Mana in the house

The Mana Movement have released their housing policy to help Māori get into their own homes and it is a beauty. Only 45% of Māori own their own homes compared to 70% for pākehā and that inequity must be addressed. In an awesome speech, Mana candidate for the Ikaroa Rāwhiti by-election, Te Hamua Nikora outlined the reasons why this new initiative is needed and those reasons include the unaffordbility of current housing, the shortage of state housing and the fact of currently empty state houses. He talks about a new warrant of fitness for all state houses and the reasons why this is important - the major one being the health of occupants, as he says

Mana Housing Policy

It was actually the tuberculosis crisis in East Coast communities in 1935 that gave rise to the original Maori Affairs Housing scheme; it’s an absolute bloody disgrace that 80 years later Maori are facing another health crisis, rheumatic fever.

It is disgrace! So how does the new initiative work?

MANA wants to build 10,000 state houses a year, 500 immediately in Ikaroa Rawhiti, as a first step to ensuring that every whanau that needs a home can get one, either to rent or to own. 

MANA would run the scheme through a restructured Te Puni Kokiri, in the same way that Maori Affairs ran the scheme in the past. 

Government finance would come through Te Puni Kokiri, effectively cutting out banks and their mean-spirited attitude to Maori homeowners.

Only Maori first home owners would be able to apply.

There would be no deposit.

Interest rates would be no higher than the rates government pays on money it borrows.

Applicants can either build new or buy an existing property

Applicants will be able to negotiate mortgage arrangements that suit their circumstances.

MANA’s policy would fully restart Maori Trade Training in all the housing apprenticeships – carpentry, electrician, plumber, glazier, painting, roofing and drain-laying – and provide direct employment to hundreds of young Maori, reversing unemployment of 5,000 in Ikaroa Rawhiti and sending a positive message to those in Australia as well.

It is a win-win – our people get jobs building decent homes for our whanau.

This is a great policy and it is important that it is tied into Trade Training for Māori. Te Hamua then discusses the Labour policy and he doesn’t pull any punches on that one.

Labour’s plan to build 100,000 houses, mainly in Auckland, for $500,000, will do nothing for Maori home buyers in Ikaroa-Rawhiti.

But in truth, that has always been Labour’s way – to talk big about things Maori but to deliver little.

Labour talks about trade training, but it was Labour that ended the country’s most successful apprenticeship programme, the Maori Trade Training Scheme.

It was Labour that killed off the Maori Affairs Housing Scheme that had successfully housed tens of thousands of Maori families.

It was Labour that stole our rights to the foreshore and seabed. 

It was Labour that got rid of targeted funding for Maori.

It was Labour that launched the terrorist raids on the people of Tuhoe.

It was Labour who said that Maori don’t own the water.

The sad fact is that Labour has held the seat of Ikaroa-Rawhiti for 62 years and yet Maori employment, health, education, justice and housing have all suffered under their watch.

That is the truth about Labour – big talk but when you actually look at what they do sadly they are similar to National in outcomes for Māori. I have hope that Mana and Te Hamua will win the by-election and show Labour that words are worthless without action. This speech really showed that Te Hamua is a very very good candidate and deserves the seat.

Mana care about all people in this country and the final statement from Te Hamua confirms this

We know that housing is not just an issue that affects Maori; it affects every family on a low income. That’s why John Minto, will be announcing MANA’s wider housing policy on 23 July as a part of our MINTO FOR MAYOR Campaign.

The Mana Movement is growing - if you haven't joined get on board now and enjoy the ride from the beginning!!!

It was actually the tuberculosis crisis in East Coast communities in 1935 that gave rise to the original Maori Affairs Housing scheme; it’s an absolute bloody disgrace that 80 years later Maori are facing another health crisis, rheumatic fever. - See more at: http://mana.net.nz/2013/06/mana-housing-policy-announcement-for-maori-te-hamua-nikora-ikaroa-rawhiti-mana-candidate/#sthash.KGUXlzus.dpuf

It was actually the tuberculosis crisis in East Coast communities in 1935 that gave rise to the original Maori Affairs Housing scheme; it’s an absolute bloody disgrace that 80 years later Maori are facing another health crisis, rheumatic fever. - See more at: http://mana.net.nz/2013/06/mana-housing-policy-announcement-for-maori-te-hamua-nikora-ikaroa-rawhiti-mana-candidate/#sthash.KGUXlzus.dpuf

