will the media bite

I have blogged before about my opposition to the sea turbines suggested for Kaipara harbour - it is not the way to go and is likely to have severe impacts upon the snapper fishery.

Hone has waded into the debate.

From NZH

"The outspoken Maori Party MP told members of the Kaipara Harbour community in Dargaville they should drop chains and anchors into the harbour to protest against a planned sea-turbine power project.

And he suggested illegal action was sometimes necessary to get the message across, citing the case of a man who fired shots from a rifle at a fishing ship.

"My view is that they [the community] have got to send very clear signals about their opposition to the proposed turbine," Harawira said.

"If people are not listened to then they should take the action they want to. If they do, it's their business not mine.

Now the fact that Hone, as a member of parliment, is suggesting that illegal action is sometimes necessary, doesn't really bother me but it is a problem. And that is because we are about to have another media show -that is where everyone is up in arms around hone and whether he should have said it or not. It provides a distraction for fake outrage that focuses attention away from other issues - like mining our national parks for instance or raising gst. It gives the gnats some breathing space.

Hone is one of our leaders with charisma, courage and mana and we need them.

Sometimes less is more.

This way of life - beautiful movie

Just beautiful

"The film portrays the intimate life of the Karena family. In their early 30s, Peter and Colleen have six kids and 50 horses. We follow them up into the Ruahine ranges and down to their hidden beach camp. Against these isolated backdrops we explore family relationships, their connection to nature, their keen survival skills and their absolute intimacy with each other and their horses.Regardless of their hardships, the Karenas manage to never lose sight of the magic in the everyday.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Karena children. Untamed and unafraid, the idea of risk is alien to them. To watch seven-year-old Aurora expertly ride a massive stallion bareback with no more than a rope halter asks us to reexamine our ideas of what children are capable of.

In This Way of Life, the Karenas unite their philosophy with their circumstances, turning hardship into a meaningful and satisfying life.

http://www.thiswayoflifemovie.com/

We can live the way we want - it is possible. And it is possible to raise our children respectfully. Keep your eyes open for this movie - it will be enlightening.

successfully revitalising Ngāi Tahu culture

One of the team's of heroes within the office is the Ngāi Tahu Fund team led by Ana Rolleston.

What fantastic mahi this it; to work to revitalising Ngāi Tahu culture.

"The Ngāi Tahu Fund is an initiative to provide resources to Ngāi Tahu whānui, rūnanga, hapū and whānau groups to strengthen Ngāi Tahu cultural excellence.

Five funding rounds have been completed, contributing over 3.86 million to communities throughout New Zealand.

We have received over 566 applications and the Ngāi Tahu Fund Committee, which comprises Ngāi Tahu leaders and funding experts, approved 338 applications that included people wanting to investigate their whānau whakapapa and history, workshops on traditional arts like weaving and carving plus environmental revitalisation projects.

Mission of the Fund

Toitū te Kawa

Toitū te Rangatiratanga

Toitū te Ao Tūroa

Toitū te Kaikōkiri

Toitū te Iwi

"Strengthening Ngāi Tahu cultural excellence through sustainability, innovation and tenacity"

Thank you so much for this - it is much appreciated. And a special thank you to the assessment committee who are leading us wisely.

"The Assessment Committee is comprised of: Jane Davis (Chairperson), Rakiihia Tau, Te Ao Hurae Waaka, Iain Hines, Piri Sciascia, Suzanne Ellison and John Prendergast.

resonance and rice

Might pay to turn your sound down on this one.

Mystery - it is all around us

Ampilatwatja walk-off update

I've posted about the Ampilatwatja walk-off before.

The article below is by Richard Downs, spokesperson for the Ampilatwatja walk-off against the Northern Territory intervention.

"The government business manager (GBM) for Ampilatwatja and a representative of department of indigenous affairs were told to leave the Ampilatwatja protest camp on February 14 as they were not invited.

The agents turned up at our meeting with the APY lands people without notice. The GBM was informed we no longer have any relationship and they were not welcome.

The GBM's excuse was that he had to inform me that minister Jenny Macklin has now given approval for us to bring the condemned tin houses from Ampilatwatja to put up at our camp. But he was aware we had already been given approval by the people and Barkley Shire to take them as they were going to be demolished.

Previously, the GBM had stated we were to return the buildings and to first get approval to remove them. Our reply to him was: “Take whatever action you desire as we were not returning them.”

At the meeting, they asked if it was okay to take photos of the building. They were both told clearly to leave and not take any photos of the house as it had nothing to do with them. But on our way back to the camp both were seen wandering into the house. I informed them both they were arrogant, ignorant and had shown no respect to the people. They were both informed with colourful language to remove themselves from the site. They were slow in doing so until I requested the cameras be focused on them. Then they hurried off.

This clearly shows the attitude of the federal government agents. On behalf of the minister they try to intimidate people to show they have the power and authority to go wherever without notice.

I also advised him to personally apologise to Banjo Morton, who was about 20 yards away. The GBM arrogantly turned and walked away, with out showing respect to our 84-year-old leader.

How can conflicts be resolved when they show no respect. Truth is, it will be difficult to resolve and the team that is not showing respect knows that, and that is why they are doing it.

Hat tip Green Left Online

540 months ago a man was killed

malcolm x died on February 21, 1965. He was aged 39.

45 years ago is 540 months ago.

These are some quotes from him

"I am not a racist. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color."

"A race of people is like an individual man; until it uses its own talent, takes pride in its own history, expresses its own culture, affirms its own selfhood, it can never fulfill itself."

"You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom."

Not forgotten.

visual poem

ancient back, the beat

face, and forth, uplifting

revealed and back, the flow

support students

Biased reporting doesn't help anyone.

From scoop

Jacqualene Poutu, Tumuaki of Te Mana Akonga ( the national Māori tertiary students association) is disappointed with

"A sample of three students were interviewed on TVNZ’s Close up programme last Tuesday evening regarding their use of student loan money for investments, instead of using it to survive with."

she rightly says

“The living costs component of student loans may be used as’ play money’ for wealthier students, but unfortunately that is not the reality for the rest of us,”

“The stereotype of the ‘spoilt student’ is few and far between for Māori students. Access to ‘living costs’ are absolutely necessary for many Māori students. Research shows that Māori and Pasifika students are more likely to borrow from the student loan scheme in order to access tertiary education and bridge themselves and whanau out of poverty,”

It is a massive challenge for anyone to got to university and undertake futher skill or vocational training. If we make it too hard by reducing student allowances the students at the bottom with little money will suffer and perhaps drop out. Many maori and pasifika students are represented within that group.

media reporting that is slanted is never good, close up has got worse and worse but people still watch it and i hope they offer more balanced views in the future. I am getting really fed up with the beneficary bashing and the youth bashing from this government. Picking on the most vulnerable is not on.

whanau ora

Whanau Ora has been getting the blowtorch recently.

I came across this editorial from the Listener and it covered a number of bases quite well. Go here to read the whole editorial.

What is the overall concept behind Whanau Ora

"It’s that a return to traditional tikanga, and in particular the embracing and supporting nature of whanau – over the greater Pakeha emphasis on individuals and nuclear families – will in itself go a long way towards helping many Maori out of the lifestyles of ­deprivation and disengagement."

That is a kaupapa i agree with.

