. you have been under the mistaken impression that you would be able to pick up your former life as a so called celebrity, that you would get back into broadcasting that it could all be saved. It can't - it never could. You hired media advisers and big lawyers, you tried to find dirt, you blamed - you have been in denial. And all of the advisers and mates you have, have perpetuated your illusions, all of the people who have said that you will be back, are in fact your enemies not your friends - they have not helped you one bit, they are like the friend John Kirwin talks about in his ad, that said to him, "Man up mate - get over it.". They are leeches and they don't care about you. There is no Team Veitch there is only Tony.
Stop it all Tony. No comments, no interviews, no justifications, no threats, no photos, no nothing - just drop it all. Get below the radar. It will be difficult because like many men in this country you have been led to believe that your job is you, that the artifical persona created is you - but it isn't you Tony. Now that everything has been stripped away you are left with the real you. get out of Auckland away from the bullshit. sack every adviser you have and save your money. Don't see your celebrity mates anymore - they are no use to you. Get your real friends and your family around so that you can face the grief cycle that you are in and so that you can move through it. You are stuck on denial and disbelief.
Tony many men go through the 'dark night of the soul', perhaps even every man. We either make it or we don't. You need to seek proper counselling to work out your addictions and face the truth about who you are - not veitchy, just good, bad and ugly Tony Veitch. You are just like the rest of us and that is why I know that you can build a new life and find the real you and be happy.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Keep speaking your language
I'm with Tariana on this one
"Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says a Wellington bus company that is asking its workers to speak only English needs a reality check.
Mana Coach Services' company handbook asks its drivers to use only English, even in the staffroom.
Chief executive officer Geoff Norman wrote to the Tramways Union saying "the use of a language in front of others who do not understand what is being said, we consider to be the height of bad manners"."
I enjoy the wide variety of different cultures that have landed in our land. I love the different languages and the different looks and the different shades of human.
We are all different and our individuality is a gift.
Speaking a language in front of others that they don't understand is not the height of bad manners at all - it's actually just speaking to someone in another language. No connotations, no inferences just talking.
As Tariana states, "The company needs to realise that language is the cornerstone of any culture and not giving their staff the right to express themselves to another staff member in a language they both understand is depriving them of their identity."
"Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says a Wellington bus company that is asking its workers to speak only English needs a reality check.
Mana Coach Services' company handbook asks its drivers to use only English, even in the staffroom.
Chief executive officer Geoff Norman wrote to the Tramways Union saying "the use of a language in front of others who do not understand what is being said, we consider to be the height of bad manners"."
I enjoy the wide variety of different cultures that have landed in our land. I love the different languages and the different looks and the different shades of human.
We are all different and our individuality is a gift.
Speaking a language in front of others that they don't understand is not the height of bad manners at all - it's actually just speaking to someone in another language. No connotations, no inferences just talking.
As Tariana states, "The company needs to realise that language is the cornerstone of any culture and not giving their staff the right to express themselves to another staff member in a language they both understand is depriving them of their identity."
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Your submission is needed
Some great (and I mean really GREAT) information on the TRONT website about the forthcoming review of the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004.
These are the headings of the various sections to give you an idea of the depth of the info.
Introduction
Where Did The Foreshore and Seabed Act Come From?
What Did The Foreshore and Seabed Act Do?
Why Did Māori Oppose The Foreshore And Seabed Act?
What Is The Foreshore And Seabed Review?
How Can I Participate In The Foreshore And Seabed Review?
What Should I Say To The Review Panel?
Within this last section are comprehensive strands of various arguments which can be incorporated into a submission.
Details of how and who to direct a written submission to, is also there and reproduced below.
The date for written submissions is: 19th May.
Submissions can be sent to:
Post:
Foreshore and Seabed ReviewMinistry of JusticeC/- PO Box 180 WELLINGTON 6140
Email:
foreshore_submit@justice.govt.nz
This is great, well done to the person/s who pulled this together. Good information and very helpful for all our submissions. The more the merrier on this one.
These are the headings of the various sections to give you an idea of the depth of the info.
Introduction
Where Did The Foreshore and Seabed Act Come From?
What Did The Foreshore and Seabed Act Do?
Why Did Māori Oppose The Foreshore And Seabed Act?
What Is The Foreshore And Seabed Review?
How Can I Participate In The Foreshore And Seabed Review?
What Should I Say To The Review Panel?
Within this last section are comprehensive strands of various arguments which can be incorporated into a submission.
Details of how and who to direct a written submission to, is also there and reproduced below.
The date for written submissions is: 19th May.
Submissions can be sent to:
Post:
Foreshore and Seabed ReviewMinistry of JusticeC/- PO Box 180 WELLINGTON 6140
Email:
foreshore_submit@justice.govt.nz
This is great, well done to the person/s who pulled this together. Good information and very helpful for all our submissions. The more the merrier on this one.
damn the dams
MatauraNews that, "Plans for up to four new hydro-electric dams on the Clutha River have been released by power company Contact Energy." gives me the willies.
Hasn't Mataura put up with enough.
4 more dams - for what? More power - how about trying to reduce the need for so much power.
I hope we will fight this as an iwi. It's not about the jobs or the money it's about the awa and our duty to our children and their children.
Update - Apparently there are 4 different options for a dam rather than one option for 4 dams. Hmmm we'll see.
Sorry Susan
"Dame Susan Devoy says her testimonial for broadcaster Tony Veitch – splashed across newspapers today – was for an application to return his passport, not to support him in a court sentencing.