It was actually the tuberculosis crisis in East Coast communities in 1935 that gave rise to the original Maori Affairs Housing scheme; it’s an absolute bloody disgrace that 80 years later Maori are facing another health crisis, rheumatic fever. - See more at: http://mana.net.nz/2013/06/mana-housing-policy-announcement-for-maori-te-hamua-nikora-ikaroa-rawhiti-mana-candidate/#sthash.KGUXlzus.dpuf

Te Hamua Nikora

Te Hamua Nikora

Te Hamua Nikora

Ikaroa-Rawhiti

Ikaroa-Rawhiti

Ikaroa-Rawhiti

saving people

Some statistics are stark in their brutality and suicide statistics tell a story that is appalling and a blight upon our society

Stuff

11 people every week commit suicide in this country

NZ has the highest rate of youth suicide in the OECD

New Zealand's suicide toll is 50 per cent higher than the road toll.

More New Zealanders under the age of 25 die from suicide than from all medical causes combined.

Suicides of 10-14-year-olds increased 60 per cent between 2007 and 2010.

New Zealand's youngest known suicide victim was a 6-year-old.

Suicide rates of Maori and Pacific youth are 70 per cent higher than those of other young New Zealanders.

The most common age for Maori and Pacific people to take their lives is 15-19.

Source: CASPER (an organisation for those bereaved by suicide)

A 6-year old committing suicide beggars belief. 

What a nightmare - for those who decide this is the best option, for friends, family and whānau left behind and for communities and the country as a whole. Many of us have been there - in so much despair, so much pain that we think the best option is to end it. What to do? Talking about it and understanding the pressures that cause people to go there are valuable and an excellent initiative is underway for the deep south

Stuff

Suicide prevention strategies for Maori will be discussed at a hui in Bluff next week. Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Trust Maori health promoter Leoma Tawaroa said the "silent issue" of suicide needed to be discussed so appropriate prevention strategies could be developed to help address the issue.

A Kia Piki te Ora Maori Suicide Prevention Hui will be held in Bluff and will be open to the public on Wednesday. It will include presentations on suicide prevention from agencies and people such as comedian Mike King and Te Tai Tonga MP Rino Tirikatene. The Ministry of Health, the Mental Health Foundation, district health boards, Lifeline Aotearoa, Kia Piki te Ora sites and other professionals and community will attend.

Kia Piki te Ora focused on suicide prevention, raising awareness and highlighting the fact everyone had a place in the world.

The Southern District Health Board last week said there was a suicide in Southland every three weeks.

This initiative is so needed and thank goodness that there are good people working in this very important area. We must give our young people hope and that hope has to come from kaupapa and tikanga and creating a sense of worth, of value. Our society is focused on the individual, on profit and exploitation, on capitalism and neo-liberalism and all of those factors contribute towards out appalling record in suicide.

The Maori youth suicide rate was 35.3 per 100,000 Maori youth population which was more than 2.5 times higher than non-Maori youth. (13.4 per 100,000) 

It is too late to save them when they have gone - we need to save them NOW, we need to give people hope NOW and we need to talk about this disgusting blight on our society NOW. Do your bit and connect with those young people around you, your friends, your family your whānau. 

Do it NOW.

the shame of blame

National have now said what they are going to do about welfare and as expected they will treat people on benefits poorly. Their belief is that it is the fault of those people, they haven't tried hard enough and the gnats will incentivise them to get out there and find the non-existant jobs. The gnats say


Stuff

National yesterday said it would scrap the benefit system and replace it with three new benefits. Under the policy, the majority of beneficiaries would go on to the Jobseeker benefit and be expected to work, at least part-time unless they are found to be temporarily exempt.

The Supported Living Payment would replace the invalid's benefit for those who are permanently and severely disabled, severely mentally ill or terminally ill, while those currently on a sickness benefit would be classed as jobseekers. Solo parents whose youngest child is under 14 would go on Sole Parent Support, while those whose youngest child is older than five would be expected to work part-time.

The catch comes for those beneficiaries who had a subsequent child while on a benefit. They would be required to look for work once their youngest child was 12 months old, if their previous children were over five.

Yes you read it right - look for work after 12 months! I totally oppose these ideas - they are nasty, idiotic and will be devestating for many Māori.

RadioNZ

The Maori Party is refusing to say whether the National's welfare policy would be a deal-breaker if the two parties were to form a coalition after the election.

That isn't good enough for me - that is weak and part of the reason The Mana Party has formed - and why I support them.


