Te Rau Matatini is committed to supporting the development of a Maori Health Promotion qualification for the workforce which we are working to have nationally recognised and accredited by NZQA.

As part of this important mahi we want to ensure that as a qualification it is designed to meet needs so your views and experiences are important in helping to shape this.

Would you please take some time to complete the following survey? It won’t take you longer than 10 – 15 minutes.

Here is the link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M6L3J5W.

If you have any issues connecting to the survey please contact me on the details at the bottom of this email.

The survey is open for comment from:

Wednesday 23 May 2012 and closes at 12am, Friday 8 June 2012.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/optout.aspx?sm=rhy6Mj3acqR2mOn0TbL_2bjQ_3d_3d

Labour Party leader David Shearer has asked the Auditor General to investigate Shane Jones’ handling of the citizenship application of Chinese businessman William Yan in 2008 and stood him down while the inquiry takes place.

Mr Shearer wrote to the Auditor General today to ask for an inquiry into the decision Mr Jones made to grant citizenship to Yan, against officials’ advice that he should decline it because of questions about Yan’s multiple identities and a warrant for his arrest in China.

Mr Shearer said Jones supported the decision to refer it to the Auditor General because it was the only way to clear his name.

“Shane has encouraged me to take this action because he has been left in the impossible position of not being able to clear his name. An inquiry will enable him to do so.”

Yan is currently facing charges of making false declarations on immigration documents and a decision in his court case is expected tomorrow.

Mr Shearer said he still believed Mr Jones had followed proper processes, but the differing statements made inside and outside of court, adn the questions raised publicly had prompted him to refer it to an independent agency.

“New Zealanders must be able to have confidence in the processes of government and that is why Labour believes it is important for the Auditor-General to provide reassurance that the appropriate action was taken in this case,”

Mr Jones will stand down from the front bench and his portfolios while an investigation takes place.

“I stand by my decision not to stand Shane down earlier because I believe that everyone has the right to natural justice and to be given the opportunity to answer questions.”

A judgement in Yan’s case is expected tomorrow.

Mr Jones has defended his decision, saying it was based on humanitarian grounds because a hig-level Government official had told him Yan faced execution if he returned to China.

Fulbright-Nga Pae o te M?ramatanga Scholar Award
This award, valued at up to US$32,500 plus travel expenses, is for a New Zealand academic, artist or professional to conduct research and/or lecture in the US for three to five months in a field of indigenous development. One award is granted each year.
www.fulbright.org.nz/awards/nzscholar/fulbright-npmscholar/
Applications close at 5:00pm on Monday 2 July 2012

Fulbright-Nga Pae o te M?ramatanga Travel Awards in Indigenous Development
These awards, valued at up to NZ$5,000, are for New Zealand academics, artists or professionals to visit the US for 12 to 90 days in order to present their work on a theme of indigenous development to American audiences. A small number of awards are granted each year.
www.fulbright.org.nz/awards/nzscholar/fulbright-npmtravel/
Applications close at 5:00pm on Monday 2 July 2012

Fulbright-Nga Pae o te M?ramatanga Graduate Award
This award, valued at up to US$25,000 plus travel expenses, is for a promising New Zealand graduate student to undertake postgraduate study or research at a US institution in a field of indigenous development. One award is granted each year.
www.fulbright.org.nz/awards/nzgraduate/fulbright-npmgraduate/

Applications close at 5:00pm on Wednesday 1 August 2012

These awards were introduced in 2010 to support exchange activities meeting one or more of Ng? Pae o te M?ramatanga’s research themes, as stated on their website at www.maramatanga.ac.nz/research/research-themes

In the past year Fulbright-Ng? Pae o te M?ramatanga exchange awards have supported Jacinta Ruru (Ng?ti Raukawa, Ng?ti Ranginui, Ng?ti Maniapoto) from the University of Otago to research indigenous challenges to Western property law at Lewis & Clark College and Arizona State University, and Natalie Coates (Ng?ti Awa, Ng?ti Hine, T?hoe, Te Arawa, Ng?ti T?wharetoa) from Whakat?ne to complete a Master of Laws degree in human rights and indigenous law at Harvard University. Travel Awards have been granted to health professional Pefi Kingi, Cindy Kiro (Ng?puhi, Ng?ti Kahu, Ng?ti Hine) from Massey University and Te Kawehau Hoskins (Ng?ti Hau, Ng?puhi) from the University of Auckland to present their respective research at various conferences and universities in the United States.

See the Fulbright New Zealand website for further details of these and other Fulbright awards – www.fulbright.org.nz/awards/ – and please promote these opportunities amongst your colleagues and networks.