"I feel misled," the squash legend said this morning."
"I honestly wrote my testimonial in the belief it was to support an application from Tony to get his passport back for the possibility of a job opportunity," she told Radio Live.
She had written it because she believed Veitch, whom she knew and whose stepmother was a close friend, deserved a chance to work again.
"I mean we can't ostracise him for the rest of his life. But it is a different kettle of fish when you are writing a letter of support of someone coming up for sentencing.
"And I know that because I have written a letter recently for someone who is actually serving 10 years and six months for something probably a lot less than what Tony has done."
She said she would not necessarily have refused to provide a testimonial for his sentencing."
I am pleased that this has been clarified and I totally retract my comments about not respecting Susan. I feel a new measure of respect for her, it cannot be easy getting mixed up in this sorry tale.
Once again, sorry Susan .
"I feel misled," the squash legend said this morning."
"I honestly wrote my testimonial in the belief it was to support an application from Tony to get his passport back for the possibility of a job opportunity," she told Radio Live.
She had written it because she believed Veitch, whom she knew and whose stepmother was a close friend, deserved a chance to work again.
"I mean we can't ostracise him for the rest of his life. But it is a different kettle of fish when you are writing a letter of support of someone coming up for sentencing.
"And I know that because I have written a letter recently for someone who is actually serving 10 years and six months for something probably a lot less than what Tony has done."
She said she would not necessarily have refused to provide a testimonial for his sentencing."
I am pleased that this has been clarified and I totally retract my comments about not respecting Susan. I feel a new measure of respect for her, it cannot be easy getting mixed up in this sorry tale.
Once again, sorry Susan .
My foot is hurt by your back being in the way when I kicked you.
How NOT to accept responsibility for something you have done wrong.
Blame the victim - "The judge said I made one mistake, one. She would not leave my house, it was my house."
Blame the media - "threatened legal action against some media."
These are the people who have endorsed this sad loser
"TEAM VEITCH:
All Blacks coach Graham Henry:
Veitch was fair, objective and had a good "feel" for people and their situations. He never got involved in "bagging" individuals after the All Blacks' 2007 Rugby World Cup defeat in Cardiff. "Because of his qualities as a journalist and his willingness to help others, Tony has many supporters in the community and they all hope that he gets an opportunity as soon as possible to be able to get on with his life."
"If something went wrong he would not blame other people, but would admit responsibility. I have kept in contact with Tony over the past few months. I have never seen anybody more devastated or more contrite. It has been painful to watch. I have absolutely no doubt that he will face up to his responsibilities. He is an honest, decent man. I sincerely hope he is given the chance to rebuild his life."
"I know the sort of person that Tony is, and I believe that he deserves the right to get on with his life. What I know him for, above all else, is his enthusiasm, determination and trustworthy character."
"As a passionate New Zealander I was totally dismayed and appalled at the manner with which Tony was treated ... Tony deserves a chance to get his life back and to be able to have the opportunity to work again. Are we not a society who believes in forgiveness, a society that allows people to put the past behind them and move forward? A society that realises we all make mistakes but shouldn't have to spend our whole lives paying for them."
"Tony seemed to have one speed only and that was top gear ... keen to please everyone and not let anyone down. That's his nature. I would regard Tony as one of the most caring and honest individuals I've known. He's incredibly kind and constantly puts others ahead of himself on a personal and professional front."
"While I appreciate the seriousness of the charges he is facing and make no comment on them, my personal dealings with Tony have always been conducted with honesty and respect."
Hey Currie luckily your not his exgirlfriend lying on the floor in front of him.
As you can tell I have zero respect for all of the fools listed above. Sometimes there is wrong and right. The wrong cannot be justified and it can't be countered with statements about what a good guy the person who did the wrong is.
People can be forgiven and they can rebuild their lives but FIRST they have to accept the truth and stop being self delusional. All of these so called friends of Veitch have let him and us down. All of the crap above doesn't help poor Tony - it will just make his fronting up to what he did longer and harder.
Blame the victim - "The judge said I made one mistake, one. She would not leave my house, it was my house."
Blame the media - "threatened legal action against some media."
These are the people who have endorsed this sad loser
"TEAM VEITCH:
All Blacks coach Graham Henry:
Veitch was fair, objective and had a good "feel" for people and their situations. He never got involved in "bagging" individuals after the All Blacks' 2007 Rugby World Cup defeat in Cardiff. "Because of his qualities as a journalist and his willingness to help others, Tony has many supporters in the community and they all hope that he gets an opportunity as soon as possible to be able to get on with his life."
Hey Henry he kicked her and broke her back
Former Holmes show presenter Susan Wood:"If something went wrong he would not blame other people, but would admit responsibility. I have kept in contact with Tony over the past few months. I have never seen anybody more devastated or more contrite. It has been painful to watch. I have absolutely no doubt that he will face up to his responsibilities. He is an honest, decent man. I sincerely hope he is given the chance to rebuild his life."
Hey Wood he kicked her on the ground cos she was in the way
Triathlete Hamish Carter:"I know the sort of person that Tony is, and I believe that he deserves the right to get on with his life. What I know him for, above all else, is his enthusiasm, determination and trustworthy character."
Hey Carter is the woman whose back was broken able to get on with her life?
Dame Susan Devoy:"As a passionate New Zealander I was totally dismayed and appalled at the manner with which Tony was treated ... Tony deserves a chance to get his life back and to be able to have the opportunity to work again. Are we not a society who believes in forgiveness, a society that allows people to put the past behind them and move forward? A society that realises we all make mistakes but shouldn't have to spend our whole lives paying for them."
