So, the world is broke (!!) and the banks and a few businesses (mostly in the States at this point) have asked the Government for a loan ~ don't you wish we could ask for the same assurances every now and again? Mind you, with National now in the hotseat and ACT, United and the Maori Party joining its ranks, perhaps more putea will be given back to the community, in support of small to medium enterprises and to Maori health, education, arts, cultural and spiritual initiatives?... Time will most definitely tell.

Then again, though the price of petrol has thankfully come down, the price of power is still high, which is a shock knowing that we now have to spill excess water from the hydo-dams. No doubt it will be a political and commercial year of firsts ~ lets hope they're for the best.

At home, we have many local and national events to attend and commemmorate, such as the Ratana Birthday Celebrations (25th Jan, Ratana Pa), Waitangi Day (6 Feb, Mo te Ao), Te Matatini 2009 (19-22 Feb, Tauranga), the Maketu Kaimoana Festival (7 Mar, Maketu), Te Ahurei o Tuhoe (Easter, Ruatoki) plus heaps more!! Bring your whanau along and we'll see you there!!

On the international stage, the New Zealand Government looks to be leaning on the current leaders of Fiji, yet is still to acknowledge the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur to improve our own country's relationship with Maori.

We must send our support for those who have been impacted by the significant flooding there and the State of Emergency that they are now facing. Barrack Obama made history by winning the election as the President of the United States (yes Nikolasa shed more then a few joyful tears), and it was great to learn that the US and Australia will be working harder to repair the relationship with the indigneous people.

The Waitangi Tribunal resumes its inquiries into the Whanganui District, will continue with mahi in the East Coast and King Country and we eagerly await the release of the Urewera/Tuhoe Report and Wai 262. As a side note, who is the ruling Chief Judge?

The Tino Rangatiratanga Flag is again the conduit of Maori social and political recognition. It must fly on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, otherwise, we should move again into action.

Our prayers go out to the whanau of Sonny Fai and our thanks to those brave rescue service people who help every single day and night of the year.

It might be somthing weird but our theme for this year is - 2009, Great for the Body, Good for the Mind.

We've appreciated the New Year's break to make life changing resolutions (or not) and have been taking up the challenge since the 1st (although we did have to eat the left-overs first).

2009 will also be about Right Place, Right Time, especially with business opportunities being as they are.

Importantly, 2009 will be about Whanau Ora, finding ways to support the whanau, to support our whenua, our moana and to love each other's strengths, skill, experience and ideas, at home and world wide.

Much love from the Whanau here at TangataWhenua.com and may you all have a choice 2009. I a ha ha!!!

Welcome to our Most Recent Supporters of 2009

Increasingly in these economicly turbulent times Advertisers are looking to make their advertising budgets stretch, utilising online mediums is increasing in popularity. Since the launch of Google Maori we've seen interest in our ePanui grow dramatically. If you are interested in advertising with us, email us or get in touch.

Advertising with JobSpace

We're now set to launch our JobSpace - if you have a Maori relevant job opening check out the site, you'll also get featured in our ePanui. For more information get in touch.

Hauora - Health & Wellbeing

Maori Integral to Spreading the Message

We recently read that the Maori Women's Welfare League has been revealed as the "magic ingredient" that made Wairarapa a national frontrunner in spreading the word about HPV vaccination.

"Young Wairarapa women are amongst the best informed in the country when it comes to understanding that vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can reduce cervical cancer but our region has a "magic ingredient" the active support of the two local branches of the Maori Women's Welfare League," HPV clinical planner Tessa-Jane Dennes said. Maori Women's Welfare League Wairarapa branch president Angie Porou and Te Peka o Ruamahanga Maori Women's Welfare League president Kurawari Panere are each proud of the work their leagues are doing in reducing cervical cancer, the women said yesterday.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). You cannot see HPV. Most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it. Some HPV types can cause cervical cancer, therefore the HPV vaccination has been heralded as a valuable way to fight further disease. Click on the links above to find out more.

Asthma IS a Disability

Whanau for all of you like ourselves who are dealing day to day with tamariki who have a serious asthma disability please know that there is support for your children.

