TangataWhenua.com reported yesterday that social networking sites had blown up with concerns that hangi might be banned, John Key’s public Facebook was bombarded with angry posts (most which have been deleted now) and we saw our website inundated with requests for information.

The Office of the Prime Minister has responded to an email from TangataWhenua.com saying:

There is no plan to ban hangi.”

We worked out that much of the confusion has come from the impending Food Bill which will see a restructuring of food regulations and how people go about applying and meeting these requirements.

• If you’d like to know more about this (from a govt perspective) – click here to read Question & Answers related to this piece of legislation.

In a conversation with the Department of Agriculture and Forestry – it was stressed that for fundraising, it was actually going to be easier to organise (as long as you held under 20 hangi fundraisers a year). It was pointed out that the Food Bill is about issues around the selling of food in a commercial sense, it is not about growing or sharing food.

There have always been regulations (this emerged in the comments section of our first story) – suggesting that to sell hangi (for fundraising) permits have been required for some time, under the new guidelines permits will not be required if you meet the 20 and under criteria.

What do you think whanau? Korero mai!

Related Articles

• PM’s office confirms hangi will NOT be banned
• John Key to ban hangi (Facebook/Twitter rumour or fact?) UPDATED 10:57am

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Facebook and Twitter went crazy last night with people taking issue with the thought of hangi being banned by Prime Minister John Key, so what’s this all about? We’re trying to piece this all together but think a few things have happened.

1. John Key left the Waitangi Day celebrations without sharing kai hakari with the hosts (a big no-n0 as the symbolism behind it affirms relationships and helps build trust).
2. The impending Food Bill which has dark overtones suggests that being able to grow and sell kai will become overly bureaucratic, filled with rules and regulations that serve no real purpose and harm whanau seeking to grow their own kai via community gardens which some commentators have suggested will mean hangi could be banned (especially in terms of selling hangi for fundraising events).
3. Someone has spread word that as a result of 1 (Key not appreciating hangi) and 2 (the food bill) that hangi could be banned.

But no on the face of it hangi being banned is not on the Key-lead National government’s 100-day policy goals BUT the upcoming Food Bill will result in significant changes in how we grow, share and sell kai at a community and marae level.

With that said, we’ve heard that if a school holds over 100 sausage sizzles in a year, the Food Bill rules will come into effect, so where does that leave our beloved and hangi reka, hmmm too soon to tell.

TangataWhenua.com has contacted the office of the PM and is still awaiting a reply.

We’ll watch this one, so keep in touch and get informed.

• If YOU happen to have more info, please get in touch (email us at panui@tangatawhenua.com)

Tamariki between the years 1-1o  gathered at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, on 10th November 2011 and enjoyed a special day celebrating with some doodling fun and special behind the scene tours.

It was announced on the day that the best doodles would be voted on by the public, and one winner will be shown on the Google New Zealand homepages (on both the English and Maori versions) for a day, to be viewed by millions of people.

Dennis Hwang, Google’s Webmaster, picked the overall national winner out of the four age group winners.  In addition to having the winners doodle hosted on Google New Zealand and Google Maori for 24 hours, the winner’s school will receive $10,000 worth of technology equipment for their school in addition to the interactive white board that they receive as a national age group winner (each age group winner also won a personal laptop).

• Click here to view all the wonderful doodles our tamariki created

This year’s winner is Liam Platt, congratulations Liam!

“My wish for NZ is a clean unpolluted environment and the protection of our native creatures. Kia ora tonu te ao Maori.”

Liam Platt
Ponsonby Primary

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Read on if you want to find out how it may have all started:

Facebook and Twitter is all abuzz with rangatahi taking issue with the fact that hangi might be banned by Prime Minister John Key, so what’s this all about? We’re trying to piece this all together but think a few things have happened.

1. John Key left the Waitangi Day celebrations without sharing kai hakari with the hosts (a big no-n0 as the symbolism behind it affirms relationships and helps build trust).
2. The impending Food Bill which has dark overtones suggests that being able to grow and sell kai will become overly bureaucratic, filled with rules and regulations that serve no real purpose and harm whanau seeking to grow their own kai via community gardens which some commentators have suggested will mean hangi could be banned (especially in terms of selling hangi for fundraising events).
3. Someone has spread word that as a result of 1 (Key not appreciating hangi) and 2 (the food bill) that hangi could be banned.

But no on the face of it hangi being banned is not on the Key-lead National government’s 100-day policy goals BUT the upcoming Food Bill will result in significant changes in how we grow, share and sell kai at a community and marae level.