If you cannot support and protect the members of our society that need it most then you have no place in the people's hearts.

what's the point?

Oh deary dear I don't have any problems with Hone's view of bin Laden, that is his opinion but as I have outlined here, there is a time and place. My question to Hone is, what's the point? What's the point of saying what you did - to show support for bin Laden's family or those that support his philosophy or to be staunch - I can't quite work it out because the days of just saying what you want, when you want, are over - you are leading a new political force that is creating hope for many. You need to suck it up and mull it over before you say whatever you want to say. It is not about bin Laden or whether it was on a te reo maori channel, it is about the bigger picture - it's about Mana!

Footnote - whilst I stick by the post mel on Maui Street has added a comment which really made me think

Mel said... What Hone actually did was a mihi to the dead, which is a Maori custom "...ahakoa ko wai te tangata" despite who the person is. Those are the things you say whenever you hear of someone's passing. That is the tikanga.

If you listen to the video, Scotty Morrison is the one who mentions Osama being a freedom fighter ("engari he tangata tino whaiwhai mo te tino rangatiratanga o tona iwi nera? me ona whakapono") and Hone acknowledges that. But he's not saying 'oh yay he was a choice dude' but points out that he was a human being who had a family/tribe/people that will mourn him...

"no reira, he tikanga kia kaua e takahi i te mate engari me mihi atu ki a ia mo nga mahi e whai nei i a ia i te waiora"

'therefore, the custom is don't trample on the dead, but instead celebrate the good things he did'

Please please watch the article in question and read the subtitles before you go spouting the same tripe as mainstream media.

They have deliberately twisted Hone's reo me ona tikanga into saying something he wasn't.

It is a willful misuse of te reo and a twisting of our tikanga

Thanks Mel you have added good knowledge into the debate. I note also that Hone has apologised - fair enough - i'm sorry too for not getting the full story.

join the waka

Open letter from Mike Treen to all unionists & fighters for equality & social justice in Aotearoa.

The Standard

Dear friends,
I am writing to urge all supporters of genuine left politics to support and if possible participate in the new Mana Party led by Hone Harawira to found a new movement for radical social change in Aotearoa/New Zealand.The Mana Party is being launched this Saturday, April 30, from 12 noon at the Te Mahurehure Marae, 73 Premier Ave, Point Chevalier, Auckland.

This party is a product of the protracted struggle over the last decades to achieve an independent voice for the interests of Maori people in Aotearoa/New Zealand. That struggle exposed a rift that has seen a the Maori Party captured by pro-corporate elite more concerned with protecting the interests of the wealthy against the interests of the vast majority of people in Aotearoa/New Zealand – whether Maori, Pakeha, Pacifica or Asian.The Mana Party is determined to continue to be the voice of the majority of ordinary Maori and at the same time give voice to the excluded majority across our land – whatever their national or ethnic origin.

In a letter to a unionist this week Hone gave a summary of how he sees the new party’s direction. He wrote:“As you can appreciate the new party to be called Mana hasn’t been launched yet and I’m certainly not in a position to make policy on its behalf at this stage. “However I can say I have been a proud union member in any job I was employed. The party and I will be pro-worker. I am fortunate having several trade unionists taking leadership roles up to assist the new party and who have offered to contribute to its policy.“We have had some policy discussions in the interim working group and can give you a bit of a feel where we are at. Nothing is confirmed of course.“

• Mana will be anti neo-liberal, against monopoly capitalism and against privatisation of the people’s assets. Utilities such as water, power, roading etc should be in the hands of the people rather than a guaranteed money making venture for corporations“

• Our strategy on taxes will be targeted at wealth such as capital gains taxes, death duties, and asset taxes. We will want to abolish GST with sometime like a financial transaction tax (we’d like to call it the Hone Heke Tax). The rich need to pay their fair share. As a start the last tax cut should be cancelled. Labour’s GST cosmetic elimination off fresh veges and fruit says everything about their current state of mind. Timid and uninspiring. “

• KiwiSaver is privatisation of our pensions so increasing the money we give to these financial institutions to do what they want needs more thought. “

• We should nationalise monopolies and duopolies. “

• We certainly need an agreed mechanism to set minimum terms of pay and conditions for workers. But given the private unionised workforce is small we think we should probably focus on union building first. The two practical steps would be any bargaining unit covering workers would take a vote. If a majority voted in favour of a CEA covering everyone then a bargaining fee would apply for those workers not wishing to join the union. It stops free loading and undermining the negotiations yet still allows workers to choose whether they belong to the union. The second suggestion is that the state covers any CEA costs for both sides. I would appreciate your feedback on this as a short term step. Ultimately every worker needs to be in strong unions but then that’s your job, not mine. “

• New Zealand needs a planned economy that makes job creation its main emphasis rather than leaves it to the non-existent free market. “Given the short time I’ve had to respond to this I apologise if I haven’t covered everything you’d like. But my response should give you some comfort to where our new party will position itself politically.