If your GP can confirm that your child's asthma is serious enough to be considered a disability you may qualify for extra financial support and you also may qualify for up to 50 hours of childcare a week. This subsidy is paid on an income-related basis (it depends on how much you and your partner earn).

Where one child in a family is receiving the Child Disability Allowance, the requirement for both parents to be working is waived. Phone Work and Income on 0800 559 009 for more information or see the Work and Income website for:

• information about the Childcare Subsidy
• a brochure: Help with childcare costs: A guide for parents and caregivers

If you are a health professional and are interested or work in the area of respitory illnesses click here to get info about the upcoming National Maori Asthma and Respiratory Hui.

Maori students receive top honours

Two Maori medical students received the prestigious John McLeod Scholarships this year for their demonstrated academic excellence, leadership qualities and commitment to Maori health. Teresa Wall, Deputy Director-General, Maori Health, presented the awards to Maia Melbourne-Wilcox and Andrea Cross at a formal ceremony held recently in Wellington.

Like Dr John McLeod, these two winning students both share a passion for the pursuit of excellence in their field. They represent two of the many success stories that Maori have to tell. Both have committed to continuous learning, continuous striving and continuous engagement in their chosen fields of study.

- Teresa Wall

Ms Melbourne-Wilcox (Tūhoe) has just completed her studies in medicine and surgery at the University of Auckland and is now working in Auckland Hospital. She was a highly committed member of the Maori and Pacific Admission Scheme at Auckland University, where she mentored and supported other Maori students. She has worked on health promotion with Maori patients and is currently doing research for Te Kupenga Hauora as an internship.

Ms Cross (Ngāti Raukawa) has completed a BSc with honours and is currently studying medicine at the University of Otago. For the past two years, she has been a member of the Maori Medical Students Association, Te Oranga ki Otakou. She is currently involved with Ka Rikarika a Tāne, the mentoring programme organised by Te Huka Matauraka, supporting fellow Maori students through their first year at university. She has worked on the East Cape to experience rural health from a Maori perspective as well as in public health.

The scholarships are named after Dr John McLeod (Nga Puhi), who was well known nationally and internationally for his work in public health and his significant contribution toward improving Maori health. Twenty-five students have been awarded this scholarship since it was established in 2000 and many have gone to pursue careers in health. For further information, please contact Luz Baguioro, Media Advisor: 04 496 2349, 021 802 622.

Whanau, Hapu, Marae & Iwi

Maori respond to charity call

When respected Ngai Tahu leader and KTKO Ltd chairman Edward Ellison sent out an email to his whanau, friends and colleagues asking their support for the Otago Community Hospice, he knew there would be a good response - about 30 Dunedin Maori business people contributed $3,379.15 to the campaign.

The hospice is used by many Maori - it's well known to us. This is an opportunity for us to give something back for all the support the hospice has given our people over the years.

- Edward Ellison

Mr Ellison went on to say that the facility do a tremendous job for people who need held. Kia kaha with this effort and please whanau, tautoko ki te mahi.

It was recently renounced that Te Runanga o Ngati Porou chief executive Amohaere Houkamau will have a broad range of responsibilities in her new position as a senior adviser to Deputy Prime Minister Bill English.

After 16 years at the runanga, 11 as chief executive, she will take up a new role as a senior ministerial adviser to Mr English on February 2. "My understanding is that my role is to provide the minister with advice on a range of subjects," she said. One of the points the minister made is that her role as adviser will not be confined to Maori issues.

"One only has to look at the work I have done with the runanga and the Tairawhiti Development Partnership to appreciate the range of activities and issues that I have been involved in, and developed a comprehensive understanding of, including brokering partnering arrangements between central government, local and iwi authorities, business and community sectors and engaging key stakeholders in promoting and enacting Tairawhiti's quadruple bottom-line, which covers culture, economic, environmental and social development.

Ms Houkamau is Ngati Porou with affiliations to Rongowhakaata and Ngati Kahungunu.

Whanau Reunion coming up

The descendants of Robert Kershaw and Moururu Pango Tarawhiti are looking for other whanau members for the upcoming Reunion in 2009 to be held at Waimarama Marae. Phone 021 796 727 for more information. The Reunion will be held from 27-31 August 2009 at Waimarama Marae, Waimarama.