"The aim, as Turia has described it, is to stop the scenario of five Toyota Corollas in the driveway – one each for the Plunket nurse, the truancy officer, the social worker, the probation officer and the district nurse.

Instead, the approach should be from one or two agencies investigating the fundamental problem with a whanau that prevents its members from achieving as they should, and then determining the most effective interventions to improve their circumstances and chances of success. Of course, that will also cut the administrative and compliance costs of helping families.

Won't it be great when there are NO Toyota Corrollas in the driveway because the needs of the family and whanau are being met.

"A Maori child is not better off in a poorly run kohanga reo than in a well-run “Pakeha” kindergarten."

I don't agree with this because it depends upon the outcomes that people are after and the sentence is judge-mental. By what measure is a judgement being made that determines 'poorly run'? Are the cultural considerations of maori going to be added to that judgement regime? If development of tikanga is considered one of the most valuable outcomes, then that could still occur in a "poorly run kohanga reo", especially if the measurement of that does not consider the cultural aspects. 'Poorly run', however, could mean that the tikanga is not correct and therefore the teaching is faulty.

"In the end, however, Whanau Ora will be effective only if it is empowering. In most families, the foundations of success are educational achievement, good health and economic and social engagement, as well as unconditional love and support for family members through all of life’s many highs and lows.

The people in the Corollas can help, but so too can a stronger community, because all of us are better off if we eschew exclusivity and engage with each other. We all share responsibility for whanau because our collective well-being as a nation is just that – collective."

Stronger community is indeed the answer, unconditional love for family members and collective responsibility for our collective well-being. These are good sentiments.

I believe the whanau ora model is the way to go. There is a lot of work to go in developing effective delivery and systems but that is okay. It can be adjusted as we go, if necessary. I also believe it is a maori solution to a maori problem and that this should not be watered down. By the same token all people should have access to these holistic approaches to the very big issues facing all of us - but that shouldn't be whanau ora - it should be developed, with whanau ora as a model, with the target group in mind. Too often we try the one size fits all approach, and sometimes the intent behind it is not so positive.

I also struggle a little with grouping people into the traditional poor, middle class and rich. To me there is a lot of subtle distinction, where people overlap those catagories or just don't fit into them. I don't want to get into the injustice olympics but there is something especially saddening when considering poor indigenous populations.

Iwi Leadership Group - good article by Martin Kay

Why has this country still not endorsed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples?

The Declaration was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly Sept. 13, 2007 with 143 states voting in favor, 11 abstaining, and four – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the U.S. – voting against it. Australia has since adopted the Declaration.

Ngai Tahu has been pursuing an advocacy programme through the UN for the past five years to address this issue.

There is an interesting media release from 13 May 2009, well worth a read.

And what a powerful article in the Dom today (Saturday 20-2-10) about the Iwi Leadership Group. I encourage you to go and read the whole article it is very good indeed.

As Martin Kay puts it

"But there is mounting unease among many, including Maori, that crucial decisions about the shape of the new law are being left in the hands of a small but extremely powerful and influential Iwi Leadership Group that is operating behind closed doors."

Who are they?

"The group is headed by Ngai Tahu chairman Mark Solomon and has about half a dozen members, including Tainui chairman Tukoroirangi Morgan, Ngati Porou chairman Api Mahuika, Whanau a Apanui chairman Rikirangi Gage and Ngati Toa negotiator Matiu Rei."

Annette Sykes,who is legal adviser and foreshore and seabed spokeswoman for Ngati Makino, says

"The leaders aren't unpopular. I want to be really clear - I have great respect for Mark Solomon. What is unpopular is the processes of co- opting and de facto negotiation that is being perceived by the Maori community as a result of the Crown wanting a one-stop shop. They don't want to deal with 40 people."

and

"The [Iwi Leadership Group] are corporate Maori. They're not ordinary Maori. They're the corporate entities, so what they [the Government] are doing is they're setting up a sounding board of corporate Maori. That is by no means an inclusive approach to the Maori position.

The Iwi leadership Group is appointed by forum of 50 Iwi.

"Questions about how prescriptive the "framework" put forward by the group for future negotiations will be have also been raised by the emergence of a document written by technical adviser Sacha McMeeking, who is also Ngai Tahu's manager of strategy and influence.

It floats a model under which the foreshore and seabed would be treated as a "shared" space, with any new law silent on the issue of ownership.

But iwi and hapu would also have the right to assert title in the courts, according to a new test based on Maori custom and traditions and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which would include the power to review and injunct decisions over the foreshore and seabed, and impose rahui (a ban on access).

The paper's status is unclear, but it has been dismissed by Attorney- General Chris Finlayson, who described it this week as "fantasy".

Hone in a recent speech to parliment said,

"It is us, the Maori Party members of Parliament, who have been asked to carry this battle. It is us who have the honour of speaking up for our people. And we do our people a grave disservice by passing this on to somebody else to handle; and I have no intention of treating my people with such disrespect."

Tariana said,

"the Maori Party is right to support the group as they are working on behalf of iwi and hapu that lost their rights in the Foreshore and Seabed Act."

So, some major considerations - is the Iwi Leaders Group the right group to set up the framework and if not them then who. Is Annette Sykes, who I totally respect, correct in talking about corporate and elite maori or is Tariana correct when she says,

"This is not an elite group. I get tired of this whole use of the word elitist. They are ordinary people who have struggled when there was no money around to fight for the rights of their hapu and iwi and they continue to do that."

big year coming up.

kia kaha Endorois community

Congratulations to the Endorois community and all who fought for this landmark decsion.

From The Vancover Sun

"Africa's top human rights body, relying partly on a Canadian precedent, issued a landmark ruling Thursday in favour of an indigenous group that has been fighting for justice since the Kenyan government forced them off their land in the 1970s to create a tourist-drawing game reserve.

The Endorois community -- approximately 60,000 indigenous nomadic pastoralists -- was evicted from its ancestral lands around Lake Bogoria in the rift valley and from the Mochongoi forest on the Laikipia plains in central Kenya some 30 years ago for the creation of game reserves and for ruby mining.

Cynthia Morel co-counsel on the case while working as the senior legal adviser to Minority Rights Group International, said it is the first time any international human rights body has given concrete effect to the so-called "right of development" that is included in the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights. It is also the first time the concept of indigenous people, and accompanying land rights, has been recognized in Africa.

"This landmark decision marks the beginning of a new dawn, not only for the Endorois Community, but for all indigenous peoples across Africa,"

The ruling could have a ripple effect throughout Africa, because until now many African regimes have maintained that all Africans are indigenous and, therefore, no groups have special land rights, according to Michelo Hansungule of the University of Pretoria's Centre for Human rights in South Africa.

"It is the first time that an African institution is [defending] the weakest, poorest and most marginalized peoples," he told Canwest News Service, adding that the decision could alter land use decisions throughout the continent.

This is good news and kia kaha to the indigenous people of africa.

I have to say this story has been a bit of an eye-opener for me - I have never really known about this indigenous struggle in africa.

If everyone is indigenous then, isn't that the same in effect, as no one is indigenous?

wake up call for all marae

This story is a good wake up call for all marae.

Five people are sick after coming across 3 canisters, one of which was punctured and leaking unknown chemicals. The canister's had been stored in a secure shipping container, on Murihuku Marae.

Be a good time to check that there aren't any more unknown chemicals on any other marae.