“Have no doubt we will be a staunch party that puts people – Maori and non-maori – before the needs of the already rich.I’m appealing to all supporters of the rights of working people and genuine equality and social justice in our land to become part building this new movement.

As the invite to this public launch declares: “Happy are those who dream and are prepared to pay the price to make those dreams come true”. By supporting the founding public launch of the Mana Party this Saturday we take one more step towards making our dreams a reality.

Yours in Solidarity

Mike Treen

I am getting very excited about the historic events happening this weekend - no wonder labour, goff and the maori party are scared and no wonder that there is a buzz of anticipation around the Mana Party. Time to take the power back for the people - join in, we need you.

kei te ako au

I been away at a wānanga learning te reo Māori. It has been a hīkoi and a half for me. The first time in 2 years that i have traversed that land. Lots of insights and learning - lots of inspiration and reinforcement of values. I visited Te Papa and have some thoughts on that. They'll all come out over the next few posts for sure but for now I want to say few words about learning. Our group was 60% wāhine, 50% Māori and the median age probably early 30's. How fantastic to see the student's confidence rise after just a couple of days. Everyone got better at speaking in te reo Māori - everyone. And this is what could happen nationally - this must be what happens nationally. There is no loss, no trade off - you lose nothing and gain everything and this is avaliable for everyone potentially but we must get serious about learning te reo Māori - as a country. The recent report from Te Paepae Motuhake offers some answers

NZH

An independent Maori language review panel, released its report today following submissions from 15 hui around New Zealand and interviews with government agencies. Among its recommendations, the panel proposed introducing a Minister of Maori Language, and redirecting government funding to focus on promoting te reo in families.

That's the sort of things we need to do but will we?

I know the language won't die - it will grow and strengthen and become normalised - soonish we will all be speaking te reo Māori - get a headstart and begin learning or strengthening your te reo Māori skills - your confidence will also rise, just like me and my fellow students.

support and compassion to Japan

It is shocking to think about the suffering the earthquake and tsunami have caused, and are still causing, the people of Japan. This report talks about the toxic waste left behind from the tsunami and the dire consequences for the land.

As much of Japan worries about nuclear radiation, residents along its northeastern coast are confronting a different environmental disaster: the wide-scale destruction and contamination of farms and other land from salt water, chemicals and other detritus and toxins washed in with last month's tsunami.

The authorities have recently upgraded the nuclear emergency from a 5 to a 7 - equal to Chernobyl, but 7 is the uppermost figure so it doesn't actually have a definitive end. Massive amounts of radioactive water have been released into the ocean and nobody actually knows the effect of that. The authorities have not wanted to panic people so who knows how much radiation has been leaked into the atmosphere.

In Chernobyl, in the Ukraine, a reactor exploded on April 26, 1986, spewing a cloud of radiation over much of the Northern Hemisphere. A zone about 30 kilometres around the plant was declared uninhabitable.

The global reach of this tragic event is not yet being seen, but it will be I believe. All we can do is send our support and compassion to the people, they are suffering terribly.

The Māori Recovery Network - supporting people in Ōtautahi

I don't want to diminish the suffering and loss that the people of Ōtautahi have experienced because of the earthquake. They are still in the middle of it - I have had many conversations with quake refugees and they all are still working through many things - from childrens nightmares to what the hell to do about a job. There are many organisations helping and that is good. I want to make special mention of this outstanding initiative from Ngāi Tahu - The Māori Recovery Network.

A Ngāi Tahu- led collaboration of Māori organisations, formed to support the people of Christchurch following the February 22 earthquake.

The Network's kaupapa (purpose) is to reach out to, support and assist whānau (families) in the worst effected Eastern suburbs of Ōtautahi. The Māori Recovery Network works in a Māori way and is committed to supporting Māori and non-Māori whānau.