Matauranga - Education

New Website for Maori ICT enthusiasts

Late last year, a diverse group of Maori ICT practitioners, advocates, workers and leaders came together in Wellington to learn from each other and exchange experiences.

Called together by Te Hurahi Tika Trust, the day was dedicated to sharing ICT information on wireless technology, connectivity, networking, confidence & content and seeing who was doing what where.

I must say it was absolutely brilliant. The iron duopoly of Telecom and Vodafone will finally be challenged (Maori own 20% of the new 3rd mobile carrier) and more and more Maori communities will be connected to online services, at high quality and affordable prices, by Maori connection companies (examples are Tuhoe.com and Swift.net). We will update you regularly about these endeavours and you are encouraged to sign up at www.nekeneke.com and to contribute to the forum. Nau Mai ~ Haere Mai.

Te Tairawhiti Early Childhood Education Service Set to Open

Te Puna Reo o Puhi Kaiti is a new immersion early childhood education service opening in Term 2. Led by whanau and qualified teachers the centre is the first of its kind in Te Tairawhiti and joins a growing network of similar independent services around the motu committed to the revitalisation of Te Reo me ona Tikanga, whanau development and child development. For more information contact Tarsh Koia 06 868 6889 or tarsh@kapaikaiti.com.

Need Funding? Find Funding!

For those of you interested in accessing various funding streams take some time to check out the Funding Information Service (FIS). FIS produces three online searchable databases, FundView, BreakOut, and CorporateCitizens about funding and work with all sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand to bring this important information to you.

There are fees associated with accessing these databases however, you can also access FIS FREE from various locations around Aotearoa. Click here for these details.

National Maori Asthma and Respiratory Hui

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand is pleased to announce the return of the National Maori Asthma and Respiratory Hui.

The whakatauaki for this hui ‘kaua e rangiruatia te hā o te hoe; e kore tō tātou waka e ū ki uta' highlights this organisation's commitment to working collaboratively and in partnership with Maori and non-Maori organisations. This hui is open to all Maori and non-Maori health practitioners, and community health workers.

The hui will take place 18-20 March 2009 at Orakei Marae in Tamaki Makaurau.

Now for some starteling facts you should know about asthma and respiratory illness among Maori:

• Respiratory disease was the 3rd most common cause of death for Maori of all ages between 2000-2004
• Maori had higher rates of hospitalisation than non-Maori for preventable conditions and respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, brochiectasis, bronchitis and bronchiolitis were significant
• Respiratory disease was the major cause for hospitalisation of Maori infants
• Respiratory disease was the 3rd highest cause of hospital admissions for Maori, and was 65% higher for Maori than non-Maori.

(Te Rōpū Rangahau Hauora a Eru Pōmare, Hauora Maori Standards of Health)

The Treaty Debate Series 2009

Te Papa presents "Fast Forward" which is this year's first Treaty Debate. Dr Claudia Orange, Director History and Pacific Cultures at Te Papa, will chair a series of debates on the role of Maori in economic development, and in Parliament.

• Thursday 29 January, 6.30-8.00pm: Robert McLeod, Chairman of the New Zealand Business Roundtable (NZBR) and Roger Kerr, Executive Director of the NZBR, consider the place of Maori in economic development
  
• Thursday 5 February, 6.30-8.00pm: Professor Phillip Joseph and Derek Fox discuss the role of Maori in Parliament and the future of the Maori seats

These debates will take place at Soundings Theatre, Level 2, Te Papa. Entry is FREE. Please note that latecomers will not be admitted as Radio New Zealand National will be recording the debates. Check out Te Papa's website for radio broadcast details.

For more info about the Treaty Debate Series 2009 visit this website.

Mahi Moni - Business & Finance

Taumata Paerangi - Maori Futures

Taumata Paerangi - Maori Futures will provide an opportunity for Maori leaders from a wide range of endeavours to meet and consider future needs, trends and aspirations and pathways to achieving these goals. The hui will focus on five areas of major interest: economic growth, cultural affirmation, whānau, resource sustainability and constitutional certainty.