The people who were exposed and got sick were doing community service and so the ODT decides to call them offenders - which i find offensive.

From the ODT

"Two offenders were taken to Southland Hospital by car and three others by ambulance after they began vomiting.

As a precautionary measure, Invercargill fire crews were sent to the Tramway Rd marae and found twelve more people on community service who had been exposed to the toxic material.

Murihiku runanga general manager Odele Stehlin said the marae was immediately evacuated, including those attending a Southland Community Law Centre seminar and children from the neighbouring kohanga reo."

They were able to return at 4pm and the five people taken to hospital have all been released now.

Phew - these events have the potential to be so much worse, thank goodness no one was seriously hurt.

boomnature

Rockets taking off and mother nature - connected by beauty and astonishment?

Good effort by the maori party

The maori party appear to be putting some lines in the sand and for that they must be congratulated. And it is great to hear a younger member of the maori party build up arguments and deliver for maori. This is an excellent example, where after initially supporting the ACC Amendment Bill, they have, after hearing the submissions, changed their support to opposition and are not supporting the second reading.

From Rahui Katene speech highlights but read the whole speech - it really is quite good.

"Maori are over-represented in injury statistics across all age groups, and in employment and sports.

The most significant health effect of the Bill is in the reduced ACC cover for those already on low incomes who cannot afford healthy or income insurance to cover them when injured.

Reduced access to ACC will also impact negatively on child poverty rates.

The National Council of Women suggest that women are more vulnerable to negative outcomes through a lack of social services and the Bill will reduce those services further.

Some of the most vulnerable New Zealanders, those who have made sensitive claims, will suffer from both levy increases and a restriction of services.

Access for Maori has been consistently lower than for other groups – Maori receive treatment at a lower level than non-Maori; and when services were accessed they were accessed later and they exited programmes earlier.

High risk occupational workers have significant numbers of Maori workers, and the Bill provides for a matching of risk environments and levy rates, so the cost of cover can be expected to increase.

Maori are a small population group, and constitute a small group of claimants, under a privatisation model they would not be considered a high value market segment to provide a financial incentive for private insurers.

 I will bag the maori party every time they fold and i'm not above dishing it out to individuals when necessary BUT when good is done and maori are protected and considered in the House, then we can thank the maori party for that. Is there anyone else thinking about maori in our parliment? No they are the only ones, all of the other parties have multiple interest groups in broad based parties. Well done maori party the best aspect of this speech was that it was coherant and built nicely to a good conclusion. And of course a good result. This is the sort of politics we need and it is great to see a younger member of the maori party doing it.

karetao - the art of maori puppetry being revitalised

This is a great story. There is no doubt that much appears to be lost but is it really lost forever and can some apparently lost arts and practices be reborn - into this new world? I say yes! It is all still there just hidden, but not really lost. Karetao, or Maori puppetry is an example of knowledge coming forth.

From NZH

"Reviving the lost art of karetao, or Maori puppetry, will be discussed at a Waikato University wananga on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

Professor Aroha Yates-Smith is bringing together kaumatua, carvers and artists to talk about guidelines for a revival.

"We know they were used for instruction and entertainment but I think traditionally they were quite tapu ritualistically. I know of at least two that have been buried with whanau."

"They told stories ... I would imagine they also had a spiritual and healing quality and that's something we need to talk about with our elders."

Te Papa has some in its collection, the figures had a number of names including keretao, korotao, rapatahuri, repetahuri and tokoraurape.Te Papa also notes one account of a giant karetao being operated by an iwi who were under siege at their pa - basically so they could taunt their enemies outside the gates."

Thank you to all those engaged in revitalising this traditional practice.

DOC in it for the money

Well the department of conservvation has completely lost the plot - it's not about conservation anymore, or protecting the flora and fauna - it's about making money.

From stuff

"Director-general Al Morrison said attracting more businesses to work on the conservation estate was a priority for DOC this year."

It needed to work pragmatically and be a more efficient business, while in the past it had been driven by "high principles".

Yes you have forgotten your principles DOC you have forgotten why you are there.

"A new "commercial business unit" was being set up, to be headed by a person recruited from the private sector who would implement changes that Mr Morrison said would make some people "nervous".

Mr Morrison said establishing the new commercial unit was also a response to the possibility of more energy-generation projects on the conservation estate – which covers more than eight million hectares."

So the truth revealled a bit more. The department of conservation isn't opposed to (mining) energy generation our national parks because they want to make commercial gain from that. Morrison you are a gutless weakling.

"It's now fashionable to be seen as green. If we're not leveraging off that, we are dumb."

That shows why you are an absolute shocker morrison - you don't actually care - you are just being fashionable - I say again you are a gutless weakling that just cares about your own income and being 'fashionably' green. Well get this mate - some of us are green because we believe.

talkin' bout a revolution

Don't you know

They're talkin' bout a revolution

It sounds like a whisper

Don't you know

They're talkin' about a revolution

It sounds like a whisper

While they're standing in the welfare lines

Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation

Wasting time in the unemployment lines

Sitting around waiting for a promotion

Poor people gonna rise up

And get their share

Poor people gonna rise up

And take what's theirs

Don't you know

You better run, run, run...

Oh I said you better

Run, run, run...

Finally the tables are starting to turn

Talkin' bout a revolution

brownlee - the camel's back is broken!

energy minister (what a misnomer that is) brownlee has been caught in a lie.

He should resign now

From the Standard

"Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee is denying he trimmed a South Island conservation park after being lobbied by mining company L&M. However, documents posted on The Standard and No Right Turn show he was lying."

From the Press

"The Oteake Conservation Park, set up last year, was to have included a 200-hectare Crown-owned block in the upper Manukerikia Valley, but the area was kept out of the park, as requested by Christchurch-based coal company L and M Mining.

The area overlies the Hawkdun lignite coal deposit, one of 10 lignite deposits in Otago-Southland.

Brownlee was adamant there was no pressure from L&M:

“We had no representations from L and M Mining. I want to make that very, very clear. There was, however, a proposal to place … 70,000ha into the Oteake Conservation Park. We made the decision to keep 200ha out on the basis that it may have significant mineral deposits, mainly lignite.”

The document posted on The Standard however shows very clearly that Brownlee knew about L&M’s interest in the area. The company already had a prospecting permit, and we know from the official advice that Brownlee talked the issue over with then Conservation Minister Tim Groser.

Idiot/Savant at No Right Turn here and here and the standard are on this one - go to the links and read the full sordid story. Good work in getting this out there.

How can a minister just lie like that - HE HAS TO GO.

maintainance

I'm playing around with getting the recent comments area sorted after being hacked... sorry for any inconvienence

maori youth unemployment disaster

I have nothing against the race relations comissioner - other than they should be maori.

This is exactly what they should be doing and i say the rate of maori youth unemployment isn't just troubling - it is a mind numbingly massive problem that will be a disaster for maori and this country if it isn't addressed directly and swiftly.

From NZH

"Nearly one in three young Maori and Pacific workers are unemployed and action is needed to address their plight, says Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres.

Maori unemployment had risen from 9.8 per cent to 15.4 per cent in the previous 12 months."

The unemployment rates for young people were even more worrying, with the Maori rate going up from 19.5 per cent to 30.4 per cent and the Pacific rate from 18.6 per cent to 29.8 per cent."