The Māori Recovery Network includes Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Te Puni Kokiri, He Oranga Pounamu, Ngā Maata Waka, Māori Wardens, Māori health and social service providers, Māori Party and the wider Māori network— organisations with memberships committed to supporting the recovery effort.

Collaborative, people focused, cooperative, daily updates - this is mana in action and it is awesome to see Ngāi Tahu take a lead role in the recovery of the people and the region. It is making a difference

Total number of contacts as at: 5.00pm Tues 5 April 2011 6795

Whānau with home safety concerns 150
Whanau requesting food parcels 478
Whanau requesting water 496
Whānau needing medication attention 194
Whānau needing clothing / bedding, etc 107
Whānau needing transport 71
Whānau needing assistance with filling out paperwork 30
Whānau needing counselling 95
Whānau needing respite for family 19
Whānau needing assistance with cleanup labour 52
Whānau members registered with Red Cross 1171
Whānau members registered with WINZ 923

Our kaiwhakahaere has come out with some good ideas around upskilling and trades and also using the expertise Ngāi Tahu have in 'Green Building' - this is what we want and i feel pride in seeing the values of manaakitanga, kotahitanga and rangatiratanga being displayed - thank you.

support for our struggle

The Aboriginal News Group is a group I am proud to be a member of. 

The ANG is an international people-powered indigenous-led news guild that exists to provide support and inspiration to independent Aboriginal bloggers, journalists and activists who report on news items of importance and interest to First Nations/Original Peoples.

Both the ANG and its international news-wire the Aboriginal Press News Service (APNS) are cashless, state-less entities that operate without a budget, contributors are not compensated and as a general rule we always use Internet services that provide freely available services to anyone regardless of nationality, race/ethnicity, geographic location or economic capability. We do this to provide an example to First Nations communities and activists without means that it is possible to produce informational media that can educate the international public about their issues and concerns.

Our struggles to achieve tino rangatiratanga are posted on the ANG site for the world to see. Our struggle is the same struggle that many indigenous peoples have - we are not alone - our voices rise up in harmony - our brothers and sisters join our chorus - inclusive and open we welcome all people to support us - we are all on the same waka and we need your voice.

For Immediate Release

ANG Statement of Support For Maori-Led Takutaimoana Hikoi To Parliament In Opposition To the Marine and Coastal Area Bill

At this time, the Aboriginal News Group (ANG) wishes to offer its support to the Maori people of Aotearoa with a statement of Indigenous solidarity and unity with those involved with the 2011 Hikoi (march) on the New Zealand government. We support their right to demand an end to discriminatory legislation and the ongoing colonial subversion of the Maori people and their ancestral territories.

Many of the original people of Aotearoa believe that the proposed 'Marine and Coastal Areas' legislation is unjustly slanted against their community and have chosen to take their grievances to the seat of colonial governance. While this bill ostensibly restores the 'right' under colonialist law for Maori to challenge state ownership of foreshore and seabed regions, it does not extend to the Maori people full, unrestricted ownership of said territories. So in effect, non-Maori interests will still have access to land areas that should rightfully be returned to and maintained by its original owners. A political state of affairs very common, and very detrimental to many Indigenous peoples across the Fourth World.

Before the arrival of Europeans, all of Occupied New Zealand was in the control and stewardship of the Maori and they have never relinquished their claim to Aotearoa. We support their struggle to demand full redress and compensation for their territorial and cultural disenfranchisement and we also commend those non-Maori who realise that by supporting the Maori people they are also standing up for their own best interests and better relations with the Original Peoples of Aotearoa.

We ask that all the peoples of the Fourth World and others of conscience support this peaceful action in defence of Indigenous/First Nations territorial and human rights.

The Takutaimoana Hikoi is due to reach Parliament on March 22nd.

For additional information about this release please contact: Aboriginal News Group (ANG) aboriginalnewsgroup@gmail.com

As we support stuggles overseas, so our struggles are supported from overseas.

left is the answer

An alternative māori party is beginning to build momentum (Radio NZ) - this is good but I hasten to add that it must be a party that is inclusive and respectful of all people. It will be very important to focus on injustice and inequity - none of this, "It's all your own fault, bullshit." None of the right-wing lines used to reduce people and none of the exploitive, capitalist's who put money above everything. Don't fill the party up with ex-MP's! Don't fill the party up with people that call women "front-bums". A lot of don'ts I suppose but that is why I entitled my alternative māori party as a left māori party. Go left and look after people - that is my advice. Fill the party list with new people - there are plenty out there. Use the activist base to source good people. There are many working with the poor and disadvantaged, there are many commited to the environment and kaitiakitanga and they are quality and voters will vote for them. Go to our kaumatua and ask them. Watch out for those who will ride you as the māori party has been ridden.