If you would like to register your interest in attending this conference, please complete this form. If you would like to know more, there is a brief on the conference, you could email Taumata Paerangi or phone Marley Jenkins, 06 350 5190 or Kayrn Kee, 06 356 9099 extn 3598.

New crop of Te Arawa farmers graduate

In mid-December the Te Arawa Farm Cadet Scheme celebrated the graduation of their latest crop of cadets.

All the cadets successfully completed the requirements of the program and received their National Certificate in Agriculture. They are now eligible for positions as Modern Apprentices with the Agriculture Industry Training Organization (AgITO).

The scheme established in 2005, supported by Te Puni Kokiri, the T.A.F.F Trust and Waiariki Institute of Technology, is only one of two in the country which cater to Maori learners entering into this field of farming. If you know anyone who is interested in joining the cadet scheme, aged between 16-25, they should contact Clarry Church on 07 348 8887 for more information.

Undeveloped Maori farmland? Ponder this...

Undeveloped Maori farmland holds a whopping $370 million potential, according to Michael Ahie, a Maori business consultant. It has been estimated that undeveloped land makes up almost a third of the 1.5 million hectares of Maori-owned land. Mr Ahie suggests that the potential of Maori trusts can be improved if they followed a few simple steps:

• Promote the benefit and importance of Maori agribusiness
• Access new technologies to enhance and improve performance
• Partner with the best in the supply chain
• Aggregate for scale to get efficiencies

Waka Toa Makes Waves

A unique and amazing Maori business initiative is Waka Toa, a professional performing arts group which uses traditional Maori techniques, stories and legends with modern drama, music and humour in a distinctive presentation.

It is our hearts desire to see people's lives changed through the message we share of hope destiny, new beginnings and prosperity to the nations and now we wish to share it with you.

Kohi & Paku Kingi
Directors - Waka Toa

Waka Toa weaves together the rich performance tradition of the Maori with a unique life giving message in an authentic encounter with Maori culture. Fun, educational and entertaining, Waka Toa performances are an experience for people of all ages.

Nga Toi Maori - Arts & Crafts

PIKIHUIA - The Time for Maori Writers

Maori writers around the country are waiting for the Pikihuia Awards 2009. They are sharpening their pencils and tapping their computers in anticipation. Key dates to remember:

• 1 February 2009 - Entries OPEN and entry form available online
• 15 May 2009 - Entries CLOSE
• Awards will be held in September 2009 in Wellington

For Maori, ‘Pikihuia' is a symbol of excellence, a pinnacle of achievement.

- Huia Publishers

Writers can write about any topic so long as the story is fiction. Over the years, hundreds of entrants have given life to the many manifestations of contemporary life in Aotearoa and the Pacific. While some of the stories have explored identity, empowerment and loss, others have journeyed to strange places or talked about whanaungatanga and neighbourliness, love and prostitution, burnt meals and brutality, language and perception. The stories are captured in the series: HUIA Short Stories and Ngā Pakiwaitara a HUIA.

In 2009 writers can choose from any of the five categories:

• Best novel extract (up to 5,000 words)
• Best short story in English
• Best short story in Maori
• Best short story in English or Maori by a Secondary School Student
• Best short film script by a Maori Writer.

Click here for more information.

Whenua Rangatiratanga - Politics

Maori arbitration could help Fiji

In a thought-provoking statement, chairman of the Fiji Club of New Zealand Alton Shameem said “… Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples may have a better chance of engaging with Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama because he understands cultural issues.”

This is not the first time such a statement has been made – digital pioneer Ross Himona and Tuhoe Freedom Fighter Tame Iti have both supported the same perspective, with the Australian director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute Anthony Bergin saying that a policy rethink is needed.

Connecting with our Whenua and our Whanau

Titirangi Community Gardens located at Te Poho o Rawiri Marae in Kaiti are interested in connecting with other community mara to exchange seeds and share experiences, particularly on rangatahi involvement in the gardens.