Mr de Bres said he noted in his race relations report last year that the deepening economic recession was the most challenging issue for race relations in 2009.

And please note just because i am talking about maori doesn't mean i am not aware that pasifica communities and youth face the very same crisis.

What has the taskforce come up with - NOTHING and that is just not good enough.

1000 trees - stereophonics

Good news that the stereophonics are coming for a one-off concert at The Powerstation on Thursday, April 22.

"It only takes one tree

to make a thousand matches

only takes one match

to burn a thousand trees"

keep walking hanson

news that hatemonger pauline hanson is going to spend a few months in Te Wai Pounamu on her way to emigrating to the UK for good, is good for aussie, and bad for us. Bad because she may like it here - cuddling up to our racists.

from stuff

"The Australian who launched a political career on an anti-immigration platform is set to become an immigrant herself - after a few months in New Zealand.

Only days after declaring she was finished with politics, the former One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has revealed plans to sell her Queensland property and resettle in Britain, potentially for good.

The 55-year-old said she would spend a few months in the South Island and eventually relocate to Britain.

Take your racist divisive hate and keep walking - don't sully this country, we already have enough problems with our race relations. We don't want or need your money, attitude or presence - just don't get off the plane.

coke zero insults maori

This coca cola advertisment disrespects and insults maori culture. It is not right to misappropriate and steal from indigenous cultures to sell your sugar water big global corporation.



And what has been the reaction so far?

From stuff

Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell said Maori would be concerned about their culture being used in such a way: "Obviously we're pretty protective about the mana."

"The Japanese commercial for Coke Zero, features popstar Namie Amuro alongside what advertising agency copy describes as "a troupe of studs from Kiwiland in the traditional Maori haka dance".

coke zero says it all. These giant corporations think they can do anything because they have money but they are wrong.

key caught out

Surprise surprise? - not really. News that john key owns shares in a mining company and is continuing to work towards mining our national parks is really what you would expect from these neocons - in fact it would be more surprising if he didn't.

Go here to watch the interview
From TVNZ Q & A

I wonder what brownlee has?
I wonder what other hidden connections there are?
I wonder which of these very rich international mining companies is set to make all the money from degrading our country?

There are some very smart people looking into all this and it will come out - don't worry about that.

the year of the tiger

This year is a big year and what better Chinese year than the tiger for that - 14 feb 2010 the Year of the Tiger!!!

"The Tiger is said to be lucky vivid, lively and engaging. Another attribute of the Tiger is his incredible bravery, evidenced in his willingness to engage in battle or his undying courage. Maybe he’s so brave because he is so lucky."

As a tiger, I and we are going to need all of those attributes in abundance this year - bring it on!!!

world conservationists react angrily to national park mining plans

Mining in our national parks is seen overseas for what it is and the condemnation will keep growing.

From stuff

"North America's largest environment lobby group says opening up our national parks for mining is an insult to conservationists around the world.

The 1.3 million-member Sierra Club, reacting angrily to news that New Zealand's conservation land may be investigated for mining potential.

"You have the responsibility to protect New Zealand's wild heritage not only for the enjoyment of future generations but also for the protection and conservation of the Earth's ever shrinking biodiversity," writes Richard Cellarius, the club's international vice-president. "Long-term protection should not be sacrificed for immediate commercial gain."

The Sierra Club is not the first overseas organisation to scrutinise the government's new interest in mining. At last November's 9th World Wilderness Conference in Mexico, 1500 delegates from 52 countries passed a resolution requesting the continuation of the no-mining status quo in relation to public conservation land within protected areas.

And a letter from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, following a meeting of 200 delegates in Korea, said: "The news that a modern, comparatively wealthy nation such as New Zealand is prepared to exploit its resources in lands set aside for biodiversity sends a disturbing message to more populous countries."

brownlee and key are national disgraces and their short-sighted money grubbing will only benefit the overseas mining companies - history and the people of this country will remember this and your names will be forever used as insults.

just STFU

What can I say about this - apart from - maybe pita has lost the plot. The maori party are behaving like bunnies and it is embarrasing. And not only that - it is destructive for maori and our aspirations. How about just shutting up for a while before we lose all hope. What a disgrace.
Stuff

"The Maori Party has made it clear it won't sacrifice its coalition with National over a rise in GST.

Co-leader Pita Sharples reportedly said yesterday a rise in GST was not a deal breaker and the Maori Party's relationship with National could survive a difference of opinion over the issue.

His comments followed a suggestion by Prime Minister John Key that he did not want to "blow up the Government" over GST, which National wants to raise to 15 per cent.

Mr Key suggested yesterday the Maori Party's opposition was one of the potential "trip wires" ahead of the Government before it made a final decision on GST – sparking speculation that the Government was getting cold feet over the potential backlash to its proposal.

Maybe you have got used to the baubles of office. I'm disgusted by this - it's poor politics and a bloody disgrace for all of maori who will be driven to desperation by increases to GST. Where has your mana gone pita - how can you even look at yourself?

Tamaki Makaurau - on the right track

This is good for Nga Mana Whenua o Tamaki Makaurau

From stuff

"Eleven of Auckland’s volcanic cones are to be gifted to the collective and will be managed by it and the new Auckland Supercity.

Iwi will have first right of refusal over Crown land in the region.

Ngati Whatua of central Auckland will receive $18 million in redress payments for past wrongs.

The agreement also provides for the sale and leaseback of Devonport naval base land on commercial terms.

The Crown has also committed to explore the sale and leaseback of land under Mt Eden Prison.

Te Kawerau a Maki of West Auckland will receive $6.5 million.

The agreement also provides for the transfer of Riverhead Forest and the exploration of the sale and leaseback of the land under Paremoremo Prison.

Various other reserves are also handed over.

 Things will be very different in Tamaki Makaurau now I suspect.

start with yourself

I'm doing a course on saturday called Non-Violent Communication

Why? - I want to be a better communicator

What is this NVC?

"Have you ever wondered if there was a way all people could live in peace? Have you ever longed to reach a point of understanding with someone you care about when you find yourselves divided by disagreements or differences? Maybe you’ve longed to express what you really feel or what is important to you? Or, have you ever wanted to foster agreement with a group of people who was unable to agree with another group—especially when the disagreement became life-threatening?

Simply put, Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a way of relating to ourselves and others, moment to moment, free of past reactions. By learning to identify your needs and express them powerfully, as well as to bring understanding to the needs of others, you can stay connected to what is alive in you and create a life that is more fulfilling."

Does it work?

"Throughout the world, Nonviolent Communication training helps:

•School systems-teachers, parents, students, administrators

•Health Care-with doctors, nurses, patients and managers

•Prisons-with inmates, prison staff, and prison officials

•Workplaces-from the boardroom to the shop floor.

•Law enforcement and the military-exploring restorative justice rather than punitive justice

•Social service agencies-from day care to drug treatment

•Couples, families and communities-life skills for healing and connection

Look around - don't you think we need better more effective and satisfying ways of dealing with conflict - the techniques used in our society today often lead to deeper, more painful conflict. I'm not going to sit around waiting for someone else to fix everything - i am going to do my bit and start with myself.

rift could form

It seems to be a busy time at the moment.

Politically the maori party are flexing over the increase in GST and the FSSB with the gnats. There have been some very stupid statements and actions taken of recent times from Pita on down, which is a worry.