Please note that exceptions can be made where appropriate - Sandra Lee is awesome and I rate her very highly and I have time for Willie Jackson too.

Update - I have just listened to Annette Sykes on the radio talking about supporting the alternative māori party - Ae! Kei te koa rawa atu au.

(I'm trying to use more te reo māori in mars2earth now and macrons - I'm following kaua e whakama. Karawhiua! Don't be shy. Give it a go. If you already know our sacred language feel free to help me when you can)

Kaiwhakahaere message

I am reproducing this message from Mark Solomon, Kaiwhakahaere of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, about the Christchurch earthquake.

Tātangi nei te reo o apakura ki ōku taringa
He aituā e kukume i ngā taura o ngākau mōmotu
i te kukumetanga mai o Rūaumoko i ōna here ki te mata o te whenua
Nei te tangi ki ngā tini aituā kua wehe ki te pae o ngaromanga
Waiho mā mātou nei e apakura tū te ao, tū te pō
Nā reira nei te mihi ki a tātou Ngāi Mōrehu
Me pakahiwitahi tātou kia kiia ahakoa te taumahatanga o te wā
Āe rawa atu nei, kei te ora tonu te manaakitanga me te aroha ki tēnei whenua

 It has been such a tragic week and my thoughts are with all those who have lost family and friends in this earthquake. I also wish to acknowledge those who are, injured, unable to live in their homes, are living in damaged homes and so on. All residents of Christchurch, Canterbury and in the wider community have been affected in some way.

So far this website has been used to convey only essential-service messages and information about marae accommodation and respite. However, today there is a lot more resource around and a few extra minutes to dedicate to a quick update.

About 30 Te Rūnanga Group staff are working furiously at the new Wigram Hub to re-establish our core businesses and operations. This includes the Tahu FM crew. We are here because we have no access to Te Waipounamu House in the Central Business District. We do not expect to have access for many more weeks, possibly months to come. But this has not stopped us from delivering the mahi required at this time. The Ngāi Tahu/Iwi Katoa/Te Puni Kōkiri/Māori organisation relief effort is a combined and coordinated effort and linked in with the greater Civil Defence relief effort across the city. Many people are inputting into this effort whether from their homes, marae, or from the Ngāi Tahu Wigram Hub.

There are many from outside the city and all across the country who are also contributing and I thank all Iwi, Māori organisations, and all others for their generous donations. I also thank the many Cantabrians, New Zealanders and international citizens who are here on the ground doing their utmost to help us recover. The Red Cross Emergency and Hardship Grant is helping to address the immediate and dire needs of whānau who are without water, power or sewerage services. It is hard to adequately express how proud I am of our whānau and our wider community, you are simply extraordinary.

Over the days and weeks ahead, there will be time to report on this relief effort and I will post regular updates in this space, in the meantime, continue to take care of each other.

 Aroha ki te tangata

Mark Solomon.

We must look after the people - that is the priority.

earthquake

A massive earthquake in Christchurch - news just coming in - kia kaha and much arohanui to all.

The cathedral tower is down

RadioNZ

The Standard

Stuff running report

Just spoke to mate - it is bad, buildings down, dust and tears. He is okay but many are not.

Confirmed deaths on radio and dozens of people trapped.

Mutiple fatalities in multiple locations including buses crushed by falling debris - radio

most if not all of the Christchurch civil defence leaders are in Wellington at a conference and the airport is down so they can't get straight in

power out to 80% of the city

rescue teams being formed to search collapsed buildings

65 confirmed dead - up to 200 perhaps still trapped in collapsed and burning buildings

Update - 75 confirmed dead, 300 still unaccounted for - over 120 people pulled out of rubble overnight

scratching in the gutter

The welfare working group has come back with their recomendations and they have been predictable in their nastiness and destructiveness to our society. Their mindset is twisted - they blame the beneficiaries - I find their whole argument nonsensical and venal and i don't engage with anyone going down that line - no point - they are beyond.