Hey Devoy What do you think about the way poor Tony treated his victim?
One News presenter Bernadine Oliver-Kirby:"Tony seemed to have one speed only and that was top gear ... keen to please everyone and not let anyone down. That's his nature. I would regard Tony as one of the most caring and honest individuals I've known. He's incredibly kind and constantly puts others ahead of himself on a personal and professional front."
Hey Oliver-Kirby he gave a really 'caring' kick didn't he or did she deserve it?
Olympic and Commonwealth Games Chef de Mission Dave Currie:"While I appreciate the seriousness of the charges he is facing and make no comment on them, my personal dealings with Tony have always been conducted with honesty and respect."
Hey Currie luckily your not his exgirlfriend lying on the floor in front of him.
As you can tell I have zero respect for all of the fools listed above. Sometimes there is wrong and right. The wrong cannot be justified and it can't be countered with statements about what a good guy the person who did the wrong is.
People can be forgiven and they can rebuild their lives but FIRST they have to accept the truth and stop being self delusional. All of these so called friends of Veitch have let him and us down. All of the crap above doesn't help poor Tony - it will just make his fronting up to what he did longer and harder.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Home at last
This is good.
"A repatriation ceremony for his tupuna (ancestors) yesterday sent a shiver up the spine of Rangitane iwi member Jeffrey Hynes.
"It was hard not to get emotionally charged in a setting like this. Even the strongest man would be tempted to cry."
Mr Hynes and 100 other iwi members retrieved the bones of their ancestors yesterday at a ceremony at Canterbury Museum.
It was a day for the people of Rangitane to be proud of who they are, said several iwi members.
The iwi, many of whom had travelled from Marlborough, went to the museum to reclaim their ancestors' bones, believed to be about 700 years old. The tupuna were excavated up to 70 years ago by the museum from the Wairau Bar for study and display purposes. About 60 tupuna will be brought back to Marlborough today for reburial at the Bar tomorrow."
This is a proud day for Rangitane and all maori, especially those who whakapapa to the first peoples of Te Wai Pounamu.
"A repatriation ceremony for his tupuna (ancestors) yesterday sent a shiver up the spine of Rangitane iwi member Jeffrey Hynes.
"It was hard not to get emotionally charged in a setting like this. Even the strongest man would be tempted to cry."
Mr Hynes and 100 other iwi members retrieved the bones of their ancestors yesterday at a ceremony at Canterbury Museum.
It was a day for the people of Rangitane to be proud of who they are, said several iwi members.
The iwi, many of whom had travelled from Marlborough, went to the museum to reclaim their ancestors' bones, believed to be about 700 years old. The tupuna were excavated up to 70 years ago by the museum from the Wairau Bar for study and display purposes. About 60 tupuna will be brought back to Marlborough today for reburial at the Bar tomorrow."
This is a proud day for Rangitane and all maori, especially those who whakapapa to the first peoples of Te Wai Pounamu.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
NO to the development in the Waiareka Valley
I am not going to make too many comments on this.
The basic gist is that Holcim wants to set up a cement plant, 2 quarries and a coal mine in the Waiareka Valley, just out of Oamaru. Holcim liased with the relevant Ngai Tahu runaka and has eventually got the resource consent.
Te Runanganui O Waitaha Me Mata Waka Iwi Authority oppose the development and they say they have not been consulted and have not had a chance to put their case forward because they don't want to lose their knowledge to Ngai Tahu.
"Waitaha has spoken publicly for the first time about its deep spiritual and cultural ties to the Waiareka Valley as it opposes in the Environment Court a cement plant, two quarries and a coal mine planned there."
"Waitaha is adamant Ngai Tahu and its Moeraki runanga cannot speak for it because it does not have the knowledge about those ties."
"Waitaha opposes the cement plant and its associated developments in the Waiareka Valley. Ngai Tahu supports it, subject to conditions.
Mrs Te Maiharoa-Dodds explained the sensitivity of the Waiareka Valley to Waitaha. It held many trails to access the hinterland. The valley contained settlements, places and geological limestone formations sacred to Waitaha, including the escarpment next to the plant site. "
"We need to tread lightly when we go into these places," she said.
While it was fair to extract limited amounts of Oamaru stone for buildings and sculpture where it was revered and treated with respect, it was quite another to remove such a large amount to grind up for cement.
"The bulk of the proposed white stone extraction [by Holcim] is similar to that of a small mountain. Once removed there is no possibility of returning to its natural state," he said.
Te Runanganui O Waitaha Me Mata Waka Iwi Authority kaumatua Barbara Olsen said the "bottom line" for Waitaha was moving the whole Holcim operation to "other parts".
She did not agree Waitaha and Ngai Tahu were one people, nor that under legislation Ngai Tahu spoke for Waitaha.
She did not agree Waitaha and Ngai Tahu were one people, nor that under legislation Ngai Tahu spoke for Waitaha.
Ngai Tahu's Moeraki runanga had been described by Holcim as the official iwi representative. The Moeraki runanga did not contact Waitaha to discuss any issues relevant to the project.
As a result, Waitaha's stories and knowledge of the area were not heard. It had special knowledge of its ancestral lands and connections, but did not want to share it because it effectively removed its exclusive connection with its heritage, Mrs Olsen said.
As a result, Waitaha's stories and knowledge of the area were not heard. It had special knowledge of its ancestral lands and connections, but did not want to share it because it effectively removed its exclusive connection with its heritage, Mrs Olsen said.