—

32-year-old New Zealander Marama Kake, known locally as “the naked surfer” in Sunshine beach – Queensland, Australia, hits the waves in the buff in promotion of sustainable surfing.

I’m not out there to get everyone to look at me, I just love the sensation and simplicity of surfing in my ‘sustainability suit”

You’ve got to appreciate the “naked surfer’s” commitment to simplicity, not only surfing in her god given curves, but riding “green boards” as well. Her quiver includes a timber alaia designed for her by master craftsman Tom Wegener and an another eco-friendly board from the D’Arcy factory on the Gold Coast of Australia.

Marama, is a former student of politics and psychology who has worked teaching English to children in Japan. Naked surfing is part of her effort to gain support for a new environmentally conscious network called Project 13.

Naked surfing is not only a good medium to spread environmental awareness, it just might be the best way to bring peace to crowded surf breaks, ”It changes the mood very quickly and cuts through the aggression that is finding its way to busy point breaks. It’s a sure-fire cure for wave rage,” marama joked.

Critics who disapprove of taking the ol’ birthday suit for a dip in the ocean will be happy to know that Marama does take precautions to out in the surf, “I cover up, or paddle away, if I am anywhere near children and have never had any trouble with lifeguards or authorities and I’ve been doing it for years in Australia and New Zealand.”

Marama’s message? “get naked, get sustainable.” I say, “Why not?”

However, what is more worrisome is that several NZ companies, including Telecom, TSB, ASB, TradeMe use the Google Ad function, which displays their banners all over the internet, including on this page directly below one of these racist remarks, hmmm, maybe these companies should take a more proactive approach on where they advertise…

• http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=maori is the link

++++++++++

(Stuff.co.nz) Maori have been labelled as thieves, bludgers and liars in entries posted on an online dictionary, which a new petition is calling to have removed.

The petition urges urbandictionary.com to remove the derogatory comments, some which date back as far as 2005 and which more than 1000 people have supported.

The posts linked Maori to theft, exploitation and a low intelligence.

“Maori have been trying to seek revenge on the white man by selling him crappy tinny’s, taking his shoes, and generally stealing everything that isn’t nailed down,” one post reads.

One said Maori were the “dumbest people in New Zealand” and another post said they were “the tough people of New Zealand who smash up Pakeha folk”.

About 40 people have signed the petition, which reads: “The Urban Dictionary is a good reference of colloquial slang, but it is also a melting pot of ignorance….They are not definitions, they are racist views and should be labeled correctly.”

The petition urges the site to remove six posts. There are 32 posts on the word ‘Maori’ and many are positive, and are in response to the negative posts.

“The proud, indigenous people of New Zealand who unfortunately are the victims of the idiotic reasonings of many a misinformed Pakeha,” said one post.

“Maoris are hella cool people who are the pride and joy of new zealand. Through years of evolution they have gained super human powers,” another one said.

Some even criticised Pakehas, calling them “ugly”, “uneducated” and responsible for introducing “slutty woman packed with herpies and aids”.

But ‘Maori’ is not the only word to be linked to derogatory comments on the site.

‘Aboriginals’ have an “unbelievably bad personality”, Pakeha were Europeans who travelled from England “after deciding England was full of enough rapists and the country was too shitty”, and Indians are “stinky, ugly, disgusting, and filthy”, according to the online dictionary.

It seems that no matter what your heritage is, it’s likely someone has posted a negative definition of it on www.urbandictionary.com.

Anyone can add a post to the online dictionary and ask for one to be removed, but it appears that permission has to be granted before changes can be made.

The site’s owners could not be reached for comment, but there is a disclosure on the site saying it cannot check every post and is not responsible for every post.

It stipulates in its terms and conditions that a person may not post content which is defamatory, abusive, misleading or inaccurate.

Ruben Ayers started the petition, but did not want to comment when approached by Fairfax.

The Oxford Dictionary describes Maori as “a member of the aboriginal people of New Zealand” and “the Polynesian language of the Maori, with about 100,000 speakers”.

“We are all extremely pleased to see this day finally arrive,” said Tom Roa.

“We extend our congratulations to Talleys, AFFCO management, the union and all those involved in bringing about a resolution to this dispute. We also recognise and appreciate the tremendous community support for the workers and their families.

“It is a great day for the workers and their whaanau, who have suffered so much and we congratulate Talleys in recognising their responsibilities regarding the health and wellbeing of our communities.”

“It is perhaps an even greater day for Iwi.

“A united Iwi effort, fuelled by the flaxroots and driven by a committed and dedicated leadership has shown what can be achieved when all agree on the kaupapa,” said Mr Roa.

“The economic and political power of a united Iwi Leaders Forum was instrumental in brokering what we hope is a robust and fair agreement that will end the hardships being inflicted on our people.