With that said, we’ve heard that if a school holds over 100 sausage sizzles in a year, the Food Bill rules will come into effect, so where does that leave our beloved and hangi reka, hmmm too soon to tell.

TangataWhenua.com has contacted the office of the PM and is still awaiting a reply.

We’ll watch this one, so keep in touch and get informed.

• If YOU happen to have more info, please get in touch (email us at panui@tangatawhenua.com)

The Taranaki Daily News published the following apology to Keri Opai this morning for misrepresenting his use of the word holocaust. I was present at the Radio NZ panel discussion, and at no stage did Keri Opai compare the Jewish experience to that of Taranaki iwi Maori.

From page 3 of today’s paper:

“The Taranaki Daily News reported yesterday that Maori academic Keri Opai compared the European colonisation of New Zealand with the killing of six million Jews by the Nazi regime during World War II. In fact, Mr Opai described colonisation as “a holocaust” for the Maori people. The Macquarie Dictionary defines holocaust as great or wholesale destruction of life, especially by fire. It was in this manner that Mr Opai used the word holocaust. The Taranaki Daily news apologises for the error.”

Unfortunately the newspaper’s print apology hasn’t been as widely circulated as the original article, and has been picked up and reprinted in many instances without further fact checking.

The misquote sparked outrage from the President of the New Zealand Jewish Council who slammed the comments for trivialising the Holocaust. As a result racist rants quickly gained steam across the internet, suggesting that Maori didn’t “deserve the gift of civilization”.

The misquote happened on Waitangi Day, when Fairfax media newspaper, the Taranaki Daily News reported falsely that “Keri Opai, a Taranaki Maori academic compared colonisation of New Zealand to a holocaust.”

Hosted by Radio NZ’s Kim Hill, the discussion at Puke Ariki on our national identity was broadcast as part of a four-hour Waitangi Day special.

Morris Robert Stretch, 62, had been living in the Marlborough Sounds for only four weeks when he died at a family property in Kenepuru Sound, north of Sandy Bay, on Saturday morning.

He and his nephew were collecting firewood when they disturbed a wasp nest, Senior Constable Andrew Wilson of Havelock police said.

They ran in different directions from the wasps and, when the nephew went to find Mr Stretch, he was already lying dead on the ground.

Mr Stretch was probably stung thousands of times, Mr Wilson said. “He obviously suffered quite a significant amount of stings. It’s hard to fathom how horrible that must have been.”

Last night Mr Stretch’s niece, Darcia Mangakahiao, said the whanau were reeling at the loss of a “real family man”.

Her brother, who was with Mr Stretch at the time, was rushed to hospital with stings to his back and arms. He was “absolutely devastated” by their uncle’s death.

“He [Mr Stretch] told my brother to run but I think, in the end, his heart is what took his life, because of the panic from the wasps.”

Her uncle had moved south to be with his sister, to whom he was close, and the church had become an important part of his life.

He had worked at a cleaning firm in Palmerston North before retiring and left behind two children and several grandchildren. “He’s got lots of friends and lots of extended family who will be absolutely blown away.”

Kenepuru Fire Party volunteer Stefan Schulz was first on the scene after the nephew rang for help and said Mr Stretch’s head and face were covered with stings.

“When I arrived, everything was basically already over. [The nephew] had tried everything and all I could do was confirm his opinion that his companion was already dead.”

Insect ecologist Richard Toft said the native beech forests around Nelson Lakes and the Marlborough Sounds were home to the densest populations of wasps in the world, attracted by the trees’ honeydew.

“It supercharges the wasp population in those areas. You’re getting up to 20 nests in an area the size of a football field. Then on the coastal fringes and on nearby farmland you’re still getting high numbers.

“It’s a big issue for forestry workers. We do get cases quite regularly of workers needing medical assistance in a hurry if they have an allergic reaction.

“Wasps will often sting in response to smelling other venom, so if you get stung once it can trigger an aggressive reaction from other wasps.”

Conservation Department representative Maurice Brown said most staff and hunters carried epi-pens, which delivers a dose of adrenaline, as a precaution. The devices had saved one person’s life after he was stung 18 times by wasps a couple of years ago.

Mr Stretch’s body will be taken to Kereru Marae in Levin today before his funeral on Wednesday.

Language lecturer Keri Opai told a Radio New Zealand panel discussion yesterday that Maori were suffering from post traumatic stress disorder following the “holocaust” of colonisation.