On the TRONT website it says the following,
"Ngāi Tahu are the iwi comprised of Ngāi Tahu whānui; that is, the collective of the individuals who descend from the five primary hapū of Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe and Waitaha, namely Kāti Kurī, Ngāti Irakehu, Kāti Huirapa, Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki."
"Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu was established by the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Act 1996 and services the tribe's statutory rights and ensures that the benefits of the Settlement are enjoyed by Ngāi Tahu whānui now and in the future."
What happens if you don't descend from one of those five hapu?
History is written by the victors and when written becomes the way it was - but that doesn't make it right.
My view is that this development should be STOPPED. Ngai Tahu whanui should support these Waitaha. The runaka, while having legal authority to negotiate doesn't necessarily have the moral authority and they should work with the Waitaha grouping and at the very least consult with them.
Good maori party idea
Pita Sharples makes a lot of sense.
"A separate Maori prison unit where the inmates go flatting and the focus is on healing is under consideration by the Government.
The "alternative rehabilitation centre" is being promoted by Associate Corrections Minister and Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples."
We know that the current system is flawed and that more and more maori go throught the prison system without changing or improving their lives. We need to think outside the square and focus on the goal - reducing reoffending and giving our people some hope for the future.
"A separate Maori prison unit where the inmates go flatting and the focus is on healing is under consideration by the Government.
The "alternative rehabilitation centre" is being promoted by Associate Corrections Minister and Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples."
We know that the current system is flawed and that more and more maori go throught the prison system without changing or improving their lives. We need to think outside the square and focus on the goal - reducing reoffending and giving our people some hope for the future.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Lefty likes righty
It's fair to say that if I needed a label, it would lean to the left.
But I can find gold anywhere and everywhere and that is why I am really pleased to encourage people to read Tau Henare's blog. It covers a lot of the same ground that i like to talk and post about - and if we are entering the big one in terms of depressions then the opportunities to revitalise the culture have also expanded.
I won't repeat the whole blog but I will offer some highlights.
"With all the talk of recession and how to get out of it, I remember only too well the last one. The 80s downturn for us in Otara was like a bold-faced gate crasher who arrived early, wrecked the place and wouldn't leave.
Sixth form certificate wasn't enough to get me a job. Thirty years of service on the railways wasn't enough to protect my father from redundancy.Yet as bad as things may have appeared to others, it was still one of the most upbeat times of my youth. I owe this to the rise of Maori culture. A culture largely forgotten by many of my father's generation as they settled into the gentle pace of urban life."
"The role of culture comes into its own during hard times. Essentially, it's because it distracts us from the hopelessness of our situation while compelling us to become more creative, inventive and imaginative. Together with visionary leadership, we have the very fundamental to freeing ourselves from recession.The combination of visionary leadership and culture can be seen in an earlier era. During the Great Depression, Sir Apirana Ngata understood that this was central to Maori economic recovery. He believed communities had to become self-reliant, socially cohesive and bound together by a peaceful culture with arts at its axis. Consequently, the renaissance was born resulting in a resurgence of marae building, carving, weaving, kapahaka and everything else in between."
"Maori faced similar problems in the 80s. And through the chaos of urbanisation, a 23 per cent unemployment rate and a youthful population, two guardians of an earlier era Sir James Henare and John Rangihau, emerged with a new twist to the old remedy.The revitalisation of Maori language was their focus forged from the old education system and remodelled to create a new philosophy, for out of early childhood centres, te kohanga reo was formed; out of schools, te kura kaupapa; out of universities, wananga; and from there came a record number of Maori tertiary graduates."
"To build on that requires world views to merge. For instance in relation to recent policy statements, where some see just a cycleway, I see an opportunity for cash poor, land rich Maori communities to enter the tourism industry by unlocking some of the most scenic and historically fascinating geography in the country.Where some see an army boot camp, I see shades of the old Maori Battalion whose noble mantra of service and sacrifice for one's country should be an inspiration to a troubled generation. Where some see the nine-day working fortnight as a day off, I see an opportunity for workers to learn Maori."
This is good stuff. I hope Ngai Tahu has the visionary leadership to take the lemons from this economic downturn and give us a recipe, a bowl and a bit of sugar so that we can make enough lemonade satisfy our people.
But I can find gold anywhere and everywhere and that is why I am really pleased to encourage people to read Tau Henare's blog. It covers a lot of the same ground that i like to talk and post about - and if we are entering the big one in terms of depressions then the opportunities to revitalise the culture have also expanded.
I won't repeat the whole blog but I will offer some highlights.
"With all the talk of recession and how to get out of it, I remember only too well the last one. The 80s downturn for us in Otara was like a bold-faced gate crasher who arrived early, wrecked the place and wouldn't leave.
Sixth form certificate wasn't enough to get me a job. Thirty years of service on the railways wasn't enough to protect my father from redundancy.Yet as bad as things may have appeared to others, it was still one of the most upbeat times of my youth. I owe this to the rise of Maori culture. A culture largely forgotten by many of my father's generation as they settled into the gentle pace of urban life."
"The role of culture comes into its own during hard times. Essentially, it's because it distracts us from the hopelessness of our situation while compelling us to become more creative, inventive and imaginative. Together with visionary leadership, we have the very fundamental to freeing ourselves from recession.The combination of visionary leadership and culture can be seen in an earlier era. During the Great Depression, Sir Apirana Ngata understood that this was central to Maori economic recovery. He believed communities had to become self-reliant, socially cohesive and bound together by a peaceful culture with arts at its axis. Consequently, the renaissance was born resulting in a resurgence of marae building, carving, weaving, kapahaka and everything else in between."