Anyone is welcome to join in and share the harvest - bring garden tools or use the ones we have available to share. Contact Manu Caddie 027 420 2957, manu@ahi.co.nz.

Whenua for the People Project

Another community garden project that is being developed is the Whenua for the People Project. Whenua for the People is the first of three projects facilitated by Land Sea & Sky. The purpose of this project is to grow fresh food for yourself and whanau, to build friendships, and a place of pride, both online and off-line, to connect with other gardeners and to grow your community garden networks.

Whenua for the People has a proposed site for their first community garden in Auckland which is currently being assessed by Auckland City Council. Click here to check it out. The location is ideal because its easy access to the road and its handy to Glenn Innes, where Maori reside, but also an excellent catchment area for places like St Johns, Meadowbank, Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Heliers. The project team are expecting to hear back about it's availability in early 2009.

Rangatahi - Youth Focus

Rites of Passage Research to begin

Te Ora Hou Aotearoa have secured funding for an 18 month research project involving rangatahi and whanau researching youth development and traditional rites of passage with kaumatua in their rohe in a number of places around the country.

For more information contact mcaddie@teorahou.org.nz or call 027 420 2957.

Te Taniwha Rugby League Training Camp

Whangaihia he ika ki te tangata ka ora mo te ra. Akohia ki te hii ika ka ora mo ake tonu atu Feed a man a fish you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish you feed him for life. The Taniwha Rugby League Training Camp will be held Jan 19-23 in Huntly.

The camp is open to the first 60 boys 8 -15 year old. The cost is $100.00 for the week includes all meals gym membership and pool membership accommodation for the week plus 2 Training T Shirts and a sports Bag.

Activities include: Fitness/Skills Training-Talks from professional League Players and coaches on Attitude, professionalism , healthy eating, life after league ,basic budgeting , filling out contracts etc.

For more information, including availablity and itinerary contact Te Kawe Ratu, 07 854 6864, tekawe@rakaumanga.school.nz.

Hakinakina - Sports

New Zealand Maori get funding axed

We are still extremely distressed to hear of the NZRU's decision to axe funding for the NZ Maori.

Typically there have been very few in the media who have questioned the stupidity of such a move. Paul Lewis, of the NZ Herald, in his recent column has been one of the few to raise his voice in alarm saying,

“Let's be clear about what has happened here. The NZRU completely botched efforts to” provide ‘better rugby' that was more attractive to the punters while at the same time being run at a financially prudent level.

Lewis suggests in essence that “the Maori were guillotined to pay for the Air NZ Cup in all its boring, sleep-inducing, crowd-repelling glory.”

It's not an issue of money with the the NZRU banking close to $80 million. It wouldn't cost that to keep the Maori going - at least until sponsorship could have been found.

“So why turn on the Maori? We are not talking about the Footrot Flats Over-45 Tankards XV. This is the Maori. Anyone who thinks that they have not played a key role in the development of New Zealand rugby are, at best, deluded and, at worst, hallucinating” says Lewis.

So really ditching the NZ Maori begs the question, why, when audiences are dropping away like flies do we get rid of one of our most beloved teams?

“The Maori provide an emotional upsurge, a sense of patriotism and entertainment and, even if modern rugby doesn't allow them to express themselves in festival rugby as they used to, they still bring a fierce commitment and something of the old warrior culture onto the rugby field - compelling stuff” argues Lewis.

The following are our favourite bits from Lewis' article:

Then there's the hypocrisy. Before every All Black test, there's the haka, which, we are told, is an expression of the All Blacks' soul. We also sing our national anthem in Maori.

So let's use the emotional, iconic bits of Maoritanga to boost receipts. But it's a shame about the Maori team and the "pathway" for Maori players. Bad luck, chaps. Here's a few blankets and beads and a map to the dole office.”

- Paul Lewis
New Zealand Herald

Where's practice? What time's the game?

If you are a coach, a sport administrator or a parent helper, we want to hear from you!!

This year, we want to hear where you are practicing and when your games are. This way, we can post the schedule and try to come along to support.

We'd also love to receive photos, write ups or shout outs to exceptional players, coaches and parent helpers. Each week we'll be awarding a small prize to the best Hakinakina submission.