Hosted by Radio NZ’s Kim Hill, the discussion at Puke Ariki on our national identity will be broadcast from 8am today as part of a four-hour Waitangi Day special.

Mr Opai told the panel and an audience of about 100 that what had happened to Maori during colonisation could be forgiven but not forgotten.

“If you really knew what went on, all the awful stuff, that really does break down to a holocaust. I know we might get in trouble for saying those words but it is absolutely true. That is what happened, we are still recovering from that,” he said.

“I would hope that the average Pakeha New Zealander would perhaps throw their hands up with dismay and go `wow, sorry guys, we really messed up with that one. How can we help you out?’ and perhaps the Government would be on board.”

Progress to healing those wounds could only be made if Maori and its Treaty partners worked together, he said.

Treaty teacher and self-described Pakeha Margaret Smith caused a stir when she talked about the personal impact of a number of oil and gas wells drilled near her Waitara property.

“And I have been told there are plans for 25 more around my area. This makes me cry because, I am not a scientist, I don’t do a lot of scientific analysis, but I feel papatuanuku (land) crying. I know that sounds flaky but I feel it inside. I feel the pain. For me it is like papatuanuku has been raped,” she said.

Panelist Kura Denness said she experienced devastating racism against Maori every day, but expressed optimism for the future of Taranaki.

“In the future I see us side by side we are achieving some fantastic things that are specific to Taranaki, that recognises who we are in Taranaki.

“While Maori aren’t doing well there is all this funding and resources that go to sorting it. If that didn’t have to be there, imagine how much resources would be there to push us all forward,” she said.

The one-hour panel discussion broadcast today will be followed by a three-hour Waitangi Day Special programme to be broadcast live from New Plymouth’s Puke Ariki.

Tai Wananga Ruakura principal Toby Westrupp said the school at the Ruakura Research Centre was not elitist but aimed to produce the next generation of high achievers.

At least 90 secondary students from Huntly to Te Awamutu with a passion for science and the potential to become leaders submitted resumes to enrol.

“I don’t think it’s elitist but quite often our students aren’t in an environment where the whole environment has high expectations for high achievement,” said Mr Westrupp.

The school, a joint initiative between Te Wananga o Aotearoa and the Ministry of Education, is focusing its curriculum on discovery, technology and innovation.

The school follows a similar venture Mr Westrupp headed in Palmerston North called Tu Toa, which has had notable success in using sport to engage with its students.

Mr Westrupp said Tu Toa NCEA pass rates were among the best in the country, at 98 per cent. The school, which has a roll of about 50 students, has also produced a number of outstanding young sportspeople with notable results in netball, golf and tennis.

Mr Westrupp said Tai Wananga Ruakura came about by its proximity to the Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre and Waikato University and by looking at the Tainui 2050 Whakatipuranga plan, which has raising the capacity of people in the field of research as one of its aims.

The 60 Tai Wananga Ruakura students from Years 9 to 13 will be assessed through the Correspondence School and have individually tailored learning plans which are put together based on career aspirations, passions and interest areas. They will manage their workloads and deadlines while teachers act more as facilitators.

“If a student wants to be a dentist, our role is to clearly outline the exit strategy to identify what is required of them to get into dentistry,” said Mr Westrupp. “We discuss what are the number of points they need, what are the approved subjects they need to take to help them get there.”

The school consists of one open-plan room which comes with break-out areas while students also have access to tennis and squash courts, a swimming pool, a library and training gym facilities.

But it’s not for the slothful or unhealthy – student schedules include an hour’s exercise before breakfast and learning, which starts at 10am. The students also receive schooling in proper nutrition.

Mr Westrupp said the school, which is open to non-Maori, had a vision that would see it produce confident and growing leadership.

“Maori leadership is at risk for the short to medium term because we have so many of our teenagers who have left school without qualifications.”

“Our main criteria had nothing to do with academic ability but it had a lot to do with students who actually want to be here and be a part of that kaupapa [vision] we deliver.”

LEARNING CURVE

• A new secondary school with a focus on technology and innovation opens next week.
• Tai Wananga Ruakura is a joint initiative between Te Wananga o Aotearoa and the Ministry of Education. Its curriculum will focus on discovery, technology and innovation.
• * The students will be assessed through the Correspondence School and have individually tailored learning plans.
• * Student schedules include an hour’s exercise every morning before breakfast and learning starts at 10am.