"Maori faced similar problems in the 80s. And through the chaos of urbanisation, a 23 per cent unemployment rate and a youthful population, two guardians of an earlier era Sir James Henare and John Rangihau, emerged with a new twist to the old remedy.The revitalisation of Maori language was their focus forged from the old education system and remodelled to create a new philosophy, for out of early childhood centres, te kohanga reo was formed; out of schools, te kura kaupapa; out of universities, wananga; and from there came a record number of Maori tertiary graduates."
"To build on that requires world views to merge. For instance in relation to recent policy statements, where some see just a cycleway, I see an opportunity for cash poor, land rich Maori communities to enter the tourism industry by unlocking some of the most scenic and historically fascinating geography in the country.Where some see an army boot camp, I see shades of the old Maori Battalion whose noble mantra of service and sacrifice for one's country should be an inspiration to a troubled generation. Where some see the nine-day working fortnight as a day off, I see an opportunity for workers to learn Maori."
This is good stuff. I hope Ngai Tahu has the visionary leadership to take the lemons from this economic downturn and give us a recipe, a bowl and a bit of sugar so that we can make enough lemonade satisfy our people.
Heaven in Wainui Bay
Wainui Bay - MohuaI spent easter at the Tui Community in Wainui Bay. Wow - talk about relax. It could have been the lack of car and city noises, replaced by birdsong. It could have been the untouched native bush absolutely teeming with insects and life, or it might have been the friendly weka that lives beside the house. Maybe the adobe home, with no straight lines, warm in winter and cool in summer, designed to capture the sunlight and be at one with the land. Or perhaps it was the organic freshly grown food or the general vibe of a group of people with common goals and aspriations. I feel inspired. Tui isn't perfect but it is a lot closer to it than the way many of us live.
We can learn the lessons from communities like these, and add our own learning from runaka and marae. Because that was the big missing area for me, Maoritanga, Kai Tahutanga. You can feel the histories close by. There is very little gap/veil between the past and today out there. The voices are still there, our voices are still there.
Our communities, on our land, in our way, for us. That is my goal and dream.
Website good, art good
Great to see the Ngai Tahu Toi section of the whanui area of the TRONT website, has new information in there.
The Wanaka Festival of Colour sounds interesting
"Pouwhenua - Markers on the Land
Duration: 28 April - 3 MayPrice: FreeSponsored By: Ngai Tahu and Creative New Zealand.
Simon Kaan, Areta Wilkinson, Martin Hill and Michel Tuffery"
Just a couple of small points for me; I couldn't tell (no info on TRONT website) if these artists are Ngai Tahu whanui or not, so not sure if this is up because of the sponsorship of Ngai Tahu (my guess), or if there is also other connections, but either way good to see some more information. My other point is this info is layered into the TRONT website and unless you are specifically looking for something or surfing, I'm not sure if you could find it.
Still all good and keep the good stuff coming. Worthwhile checking out the artists individual websites too.
The Wanaka Festival of Colour sounds interesting
"Pouwhenua - Markers on the Land
Duration: 28 April - 3 MayPrice: FreeSponsored By: Ngai Tahu and Creative New Zealand.
Simon Kaan, Areta Wilkinson, Martin Hill and Michel Tuffery"
Just a couple of small points for me; I couldn't tell (no info on TRONT website) if these artists are Ngai Tahu whanui or not, so not sure if this is up because of the sponsorship of Ngai Tahu (my guess), or if there is also other connections, but either way good to see some more information. My other point is this info is layered into the TRONT website and unless you are specifically looking for something or surfing, I'm not sure if you could find it.
Still all good and keep the good stuff coming. Worthwhile checking out the artists individual websites too.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Don't dump food you fools
In the ODT, "Kiwifruit growers are to destroy a million trays, or 3.6m kg, of green export fruit as global demand slumps."
Seems like a big waste of kai just to keep the prices up. Why not make some jam or chutney, and give it to the soup kitchens or the Sally Army for the increased numbers of homeless and struggling people out there? Why waste it!
Ngai Tahu Virtual Art gallery already set up!
A virtual Art gallery, showcasing Ngai Tahu artists and their works seems do-able to me. We could go the whole hog like the Louvre, but I think we already have the basics set up.
Within the TRONT website three Ngai Tahu artists are profiled and some of their work shown. Yes that's right, we already have the beginnings of a virtual gallery, my only issue is that it is hard to find and i cannot work out who the audience is. Is the audience Ngai Tahu whanui which would appear to be the case because of the positioning, within the TRONT website of the information. Or is the audience the rest of the world - and if that's the case maybe the virtual art gallery should be on the front opening page of the website.
Whoever the audience is - well done to the team that have got this information onto the website. Let's get more artists on, like the wonderful artists showcased within Te Karaka. Imagine having sections on Modern Art, Traditional art, sculpture, carving, Ta Moko, youth and so on... the list is endless.
Congratulations to the artists profiled too: Ross Hemera, Lonnie Hutchinson, and Jenny Rendall.
Within the TRONT website three Ngai Tahu artists are profiled and some of their work shown. Yes that's right, we already have the beginnings of a virtual gallery, my only issue is that it is hard to find and i cannot work out who the audience is. Is the audience Ngai Tahu whanui which would appear to be the case because of the positioning, within the TRONT website of the information. Or is the audience the rest of the world - and if that's the case maybe the virtual art gallery should be on the front opening page of the website.