Stuff

More than three quarters of all beneficiaries will be forced to seek work or face cuts to their payments - a single 'Jobseeker Support' benefit that would replace the dole, domestic purposes, sickness and other benefits and require all but the most seriously ill and disabled to look for work. Which would increase the proportion of beneficiaries presently subjected to work testing from 37 per cent to 77 per cent. That would more than double the numbers required to look for work from 133,200 of the 360,000 people presently on a benefit to 277,200.

Of course the obvious fact that there are few jobs is ignored because Rebstock dosen't care - it is all the fault of the beneficiaries, they need to get out there and she will provide the pointed stick to get them moving.

''There are currently few incentives and little active support for many people reliant on welfare to move into paid work. Long term benefit dependency can be avoided if investments are well targeted and timely. "Enabling people to move into paid work reduces poverty and improves outcomes for key at-risk groups, including young people, sole parents, disabled people and those who are sick.''

We knew this was coming and now we'll see how much more political capital brand-key will expend defending and implementing it.

Good post by Danyl at The Dim-post on another disgusting aspect of their recomendations

kia kaha Egyptian people

I don't pretend to understand the middle east - the countries, the people, the politics. But I do recognise the historic events in Egypt. Mubarak has gone - the 18 days of street protest have toppled this dictator - people power has won - but there is so much to do to protect the people and support freedom.

Good analysis and information  here and here and here and here.

kia kaha Egyptian people

loved ones lost

There are many people suffering catastrophic natural events around the world at the moment. In Australia there are fires in the west and floods in the east. The floods have wiped out communities and killed people. Are we going to become desensitised to all of the suffering. The floods, the fires, the earthquakes, the mudslides, the volcanoes, the snow, the droughts, the tsunami's and everything else going on. I don't think we will even if we try to because there are going to be more and more of these events and within all of them are people - like you and me - fighting for their lives and their loved ones. This story made me cry - the horrible last moments for this boy and his mother can barely be comprehended and even then it is just too much to fathom.

NZH

Toowoomba boy Jordan Rice, 13, has been remembered as a hero after he let his younger brother be rescued first, seconds before he and his mother Donna were swept to their deaths in the CBD.

Ms Rice, and sons Jordan, 13, and Blake, 10, were driving at the intersection of James and Kitchener streets about 2pm on Monday when they drove through water which at the time was only up to their car wheels.

However, their car engine stopped and Ms Rice called triple zero for help. She was unable to call anyone else as she had no phone credit.

The triple zero operator told the family to stay put and they were forced to climb on to the roof of their car after the floodwater rose rapidly.

A old scrawny guy grabbed a bit of rope, wrapped it around himself and jumped in," Mr Tyson said.

"Jordan can't swim and is terrified of water.

"But when the man went to rescue him, he said 'save my brother first'."

Mr Tyson, the father of the boys and partner of Ms Rice for 28 years said the man rescued Blake and tried to tie the rope around Jordan and Ms Rice but it broke.

They were swept downstream. The pair was able to briefly cling on to a tree, but was overcome by the force of raging floodwaters.

What a very brave boy. My heart goes out to Mr Tyson and his son that survived and to all families that have lost loved ones.

Within every disaster there are stories and accounts like this - for every person lost there are the family and friends left behind. The people lost are remembered and we are part of the remembering.

The water is still rising and this disaster is still unfolding. Kia kaha to all.

make the most

This time of year can be stressful and within our distress we can be hard on ourselves and others. You are not alone, you are not an island or a rock - it is okay to feel but we must accept responsibility for our feelings and what we do with them. Reach out and ask for help if you need it - don't be afraid - just ask for help.

The buy, buy, buy constant barrage is hard to handle - try making something or being creative. I'm giving my brothers and their families a scrapbook, some glitter, a gluepen and coloured pencils - the scrapbook is entitled "Our happy holiday memories". That is a $20, 5 person present that everyone can get into. Grandparents can write and draw pictures - the kids can stick things in there and record their impressions of the days with help from mum and dad - shells, sand, sticks and leaves can be added. I am imagining that in 20 years the scrapbook can be reopened and the memories will rekindle.

The big challenge I find is to just allow the season to flow. There is no point fighting it - it is a waste of energy. Much better to flow with it and use it to further our aims - to grow communities - to bring people together - to be kind to ourselves and others. Rest and relax - swim and walk - smile and laugh. Connect with the beauty of nature and the other inhabitants of our world - admire the majesty of papatuanuku, the glory of mother earth. Recharge and energise for the challenges to come. And love, always love.

hiding from the authorities

Remember the dawn raids?