Tuhoe Te Uru Taumatua

The Board met 27 January. Amongst their agenda was the appointment of the new Chief Executive. Six Degrees the national Recruitment Agency specialising in executive placements was selected to run the appointment process. They reported to the Board 17 applications who they short-listed to 4 candidates for Board consideration. The Agency was requested to vet all applications and verify claimed skills and experience to enable reliable judgment and decision making.
Acting BOP Conservator on board.

An introductory meeting has been held with the new DOC BOP Conservator Jan Hania, Acting Area Manager Dale Tawa and Senior Manager Glenn Mitchell. Discussion centred on developing an approach to activating the Relationship Declaration. It was acknowledged that both parties would benefit from developing an approach on engagement; representation; coordination; reconciling planning cycles; identifying startup issues. The next step is to develop a 6 month establishment based workplan with Tribals.

Waimako Marae receives Marae funding

We congratulate Waikaremoana who have completed charter discussions and have received their marae funding. This completes the first round of marae funding investment.

Second Round Marae Distributions Underway

Te Maungarongo Marae receives Marae funding of $50,000.00 in recognition of their unique relationship with Tuhoe. The Moderator and Pakeke of Te Aka Pu Aho Church warmly acknowledge the fund and is committed to fostering its ties with Ngai Tuhoe.
AMP Capital assumes role of Trust Fund Manager

AMP has merged with AXA Asia Pacific Holdings (AXA APH) the parent company of AXAGI who is the Tuhoe investment manager.

• Read more here…

Tuhoe Consolidation

A combined Consolidation meeting was held at Tuhoe Hauora mid January and was attended by Trust Board, TKAT, TFCT and Te Uru Taumatua representatives. Outcomes from the meeting included; support for early Fisheries transition; a urgent requirement to confirm current High Court / CLO process; and for all entities to consider transferring the lead strategy and role to Te Uru Taumatua to achieve greater unified efficiencies.

Support your Schools

The Warehouse Stationery are promoting Blue Bis reward points for Schools. Schools can register and obtain a unique school voucher number. Anyone who visits Warehouse Stationery can quote the voucher number and the school will receive reward points for School programmes, sports or whatever they choose. Te Wharekura o Huiarau have registered and anyone can quote their voucher number – BYSMVEU. Other Tuhoe Schools are urged to register and promote their voucher number with their whanau.

Te Kotahi a Tuhoe

Negotiations resume

T?hoe Crown Negotiations resumes this week, agenda areas include; taking stock of the Te Urewera Framework; the Mana Motuhake redress which will include transferred responsibilities from key government agencies; future relationship protocols with Ministers to usher in new developments; Riverbed and water quality issues; DOC sites; the naming of all Crown properties within the rohe and more.

Overlapping Issue – Ngati Ruapani

Next week, TKAT meets further with Leaders of Ngati Ruapani to continue and progress overlapping Claims, discussion will include the Ruapani claimant definition, identifying overlapped / shared lands, resources or claims issues, the Waikaremoana Lake Lease and the Tuhoe Blueprint.

Tuhoe Raids

Proceedings against Tame Iti and others will finally commence on Monday 13th February in the Auckland High Court. The case will begin with the Crowns evidence who over a period of six weeks, will present their case. We urge all Tuhoe and those in nearby Tamaki Makaurau, to attend particularly the first day of the hearing and where possible over the course of the 10 week case. Tuhoe kia tatau ki te whaikanohi ki te tautoko ia Tame.

Tuhoe Fisheries Charitable Trust

Annual General Meeting

A reminder the Fish AGM is this Sat 4 February at Tanatana Marae. The powhiri is at 9am – Your attendance is urged, and whanau should contact the your local Tribal Office for any proposed travel arrangements.

• View a copy of the TFCT Annual Report 2011

Other upcoming events

• Investment Committee meeting 3 February 2012
• TKAT Audit & Risk Committee meeting 8 Feb
• Te Komiti o Runga Monthly Hui, Thurs 2 Feb, Waikirikiri Marae 10am
• Anamata hosts a group of Education Officials from the Tahiti Government on Wednesday 08 – Thursday 09 February 2012. See programme details.

Tuhoe Waikaremoana Maori Trust Board

Tertiary Grants available

Reminder applications for tertiary grants are now available from your Trust Board.

• View here and apply now

Ngai Tuhoe Website statistics

You may be interested in the latest website stats on who is visiting our Tuhoe website. The report provides good indicators on who’s visiting (17,500 unique visitors in 2011), what people are reading (Tuhoe events and news), and how long they stay connected.

• View Website Stats here…
• View Summary Report here…