Whoever the audience is - well done to the team that have got this information onto the website. Let's get more artists on, like the wonderful artists showcased within Te Karaka. Imagine having sections on Modern Art, Traditional art, sculpture, carving, Ta Moko, youth and so on... the list is endless.
Congratulations to the artists profiled too: Ross Hemera, Lonnie Hutchinson, and Jenny Rendall.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
How are your retired rellies doing?
I thought this sounded a bit funny when I read it this morning,
"A 2008 OECD study said only 2 percent of New Zealand's people aged 65 and over were officially below the poverty line in the 30 OECD countries.
This tied New Zealand with the Netherlands and the Czech Republic at the top of the ladder."
Some people don't agree!
"But analyst Charles Waldegrave said the fact the study defined poverty as being anyone whose disposable income was less than 50 percent of median disposable income made life for New Zealand pensioners look better than it was.
He said that if the official New Zealand poverty threshold of 60 percent was used, New Zealand would be last of the 30 countries."
"Some organisations working with older people said the OECD study findings were misleading. Age Concern chief executive Ann Martin said: "They just don't match what older people are telling us. Common sense tells us you can't live on $12,500 - $16,000 per person [after tax] annually, but that's what most superannuitants have to do."
The facts are that maori earn less in their working life than non-maori, a higher percentage have jobs involving physical activity which wears you out and can cause more medical and health problems later in life. Maori work longer into retirement, they do more extra activity after retirement, unpaid, around their marae and to top it all off - Maori have a shorter life expectancy than non-maori.
It would be interesting (and very disturbing) to see just the maori statistics - I wonder what percentage of Maori live above the poverty line at retirement?
"A 2008 OECD study said only 2 percent of New Zealand's people aged 65 and over were officially below the poverty line in the 30 OECD countries.
This tied New Zealand with the Netherlands and the Czech Republic at the top of the ladder."
Some people don't agree!
"But analyst Charles Waldegrave said the fact the study defined poverty as being anyone whose disposable income was less than 50 percent of median disposable income made life for New Zealand pensioners look better than it was.
He said that if the official New Zealand poverty threshold of 60 percent was used, New Zealand would be last of the 30 countries."
"Some organisations working with older people said the OECD study findings were misleading. Age Concern chief executive Ann Martin said: "They just don't match what older people are telling us. Common sense tells us you can't live on $12,500 - $16,000 per person [after tax] annually, but that's what most superannuitants have to do."
The facts are that maori earn less in their working life than non-maori, a higher percentage have jobs involving physical activity which wears you out and can cause more medical and health problems later in life. Maori work longer into retirement, they do more extra activity after retirement, unpaid, around their marae and to top it all off - Maori have a shorter life expectancy than non-maori.
It would be interesting (and very disturbing) to see just the maori statistics - I wonder what percentage of Maori live above the poverty line at retirement?
Key - tell it like it is - we can take it
John Key seems to be doing okay but I do worry about this,
As Vernon Small in the Dom says,
"Unemployment is now set to go above the Treasury's previous worst-case scenario of 7.2 per cent, leaving a further 60,000 people jobless by next year.
Officials' latest predictions are increasingly pessimistic, as the recession appears likely to last more than two years.
But Prime Minister John Key says he is sticking to his "optimistic and sunny" approach, predicting a rebound at the end of the year."
"However, Mr Key repeated yesterday that he expected economic growth would rebound "quite aggressively". He said he had not given up on a recovery later this year.
That has put him at odds with Finance Minister Bill English, who believes a much slower recovery is likely because it will not be as easy to obtain credit as in past rebounds."
I think the Southland boy has a better feel for the truth.
As Vernon Small in the Dom says,
"Unemployment is now set to go above the Treasury's previous worst-case scenario of 7.2 per cent, leaving a further 60,000 people jobless by next year.
Officials' latest predictions are increasingly pessimistic, as the recession appears likely to last more than two years.
But Prime Minister John Key says he is sticking to his "optimistic and sunny" approach, predicting a rebound at the end of the year."
"However, Mr Key repeated yesterday that he expected economic growth would rebound "quite aggressively". He said he had not given up on a recovery later this year.
That has put him at odds with Finance Minister Bill English, who believes a much slower recovery is likely because it will not be as easy to obtain credit as in past rebounds."
I think the Southland boy has a better feel for the truth.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Please Talleys just give us peas in our peas
It's a worry when you find nightshade berries in your frozen peas. It doesn't appear that Talleys took it too seriously at first, but they sure are investigating now.
"National Poisons Centre spokesman Leo Schep said the black nightshade berries did not kill but were dangerous in large quantities and could cause fever, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain."
Not good, that's why gardening and growing our own veges is the best way to go. Community gardens bring people together and save money. The "Growing Organic" regular feature, just added to Te Karaka, is timely and just what we need. Also great to see the photos of Hapuku School's vege gardens in the "More than Te Reo" article.
Good points from CEO of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu
I thought Anake's introduction in the latest Te Karaka hit many good points. I like the water/current/waka metaphors, they make sense to me.
If, as Anake says ,"One quarter of the Maori labour force could therefore be unemployed in the foreseeable future." is true, and I think it is, then we need to prepare. It is good to see Ngai Tahu involved with the Government on the summit's and taskforce's; so why don't we do the same for Ngai Tahu whanui? Perhaps a summit or taskforce, made up of Ngai Tahu from a wide selection of backgrounds and skills.