From Stuff

Dawn raids, which began under the Muldoon government in 1974, were a controversial campaign to arrest and deport any Pacific Island overstayers. Many had been encouraged to come to New Zealand to fill a labour shortage in the 1960s, but when the economy tightened in the 1970s there was a clampdown on overstayers. Police launched a campaign of dawn raids on Pacific Island households around the country and Pacific Islanders were routinely stopped on the streets on the suspicion that they might be overstayers.

During that time pasifica people were hidden from authorities.

Porirua city councillor Litea Ah Hoi says "It just reminds me of the dawn raid days when my dad hid Samoan overstayers in the bedroom closet."

The same hiding of people is occuring today.

Fefiloi Ana, 36, an overstayer who was ordered to leave the country by today or be forcibly removed, has gone into hiding with her children, Ranford, 12, Mine, 11, and Misipeka, 7. The children, whose father died in a motorbike accident in 2004, were born in New Zealand and are entitled to stay as New Zealand citizens.

Why is this happening?

Earlier this year she was ordered to leave after the immigration Removal Review Authority declined to make an exception on humanitarian grounds. Associate Immigration Minister Kate Wilkinson declined to intervene, and now Children's Commissioner John Angus cannot investigate due to the lack of time.

With the current focus on building strong families, the deportation did not make sense, Ms Kim Barnden, a youth worker and Mine's basketball coach at Avalon Intermediate said. "Mrs Ana is very kind and the kids adore her. Breaking up any family is unhealthy and I don't think the welfare of the kids has been taken into consideration. They've lost their dad, what else do we want to put them through?"

Those are fair questions and this persecution is totally unjust and must be stopped. Our pasifica cousins are welcome here - they are family and this practice of deportation and breaking up of families is unacceptable in any society. The family are hiding - they are scared and traumatised and we must support them.

The dawn raids were a blight on this country and the fear generated played into the authorities hands. They created distrust and set people against each other - based on ethnic origin and skin colour and today the same thing is happening.

29 miners lost - RIP

RIP


Conrad John Adams, 43, Greymouth, New Zealand
Malcolm Campbell, 25, Greymouth, Scottish
Glen Peter Cruse, 35, Cobden, New Zealand
Allan John Dixon, 59, Runanga, New Zealand
Zen Wodin Drew, 21, Greymouth, New Zealand
Christopher Peter Duggan, 31, Greymouth, New Zealand
Joseph Ray Dunbar, 17, Greymouth
John Leonard Hale, 45, Ruatapu, New Zealand
Daniel Thomas Herk, 36, Runanga, New Zealand
David Mark Hoggart, 33, Foxton, New Zealand
Richard Bennett Holling, 41, Blackball, New Zealand
Andrew David Hurren, 32, Greymouth, New Zealand
Jacobus (Koos) Albertus Jonker, 47, Cobden, South Africa
William John Joynson, 49, Dunollie, Australia
Riki Steve Keane, 28, Greymouth, New Zealand
Terry David Kitchin, 41, Runanga, New Zealand
Samuel Peter Mackie, 26, Greymouth, New Zealand
Francis Skiddy Marden, 41, Runanga, New Zealand
Michael Nolan Hanmer Monk, 23, Greymouth, New Zealand
Stuart Gilbert Mudge, 31, Runanga, New Zealand
Kane Barry Nieper, 33, Greymouth, New Zealand
Peter O’Neill, 55, Runanga, New Zealand
Milton John Osborne, 54, Ngahere, New Zealand
Brendan John Palmer, 27, Cobden, New Zealand
Benjamin David Rockhouse, 21, Greymouth, New Zealand
Peter James Rodger, 40, Greymouth, British
Blair David Sims, 28, Greymouth, New Zealand
Joshua Adam Ufer, 25, Australia
Keith Thomas Valli, 62, Winton, New Zealand.

The loss of these 29 men will ripple for ever. Arohanui to family, friends and the coast community.

The Stroke - Songs for Chris Knox

The Stroke - Songs for Chris Knox

"The Stroke: Songs for Chris Knox album was released yesterday, and features well-known artists, including Boh Runga and Don McGlashan, singing Knox's songs. There are also two new recordings by Knox's bands, The Nothing and Tall Dwarf, featuring Knox himself.

Family friend and Flying Nun record label founder Roger Shepherd said although Knox's speech was limited, his ability to hold a tune remained, and he could make sounds along with music. "His musical faculties seem completely unaffected.""

All the best Chris