But politics is a funny old game and if labour stopped putting the boot in, then I believe the maori party would move further away from the neocon agenda of the gnats. But they won't, especially as it is their avowed intention to destroy the maori party - dumb.

Hint to those opposed to the gnats - if key likes popularity then he will dislike unpopularity. Most people in this country don't like porkies or people who bend the truth so focus on those aspects of keys performance and there are plenty to choose from.

waka revealed

This is awesome news that a waka has been revealed at Muriwai Beach, recovered and the authorities are now in consultation with tangata whenua.

From stuff

"A full-length Maori waka was unearthed at Muriwai Beach after a member of the public spotted it sticking out from the sand.

Although the waka has parts of its sides missing, it can potentially be preserved through treatment.

Conserving the waka is the first priority and its future will be decided after consultation with local iwi."

I lived in muriwai for a few years and it is a beautiful area. We had kauri trees on the property, often visited the Takapu (gannets) and the beach is amazing - lots of happy memories for me around muriwai. My dog (newf) died there too - 10 years later i still have his ashes - I'm a big sook really.

the record speaks for itself

A summation from BLiP - The Standard comments section

"BLiP 10 February 2010 at 10:25 pm

One need only consider the actions of the John Key led National Ltd™ on the environmental front to catch a glimpse of what’s in store. Since November 2008, John Key has watched as his government:

- has been caught out repeatedly lying in the run up to and during the election campaign about its real intentions in relation to the environment

- celebrated the opening of the foreign-owned Pike River Coal Ltd mine on DOC land adjacent to the Paparoa National Park from which 1 megatonne of coal will be extracted per year for the next 20 years – Pike River Coal Ltd has announced that it has found additional coal in the national park

- removed a proposed efficiency standard (MEPS) on incandescent lightbulbs

- reversed a moratorium on building new gas/oil/coal power stations

- removed the bio fuel subsidy

- scrapped the scheme that would have penalised imported vehicles producing high emissions

- removed regulations for water efficient new housing

- renewed leases on sensitive high country farms which were meant to return to DOC

- reversed restrictions on the freeholding of vast swathes of land on the edge of the Southern Lakes

- arbitrarily excised 400 hectares from the brand new Oteake Conservation Park, including the most important and, ecologically, the rarest part of the new Park, the tussock and shrubland that went right down to the banks of the Manuherikia River, to enable future access to lignite

- said nothing to say in regard to the World Commission on Protected areas of IUCN’s severe criticism of its intention to investigate mineral resources and mining opportunities in protected conservation areas including our three UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Te Wahi Pounamu-South West New Zealand, Tongariro National Park and the Sub Antarctic Islands

- approved two prospecting permit applications lodged by Australian iron-ore giant Fortescue Metals Group subsidiary FMG Pacific lodged in June – areas covered by the two-year permits include an 8204-square-kilometre area of seabed adjoining the west coast from Cape Reinga to the Manukau Harbour and a 3798-square-kilometre prospecting area of land from Cape Reinga to the Kaipara Harbour including Ninety Mile Beach, the west side of the Aupouri Peninsula, Kaitaia and the Hokianga.

- approved an additional prospecting permit for Fortesque Metals in relation to 3568sq km right next door to the Kahurangi National Park where the Heaphy Track is

- was forced to release its Ministry of Economic Development (MED) report under the Official Information Act that proclaims “significant mineral potential” in the Fiordland, Kahurangi and Paparoa national parks – the report said the Waitutu area of the Fiordland National Park had sufficient petroleum reserves to be “worthy” of inclusion in a review of conservation land protected from mining

- secretly granted the minerals industry the right to veto proposed National Park boundaries and permission for any such vetoes to be kept confidential – in spite of recommendations from its own officials against any such a veto

- Minster of Conservation Tim Grosser, on 29 August 2009, called for caring New Zealanders to halt their “emotional hysteria” and recognise that conservation land should be mined for minerals and went on to say “Mining in a modern, technological way can have a negligible effect”

- Associate Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson, in an interview in “Canterbury Farming” rubbished her own department, DOC, suggesting it was incapable of looking after the high country reserves and parks under its control

- gutted the home insulation scheme

- pulled $300 million out of public transport, walking and cycling schemes and added it to a pot of $2 billion to ‘upgrade’ state highways

- changed the law to provide billions of dollar in subsidies for polluters via the ETS casino which is now a target for scamming by international criminals

- begun a process of gutting the Resource Management Act to make it difficult/impossible for the public to lodge appeals against developers

- removed the ability of Auckland to introduce a fuel levy to fund planned public transport upgrades

- left electrification of the national rail network up in the air without promised funding commitments

- removed the Ministry for the Environment’s programme to make Government Departments ‘carbon neutral’

- removed funding for public tv advertising on sustainability and energy efficiency

- pulled funding for small-town public litter bin recycling schemes

- cabinet ministers expressing public support the bulldozing of Fiordland

- reduced Department of Conservation funding by about $50 million over three years

- cancelled funding for the internationally acclaimed ‘Enviroschools’ programme

- usurped the democratic role of local Councils of determining policies for their citizens by requiring the abandonment of the efficient and well-established tree protection rules for urban areas

- set about revamping Auckland governance in a way that is likely to greatly reduce the ‘Environmental Watchdog’ role of the the current Regional Council

- removed Auckland’s metropolitan limits and opened the gateway for unfettered urban sprawl

- defended internationally the importation of rain-forest-wrecking palm kernel and stood silent while Federated Farmers called Greenpeace “terrorists”

- stood silent while Godfrey Bloom, a Member of the European Parliament and infamous Climate Change Denialist, publicly rejoiced in the 1985 bombing of the Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior – who was doing so while standing on a dock next to the replacement vessel

- took a 0% emissions reduction target to Copenhagen. Yes, seriously, that isn’t a misprint – that was the lower bound of their negotiation platform – then missed the 01/02/10 deadline for commitment to action it had agreed to – meanwhile 55 of the 80 countries which attended did make the deadline

- secretly cancelled the internationally recognised scheme for the mandatory labelling of exotic woods to ensure the timber has not been taken from rain forests in direct contradiction of its own statements made at the 13th World Forestry Congress in Argentina

- supported the Department of Conservation’s decision to open up the pristine Cathedral Cove to an ice-cream franchise

- taken no action to reduce existing pollution pouring into the Manawatu River and is “leaving it up to industry” to come up with solutions to heal the river which was described by the Cawthorn Institute as “one of the worst polluted in the Western world”

- announced a $1.1 million industry subsidy to kick start marine farming without identifying no-go areas nor putting in place a consultation process for individuals, communities, and other general coastal users

- blamed New Zealanders after a Japanese whaling ship deliberately smashed into a smaller, more vulnerable craft in the open sea

- was forced to release documents under the Official Information Act which confirm that DOC has “giving up” on ecologically valuable high-country land in the Mackenzie Basin because of funding cuts. The released documents cite “statements made by ministers”, “diminishing funding” and the Government’s new high-country policies as reasons for the changed stance – the comments from DOC were made after Land Information New Zealand (Linz), which manages the tenure review process, ignored DOC’s previous conservation recommendations for the farms

It would appear that his “do nothing” public performance has masked the cunning setting of an ambush for his foreign mates to rape te whenua. And what have the maori party had to say about it all – kore!!

When it is all laid out like that it makes very sad and disturbing reading - doesn't it.