They could be given responsibility for assessing the current situation, the likely future scenario, the current capacity to support Ngai Tahu whanui, the necessary future capacity that may be required.
At the least, it would give the powers that be a real view of tribal members and at the best, it will help prevent the consequences of dropping financially into a big hole, namely people hurting themselves and others.
There are many areas to consider not just the financial. When you lose your job and the pressure comes on, it's easy to go to drink and drugs, it's easy to feel useless and a burden, and it's easy to get depressed and suicidal. We have to support our people through the grief cycle that occurs when jobs get lost. As Anake says, "Our communities will continue to support whanau ..." True, and we need to support the communities supporting the whanau.
As is often the case, the whole situation is really a wonderful opportunity. This will bring us closer together and it will make us stronger. Adversity binds people together.
Central Plains Water Project down the gurgler - yay!
Te Waihora
Good news that the Central Plains Water Project is in doubt and is unlikely to go ahead. This project is wrong in so many ways and it was great to see Ngai Tahu make submissions opposing the scheme.
In a keynote speech to the Irrigation NZ Conference and Expo 2008, Mark Solomon, our Kaiwhakahaere stated, "... Central Plains Water Scheme is an example of a type of development Ngai Tahu opposes on the basis of the effects taking large amounts of water from the Waimakariri and Rakaia Rivers will have on the in-stream eco-systems, the physical landscape and the cultural landscape. Added to that are the effects 60,000 hectares of new intensified land use will have on Te Waihora (Ellesmere) and its lowland streams."
Congratulations to all opponents, especially to the submitters on behalf of all Ngai Tahu - we are proud of this work.
In the very good speech mentioned above, Mark also outlines Ngai Tahu's view of the cultural significance of water.
"If you can picture a water way or location in Te Waipounamu, perhaps a favourite site or place like Queenstown or Wanaka, a fishing spot, or a special place over looking water and you will likely be referring to a place that was a traditional or seasonal camp site."
"Our ancestors had a thing for location, an eye for places that were sheltered, had access to food resources and connected to water and waterways, and invariably places that conjured up feelings of beauty and awe."
"Water was a central feature, a medium that our people lived with and off rather than seeking to manipulate it to do things that were not natural, it was a resource that the people had no need to control or harness."
To Ngai Tahu water is not only a source of food and physical sustenance, but a source of mana and spiritual sustenance, intricately linked to our well-being, and the hunter gatherer society."
These words are strong and true. I would like to see them (visible) on our website.
Over half of all of this countries fresh water resources are within our rohe.
Eco-villages popping up
Motueka RiverAtamai Eco-village first stage resource consent approved for the Motueka Valley. Good one, what are they going to have in this eco-village? First stage 10 houses, european-style village with solar panels, rainwater collection and composting toilets. 11.9ha to be used for common food growing.
For me that is all great. It is possible to get resource consent for eco-villages. It is possible to use a unique heritage to create an environment that means something to a group of people. Most of the Eco-villages here use european models, it will be great to see some maori and polynesian examples.
Ngai Tahu could do the same and have the massive added advantage of being able to apply our cultural matrx across everything. It's like going forward to the past.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Te Karaka - about Ngai Tahu about New Zealand
Te Karaka
I've been surprised by how much I have enjoyed the latest issue of Te Karaka. (Whoops sorry, unfortunately the latest issue is not yet available on the TRONT website)(but on a better note the back issues are available here and that is awesome), And I really have enjoyed each and every article.
Why was I surprised? Well I had a sense of unease about Te Karaka but I couldn't pin it down and then I noticed on the front of the magazine it says, "about Ngai Tahu about New Zealand".
It's about Ngai Tahu yet not necessarily for Ngai Tahu. It's a window on the world of Ngai Tahu for others. (if you aren't sure about that - think about Te Panui Runaka which is for us). And it does an amazingly good job of achieving that goal. What production values, what high quality articles about important subjects, what gorgeous photos - the fact is that this magazine shows us as we want to be seen, and how we are. And Ngai Tahu whanui want to read and see it too. My unease evaporated as soon as I realised the purpose of the magazine and how it achieves that purpose.
We must have this ability to show ourselves as we want to be seen. Te Karaka is one of our leading 'public faces'. I really must commend the quality of the articles, whilst I'm not really a fan of 2 or 3 part-ers, it's got me wanting more. It is a beautiful magazine and it should keep on doing what it is doing well.
I think we have a gap.
The content of Te Karaka is of great interest to Ngai Tahu whanui, it is the only way we get to read, hear about and see some of these activities and certainly the only way, for some, to access the learning contained in the articles. But the magazine is static and allows minimal interaction.
Why don't we put the articles on the TRONT website? Why don't we make a version of Te Karaka as an online magazine where articles can be sourced and research could be done. Where questions and comments can be made.
It's really only a matter of time before Te Karaka has an online version, so why not just get into it.
It would allow deeper information to be available, it would allow interaction of ideas and easy follow up of topics, it would strengthen us. And we would still have the beautiful paper version.
Then Te Panui Runaka could become like a community newspaper, still monthly but with a larger size on newsprint with classified and an online version as well. Ultimately they could all link up into a Ngai Tahu web with virtual galleries and so on. It's not really that difficult.
Imagine the knowledge flow, the strength that will be gained for everyone. We truely will be paddleing in unison and flying along.
We have Te Panui Runaka, we have Te Karaka, and we have the TRONT website. Three great information pathways that need an overall strategy focused on increasing the connection and participation of Ngai Tahu whanui.