Indigenous aussie rugby players don't get a fair go

The good aspect of this australian rugby story is that it is being aired. If the problem is recognised then something can be done about it, hopefully.

From stuff

"Just three of the 118 players on Australian Super 14 rosters are of indigenous heritage. The NRL boasts 11 per cent of its ranks - including some of its biggest stars - as being aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders."

Tom Evans, the chief executive of the ARU-affiliated Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, says''If it wasn't for the Polynesians in Sydney club rugby, there wouldn't be rugby union, but the system is still very white, Anglo-Saxon, teacher-schoolboy.

''I sit with the NSW and Australian Rugby Union community rugby and the whole office is very white Anglo, yet if you have a look at the player roster of all these teams, the Polynesian influence is massive.

''They've done very little to embrace that. They've done very little to embrace indigenous participation in rugby. If it wasn't for our organisation, there wouldn't be any indigenous program.''

Are players being chosen on merit? it certainly doesn't appear so from this story.

they will mine no matter who says no

key tells the truth and it makes me sick!

from stuff

"Revelations that more conservation land will be mined, whatever the outcome of public consultation, have drawn vehement opposition from environmental groups, who say conservation land is about to be destroyed.

The Government is planning to consult the public over opening up more land for mining, but Prime Minister John Key signalled to Parliament yesterday that there would be significant changes to which areas are protected."

That's right - it has already been decided

"It is expected that the Government will seek consultation this month on removing land in Coromandel and the Mt Aspiring, Kahurangi, Fiordland and Paparoa national parks from Schedule 4."

What are YOU going to do - let it happen?

"In his speech, Mr Key said a conservation fund would be established through royalties from mining revenue, but Dr Norman pointed out that the plan was illogical. "We have to destroy the environment in order to protect it.""

It is not just illogical it is BIG BROTHER ORWELLIAN DOUBLESPEAK

Look we knew this year they would do it because key and brownlee have both said that NZ is 'open for business'. I say NO. I say we are not open for the destruction of our land and ecosystems. I say now is the time to fight, sign petitions, organise protests, harass (in a totally legal way :)) the scum who would sell us out. Now is the time. I'll keep you informed of anything you can do.

Takapūneke Historic Reserve created

The creation of a historic reserve - that is great. I wonder why it was a set aside as a historic reserve though and not given back to Ngai Tahu.

From Scoop

"The creation of the new Takapūneke Historic Reserve in Akaroa. The ceremony marks the return of historically significant land back to the nation in the form of an historic reserve.

Speaking in Maori, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said: “I gave an oath to return Takapūneke back to the people of this land. My heart is full of joy as my promise is now fulfilled.”

Yes the historic and shameful events surrounding this site is nationally important but it is Ngai Tahu history and Ngai Tahu land.

“The return of Takapūneke symbolises the return of the mana to the people of this portion of land. This is also the time to make right all wrongs of the past.” Mr Parker said.

Don't worry about symbolically giving the mana back and it does not not 'make right all the wrongs of the past'.
 
Don't get me wrong it is good that this site is no longer a rubbish dump or being 'developed' - it is significant and it is where one of the most shameful episodes in our history occured.
 
Ngai Tahu have the knowledge of what happened but what is available to the general public on the history of this site.
 
From professional historians

"Takapuneke (also known as Red House Bay) was the site of a kainga of Te Maiharanui, upoko ariki of Ngai Tahu. In the period immediately after the ending of the Ngai Tahu ‘civil war’ known as the Kai Huanga feud, Te Maiharanui was spending much of his time at Takapuneke because it was a convenient base for trading with Europeans, especially in flax."

From NZ Histoty.net

"In 1830 Captain John Stewart of the brig Elizabeth entered into a commercial arrangement with the Ngati Toa leader Te Rauparaha to ferry a taua (war party) of 100 warriors from their base on Kapiti Island to Banks Peninsula."

and back to the historians

"the fact that Takapuneke was a major rival to Te Rauparaha’s Kapiti Island as a source of supply of flax may add a rational economic calculation to the motive customarily assigned to Te Rauparaha for his attack on Takapuneke – a lust for revenge."

Now who knows the mix of motivations but 'lust for revenge' nicely fits the 'red-native' stereotype.

NZhistory.net

"This was a business deal for Stewart. In return for his services, he would receive a full cargo of flax. ...Stewart's motivation in 1830 was primarily economic.

The arrival of a European trading ship would not have raised any particular alarm among Ngai Tahu. Stewart lured the Ngai Tahu chief Te Maiharanui (Tama-i-hara-nui) aboard by offering to trade flax for muskets. Once aboard, Te Rauparaha and his men seized the chief, his wife and daughter. Ngati Toa warriors attacked and destroyed Te Maiharanui's settlement, Takapuneke.

The brig returned to Kapiti with Te Maiharanui and his family held captive. Rather than see his daughter enslaved, Te Maiharanui strangled her and threw her overboard. Once on Kapiti, Te Maiharanui suffered death by slow torture at the hands of the widows of the Ngati Toa chiefs slain at Kaiapoi; his wife met the same fate.

Governor Ralph Darling of New South Wales, who was responsible for British subjects in New Zealand, put Stewart on trial in Sydney as an accomplice to murder. In keeping with contemporary European attitudes, however, Ngai Tahu were deemed 'incompetent' to act as witnesses because they were 'heathens'. As a result, Stewart and his crew escaped punishment.

The fact that no Europeans were killed in this incident meant that most Europeans took little interest. It did intensify demands, though, from humanitarian groups such as the Church Missionary Society (CMS) for the British Colonial Office to improve law and order in New Zealand."

How significant was this - the professional historians say in a paper called 'A place as important as Waitangi'

"As a direct consequence of Stewart’s actions, James Busby was sent to the Bay of Islands as British Resident in 1833, the first direct intervention by the British Government in the affairs of New Zealand, which was to culminate in the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi."

So there can be no doubt of the significance and tapu of this site. It is now a historic reserve but what does that mean when we see that nationally significant sites can be destroyed or damaged whenever they like - I hope they never find coal or gold - they'd dig it up without a second thought.

Message from Leonard Peltier - 34 years of wrongful imprisonment

Feb 6 - Waitangi day and Bob Marley's birthday and also the anniversary of Leonard Peltier's wrongful imprisonment - 34 years - just think about being locked away from your people and family for 34 years.

Freedom will come for Leonard - this is a message from him

"Greetings to everyone,

34 years. It doesn’t even sound like a real number to me. Not when one really thinks about being in a jail cell for that long. All these years and I swear, I still think sometimes I’ll wake up from this nightmare in my own bed, in my own home, with my family in the next room. I would never have imagined such a thing. Surely the only place people are unjustly imprisoned for 34 years is in far away lands, books or fairy tales.

It’s been that long since I woke up when I needed to, worked where I wanted to, loved who I was supposed to love, or did what I was compelled to do. It’s been that long-long enough to see my children have grandchildren. Long enough to have many of my friends and loved ones die in the course of a normal life, while I was here unable to know them in their final days.

So often in my daily life, the thought creeps in-“I don’t deserve this”. It lingers like acid in my mouth. But I have to push those types of thoughts away. I made a commitment long ago, many of us did. Some didn’t live up to their commitments, and some of us didn’t have a choice. Joe Stuntz didn’t have a choice. Neither did Buddy Lamont. I never thought my commitment would mean sacrificing like this, but I was willing to do so nonetheless. And really, if necessary, I’d do it all over again, because it was the right thing to do. We didn’t go to ceremony and say “I’ll fight for the people as long as it doesn’t cost too much”. We prayed, and we gave. Like I say, some of us didn’t have a choice. Our only other option was to run away, and we couldn’t even do that. Back then, we had no where left to run to.

I have cried so many tears over these three plus decades. Like the many families directly affected by this whole series of events, my family’s tears have not been in short supply. Our tears have joined all the tears from over 500 years of oppression. Together our tears come together and form a giant river of suffering and I hope, cleansing. Injustice is never final, I keep telling myself. I pray this is true for all of us.

To those who know I am innocent, thank you for your faith. And I hope you continue working for my release. That is, to work towards truth and justice. To those who think me guilty, I ask you to believe in and work for the rule of law. Even the law says I should be free by now, regardless of guilt. What has happened to me isn’t justice, it isn’t the law, it isn’t fair, it isn’t right. This has been a long battle in an even longer war. But we have to remain vigilant, as we have a righteous cause. After all this time, I can only ask this: Don’t give up. Not ever. Stay in this fight with me. Suffer with me. Grieve with me. Endure with me. Believe with me. Outlast with me. And one day, celebrate freedom with me. Hoka hey!

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,

Leonard Peltier

Kia kaha Leonard

4 dimensions and attacking our own

Sometimes I find it hard to get my head around something.

Dimensions more than 3 is one example and Ngai Tahu whanui attacking other Ngai Tahu whanui is another. In fact both of those scenarios are actually very similar because they contain hidden elements.

One day we will realise that with 43,000 or so members of the iwi - we should be protecting and nurturing our own - not trying to cut their heads off. That doesn't mean it's always touchy feely lovey dovey - we can disagree, we can have opposite views and we can believe that someone is incompetent - but do we really want to smash their heads in in public? Apparently some do - and that is very sad.

john minto is right

John Minto is right.

From his blog

"The next time Sheppard drives from Auckland to Hamilton through the best agricultural land in the world I hope he gives a thought that all the land he sees was confiscated from Tainui because they had the temerity to fight a defensive war for their land against an invasion by colonial soldiers. Sheppard would call the miserly $170 million paid to Tainui in compensation a handout. I'd call it a ripoff."

and this is sheppards post that caused the response

"Look, nothing changes, our forebears gave them lollies in the 1820s, guns and booze, and it surely killed them off in droves. Copious volumes of cash that will cause social divisions among their people will surely do the same over time."

Read the comments on both posts to see what the challenge is in this country. We have a long long way to go but we are going don't worry about that.

Peoples World Conference on Climate Change and Mother Earth's Rights,” to be held in Cochabamba, Bolivia, April 19-22 2010

Leadership - we've talked about it and this is a great example of it.

Bolivian President Evo Morales announced the objectives of the “Peoples World Conference on Climate Change and Mother Earth's Rights,” to be held in Cochabamba, Bolivia, April 19-22 2010.

"Considering that climate change represents a real threat to the existence of humanity, of living beings and our Mother Earth as we know it today; Noting the serious danger that exists to islands, coastal areas, glaciers in the Himalayas, the Andes and mountains of the world, poles of the Earth, warm regions like Africa, water sources, populations affected by increasing natural disasters, plants and animals, and ecosystems in general;

Making clear that those most affected by climate change will be the poorest in the world who will see their homes and their sources of survival destroyed, and who will be forced to migrate and seek refuge;

Confirming that 75% of historical emissions of greenhouse gases originated in the countries of the North that followed a path of irrational industrialization;

Noting that climate change is a product of the capitalist system;

Regretting the failure of the Copenhagen Conference caused by countries called “developed”, that fail to recognize the climate debt they have with developing countries, future generations and Mother Earth;

Affirming that in order to ensure the full fulfillment of human rights in the twenty-first century, it is necessary to recognize and respect Mother Earth’s rights;

Reaffirming the need to fight for climate justice;

Recognizing the need to take urgent actions to avoid further damage and suffering to humanity, Mother Earth and to restore harmony with nature;

Confident that the peoples of the world, guided by the principles of solidarity, justice and respect for life, will be able to save humanity and Mother Earth, and

Celebrating the International Day of Mother Earth,

The Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia calls on the peoples of the world, social movements and Mother Earth’s defenders, and invites scientists, academics, lawyers and governments that want to work with their citizens to the Peoples’ World Conference on Climate Change and Mother Earth’s Rights to be held from 20th to 22nd April 2010 in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
 
Agenda and registration here
 
Hat tip censored news

Mother Earth
In Māori tradition and history, Papatūānuku is profoundly important. Papatūānuku is the land, a mother earth figure who gives birth to all things of the world and imparts many blessings to her children. She is seen as the birthplace of all things and the place to which they return, and is considered a foundation for human action. Papatūānuku is the first kaupapa (platform) in the traditional world view.

LKJ

a cleanser

waitangi day

I can't celebrate colonisation. There are no benefits from that process. The chiefs who signed the treaty did so as superiors, they were tricked and lied to - there is no doubt of that when you read how the treaty was signed. The treaty was designed to get the land.

But we are here.

This country didn't start in 1840.

Our waka is filled with many peoples who have come here to live, to love and to die - but it is a waka.

Te ao maori is inclusive, no one is excluded.

The foundation must be set correctly otherwise a crooked structure is built. New Zealand is a crooked structure and we have to set the foundations again. Resetting the foundations involves accepting the truth of colonisation, accepting and celebrating that maori are indigenous, accepting that maori have the right to self determination - the right to follow their kaupapa, the right to be maori.

When the foundations are reset we will find that our country will be such a better place - for all peoples.

Five actions we can take to help reset the foundations:

1. Visit marae and listen and learn. Marae are everywhere and they are very welcoming places. Do not be afraid - you will be welcome.
2. Learn our local histories. Everywhere there are heroes, there are legends, there are lessons. as an example I was chatting to a recent immigrant from scotland the other day - I talked about this area and the activities that occured here. The legends of what happened between major figures of my iwi and what the various actions meant (within my very limited understanding) and this person was interested. The places i mentioned he had visited and all of a sudden there was context and more understanding. We must do more of this with all people who live here - especially those that have been here for 2 or 3 generations.
3. Pronounce te reo correctly especially when it concerns placenames. The other day i heard a ex-nz-ambassador on the radio completely mangling Motueka. This was a person who supposedly represented this country overseas and yet they could not even pronounce that word correctly - there is no excuse for this, but we all have done it and i have been corrected more than once for mucking it up. Start with your local area and expand outwards.
4. Treat people with respect. The negative effects of colonisation are intergenerational, manifold and deep. It is easy to make glib comments and sweep over the hurt that people may be feeling. Get over it - is not an appropriate response - if someone has talked about their feelings then you have been priviledged and that is an honour - respect that and you are also respecting yourself.
5. Cut people some slack. The media loves drama and controversy - it sells. Don't buy into everything you read - give people the benefit of the doubt. There is an old saying about treating people the way that you would like to be treated - but that is incorrect - treat people the way that they want to be treated - if unsure just ask.

I'm not trying to be sanctimonious - i too am always trying to be better and to improve - that never stops.