Whanganui forever
TititeaMichael Laws lays out his case in the SST for the rejection of the H being added to Whanganui.
Sorry Michael, my comments in red
"... The facts of the matter are well established. Maori did not have a written language when Pakeha settlers and missionaries arrived in this country. Their oral language had a number of distinct and geographically different dialects. As a consequence, the early transcription of the Maori language picked up some of those inflections and dialects. Wanganui was one - where the so- called silent 'h' not only was not sounded, but it did not exist. It couldn't. No written language existed. The sound existed Michael even though it was hard to represent with clumsy english letters.
And so local Maori did not object - in 1830, 1840 or 1850 - when the written "Wanganui" was created. It was as the ear - Maori and Pakeha - heard it. They might have other concerns - like surviving.
But then something else happened. Common usage gave the word its own meaning, its own identity, its own mana. Sorry Michael you can't take a maori concept that derives from maori experience, identity and worldview, and appropriate it to bolster your argument. The fact is that common usage has not given the misspelled name mana. Even had a written language existed, 170 years of use and heritage created this identity that we now know as "Wanganui". One might argue that the word is derived from Maori - and now our city and district transcends its lexicographical origins. So, 170 years have created the identity of Wanganui and because of that, the name deserves to remain. Just one big glaring problem - why not apply the same argument to the original inhabitants, that lived loved and died in Whanganui for 1000 or so years. Why are your rights more important than theirs? 1000 years of use and heritage created the identity of Whanganui not the last 170 years.
Generation after generation of Wanganui people have been born, schooled, have worked, loved, lost, created families and died with this shared heritage of a common place and a common name. It is as much non-Maori birthright as it is Maori. No one ethnicity can demand a precedence - it is our shared experience and heritage... " As above Michael, as above.
The real problem is that Michael and others always percieve any movement towards maoritanga as exclusive and seperating when the truth is that it is inclusive, expansive and connecting.
Michael did raise some interesting points in his rant. Of interest was the makeup of the NZ Geographic Board.
"Members
Ms Sylvia Allan
Dr Sir Tipene O'Regan
Dr Wharehuia Milroy
Mr David Barnes
Dr Kay Booth
Dr Apirana Mahuika
Professor Michael Roche
Mr David Mole (LINZ official)
Members are nominated or recommended by the following:
Federated Mountain Clubs
New Zealand Geographical Society
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu
Minister of Māori Affairs
Minister for Land Information
Local Goverment New Zealand."
Great to see Ngai Tahu there.
Finally, this is what this board does, and this:
"Last April the board ditched a proposal to rename Mt Aspiring/Tititea several variations of Hillary's name, including Mt Hillary/Tititea or Tititea/Mt Hillary or Mt Sir Edmund Hillary/Tititea or Tititea/Mt Sir Edmund Hillary."
If names need be changed I say they should only and always go to the maori name.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Kiwibank - use Kiwis or change your name
There's something about the Kiwibank anti aussie ads (join the resistance) that hasn't worked for me. You don't need to bring others down to boost yourself up. The unique offering of Kiwibank is well known, they don't need to thrash it, it's overkill and it a bit like, "Methinks he doth protest too much".
The other angle I dislike is the use of D-Day and WW2 resistance imagery. Why go that way and make fun of the people that died in horrible circumstances, and the many more adversely affected, around that world event? Why go there?
I generally like Kiwibank and I believe in going as local as you can for everything.
The news that Kiwibank is using an aussie call centre just increases my unease.
Tidy up your act Kiwibank, walk the walk don't just talk the talk.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Our stories on our website
I've been thinking about the TRONT website and how it could be improved and achieve its potential as a genuine communication tool, both internally and externally.
One of the keys is to really think about the purpose of the website. What is it designed to achieve? I'd like to see a iwi wide competition to find the best ideas.
It would be great to see more information that is of interest to Ngai Tahu whanui. An example of what I mean is contained here. Amazingly enough a lot of the information, especially within the Maori section ofChristchurch City Library site, is about Ngai Tahu, our histories, our marae, our land. We could cut and paste the whole thing and a major part of the job would be done.
The depth of information is amazing. Sound files of kaumatua speaking, maps, and photos. There seems to be straight information, without spin or biased analysis. We could do this, I hope Ngai Tahu had lots of input into the library site, if yes then the expertise is there. And if no, then the bar has been set and the challenge laid. Are we really going to 2nd or 3rd best at telling people about who we are and where we have come from? I don't think so!
A Trillion - how big's that?
G20 gives 1 Trillion dollars to fight the economic crisis.
Will it work? Nobody knows.
How much money is that?
Well, a million seconds is 12 days
a billion seconds is 31 years
a trillion seconds is 31,688 years
So its fair to say it's a lot of money.
What does it look like?
$100
$10,000
1 Million
100 million
1 billion
and
1 Trillion
note they are double stacked pallets and the person is standing by the left hand bottom corner.
Jeepers it does make Ngai Tahu's $600 million look pretty small and fragile.
Will it work? Nobody knows.
How much money is that?
Well, a million seconds is 12 days
a billion seconds is 31 years
a trillion seconds is 31,688 years
So its fair to say it's a lot of money.
What does it look like?
$100
$10,000
1 Million
100 million
1 billion
and
1 Trillion
note they are double stacked pallets and the person is standing by the left hand bottom corner.
Jeepers it does make Ngai Tahu's $600 million look pretty small and fragile.
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