Arohanui

reaching

lifetimes distant

like whales sounding

to increasing depth

we drop, to murmur

a rolling resonance,

endless and blurred in

unconcisous symmetry

around until another

responds in recognition

let's work as a team and do it my way

So the threats start.

From RadioNZ

"The Prime Minister has warned Maori that if they take a hardline stance on the foreshore and seabed, the existing law could be left in place."

Hmmm - okay so what exactly is a hardline stance? Who knows how hardline hardline is for key. I'm sure it may have something to do with wanting the largest land-grab in the history of this country reversed.

Is this good faith negotiation? What does key expect maori to say or do? Threaten back? Roll over? Stop moaning about the past? Get over it? Some may and many won't and that is because the days of being told how to act are over. The times are changing and this year they will change alot and very quickly.

apology from me

I made a mistake by accusing others of something, that in fact I was doing myself. I apologise to all readers and especially to those who justly feel hurt and offended.

I have not deleted my intemperate comment because i want to remind myself of what not to do - my shame will stand.

I will be mindful of being too quick to bash the keyboard in that way again.

I am very sorry.

flag troubles

I don't agree with these sentiments or the decision made about which flag to fly down south.

From Stuff

"Ngai Tahu will not fly the controversial tino rangatiratanga flag during Waitangi Day celebrations in Canterbury tomorrow, with a tribe member saying the "flag has been nothing but trouble".

It will hoist the New Zealand flag and the Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand, an 1834 design, during celebrations at the Onuku Marae near Akaroa."

Ngai Tahu elders last night also chose to fly the United Tribes flag ahead of the iwi's modern flag, designed nine years ago.

Maori historian and Ngai Tahu member Te Maire Tau said the tino rangatiratanga flag had negative connotations for the iwi.

"For our tribe, that flag has been nothing but trouble," he said. "Quite often people opposing a Ngai Tahu settlement were flying the tino rangatiratanga flag."

He said the United Tribes flag was significant for Maori.

"It is quite important because it recognised our capacity to trade overseas and recognised our independence," he said.

"This flag is an admission by the British Empire of Maori independence – we don't need the New Zealand Government to recognise us."

So what if some people that oppose Ngai Tahu have flown the tino rangatiratanga flag - to say the flag has been nothing but trouble ignores the positives that have come from the flag.

How many of our people had flags at Hui a Tau and which one were they flying?

good roof garden for Otago uni

It is great to see this type of innovation - the more the merrier i say.

From the ODT

"The University of Otago's new psychology building has a roof garden contributing to the building's rainwater collection and recycling system.

Row upon row of native plants will purify rainwater before it is delivered to tanks in the basement and recycled, to flush toilets and irrigate other gardens."

When you go to any of our cities and see all the wasted space - space that could be used to grow food, grow trees, recycle water and so on - it really brings home the potential of what we could do with a little imagination and focus.

Metiria is a leader

Thank you for this post Metiria. I agree with your conclusions that keys attack on hone are wrong and i think you have highlighted why they are wrong very accurately.

The greens are leading the way politically and morally at the moment - they are showing that they are the true left in this country.

Hint for key - say tino rangatiratanga slowly and it will come out less mangled.

Hint for goff - I can't be bothered.

RIP Pauly

Rest in peace brother

Roarprawn scoop on FSSB negotiations

Busted Blonde has a scoop regarding the Foreshore and Seabed negotiations.

I agree that the UN declaration of indigenous Rights that this country still has not endorsed, should be one of the pillars of any negotiation. And i say that whoever wrote in red on the document gets my vote.

And i don't agree with BB when she says,

"As a nation we need not fear ownership of small bits of the Foreshore and Seabed by Maori - indeed we should embrace it. With rights come responsibilities.

Ummm not small bits- the whole lot that was taken!

"... this paper is a simplistic attempt to take more than can be morally justified but less than that which might be legally justified.

Take more than can be morally justified? WTF - if something is taken shouldn't it be given back - that is morally justified.

Go and have a read - all the documents are marked confidential and as usual BB gets a snide dig into one of our own.

Kāinga Whenua

Facilitating banks to loan money so that maori can build homes on papakainga (communal land) seems like a good idea.

From Scoop

"Housing Minister Phil Heatley has announced that from today Maori who want to build on their ancestral land will have an opportunity through an innovative partnership between Housing New Zealand Corporation and Kiwibank.

“It is difficult for Maori to own a home on multiple-owned Maori land,” Mr Heatley said.

“The special nature of Maori land means it cannot be sold, which means banks are unable to meet their standard requirements for mortgage security.

Yes let's make sure that it stays that way - "cannot be sold'.

"Kāinga Whenua is available to first home buyers, or people who have previously owned a home and are in a similar financial position as a first home buyer.

The borrower must earn less than $85,000 or three or more borrowers can earn less than $120,000. This multi-borrower option, which allows three or more borrowers in a single household to apply for the loan, makes a loan more feasible for multi-generational households."

This multi-buyer option is good because it is actually our (and everyones) natural way. I'd like to see much more communal housing, where whanau can have their whare and there can be communal buildings to bring people together - like a marae.

Some concerns have been raised that this initiative will only affect a few and that most won't be able to afford morgage payments and so on. These are legitimate concerns, especially when low income earners are under constant pressure from this government. Give on one hand and take with the other - which hand do you trust?

My other concern is that some may want to break up communal land so that they can make money. I oppose that kaupapa.

Tariana says she,

"... is proud that another key milestone in the Māori Party's policy manifesto has been achieved.

"Our policy priority was to resource iwi and Māori organisations to develop sustainable housing initiatives" said Mrs Turia. "This came from our recognition that Māori often have the land but not the income to service borrowing" said Mrs Turia. "We were particularly keen to encourage investment in multiply owned land, so that Māori would be able to experience home ownership on their own papakāinga"

I think i might keep an open mind on this one for a while, my radar is pinging for some reason.

children are not bricks in the wall

Some good analysis and commentary regarding the national standards for children teachers.

From Lew at Kiwipolitico

"This is not to say that KKM should be denied their national standards trial process. But that is what National should be saying, in order to be consistent. Because the stated reason a similar trial has been repeatedly denied the mainstream education sector is urgency — the sense that we must move swiftly and make the changes so that not one more child will be left behind. This sort of incoherence in policy and rhetoric (or, as it is in this case, between policy and rhetoric) always yields flaws which can and should be exploited, and here’s the flaw in this. One of the two following statements is necessarily true:

"The Government’s justification for rolling out national standards in mainstream schools without a trial period (urgency) is false and misleading, and accordingly the government’s motives in rolling out the trial period are different to their stated motives; or

The Government doesn’t care about kura kaupapa Māori students or schools, and doesn’t consider their educational standards a matter of urgency or substantial importance."

And Gordon Campbell

"The inconsistencies in the government’s stance are extraordinary. Key and Tolley have been steadfastly refusing to let the standards be trialled or piloted in state schools – but incredibly, the government is now willing to do exactly that in kura kaupapa schools."

And Tumeke

"These national standards have NOTHING to do with the educational betterment of NZ's children and has EVERYTHING to do with National implementing free market ideology into education. The standards will be used to create league tables, these league tables will create a false competition, which is what National have aimed for within education since day one."

Children learn at different rates because they are all different. This whole 'standards' approach is incorrect and won't work - but it will create an enemy for the gnats to get stuck into - namely the teachers and their union. I am pleased to read strong commentary against this.