“I commend those Iwi leaders who were able to bring the parties together. I believe this may be the first time Iwi have been involved in the process of industrial dispute resolution.

“The flexing of Iwi muscle in this instance can be seen as a force for good and a pointer to the future. Iwi power is not something to be feared, but welcomed.

Mr Roa said that historically there had always been a fear of the power of Iwi borne out of misunderstanding and concern that Maaori aspirations would be achieved at the expense of Paakeha.

“The truth is, we are all in the same waka and great things will be achieved when we learn to work together,” said Mr Roa.

The moves are part of the Prime Minister’s expectations for a more efficient and results-driven public service.

A boost in alcohol and drug treatment, alongside increased education, skills training and employment programmes for prisoners, including remand prisoners, will lead to safer communities and better value for money for taxpayers.

From 2017, there will also be 600 fewer prisoners in jail than in 2011, and 4,000 fewer community offenders.

“It’s time to get serious about breaking this vicious cycle of prison and reoffending,” Mrs Tolley says.

“Offenders need to be made accountable for their crimes. But while they are in prison and upon their release, we must do more to rehabilitate, and then reintegrate, if they are to avoid a return to crime.”

Reprioritised funding of $65.0 million in operating expenditure over the next four years will contribute to:

• 33,100 additional offenders receiving new and expanded drug and alcohol treatment in prisons and in the community (an increase of almost 500 per cent).

• 7,855 additional prisoners and community offenders receiving new and expanded rehabilitation services (a 230 per cent increase).

• 2,950 additional prisoners in education and employment training (a 30 per cent increase).

• 7,500 prisoners and community offenders to be supported to find real jobs, in new partnerships with employers and industry.

• 41,100 community offenders receiving new rehabilitation support provided directly by probation officers

• 4,120 prisoners and community offenders in new rehabilitation services delivered in partnership with iwi and community groups.

• 6,000 prisoners and community based offenders accessing new reintegration support programmes from iwi and community groups.

“Corrections has looked thoroughly at the way it operates as part of an expenditure review, and has identified the best investments to reduce reoffending,” Mrs Tolley says. “We know that two thirds of prisoners have addiction problems, and that up to 90 per cent can’t read or write well.

“By seriously addressing these major contributors to crime, alongside increased employment opportunities, we can reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

“A 25 per cent reduction in reoffending is bold but achievable, and Budget 2012 delivers on our promise to make communities safer.”

Dr Sharples says this funding represents a significant shift towards rehabilitation and restoration of prisoners to their wh?nau and communities.

“This is a more humane response to offending, and it is cheaper and more effective. Simply sentencing more and more people to longer terms of imprisonment is not sustainable.

“Addressing the drivers of crime, and involving wh?nau and communities in rehabilitating offenders, is the way forward for us.

“These offenders can go on to contribute to society, and by staying away from crime there will be fewer victims, as well as reduced pressure on the justice sector pipeline – and that means a better and more efficient service.

“With the prison population beginning to fall, we can change our approach to Corrections and focus our investments more on those in custody and less on property,” Dr Sharples says.

Media contacts:

Gillon Carruthers (Minister Tolley) 021 491 761

Andrew Robb (Minister Sharples) 029 482 8494

The Chair of Waikato-Tainui’s executive board, Tom Roa has called on the Talley’s family and AFFCO management to recognise the increasing potential of the lock-out for devastating impacts on the social fabric of the wider Ngaaruawaahia community.

“We have seen that the Talleys family recognise and accept the responsibilities they have within their local community, in Motueka. What I’m asking of Talleys and AFFCO is that they recognise their responsibilities in our communities too,” said Tom Roa.

“Our local communities and our whaanau have been the backs upon which a successful business has been developed. We are simply asking Talleys to be mindful of the human toll on our communities.

“This tribe recognises that AFFCO and Talleys have a right to run a successful and efficient business. The concern we have is that there seems to be little recognition of the Maaori blood, sweat and tears that have contributed to that successful business, not just here in the Waikato, but in Northland, Gisborne and elsewhere.

“We also have an appreciation that the union has a role to play in safeguarding the rights and interests of its membership and workers in general.”

Iwi leaders met earlier this week to discuss finding a way forward.

“There is a consensus among us that the primary role of Iwi is to protect and advance the interests of tribal membership. The reality is a majority of these locked-out workers are Maaori, and a great proportion of them are Waikato-Tainui.

“Our people are hurting. Not just those workers who have been locked out. The indirect social costs are being felt by wider whaanau, community groupings and businesses throughout the region.

Noting a recent suggestion that it is time for Maaori to invest in their own processing factories, Mr Roa thought that it was probably not something that would be of significant benefit to Waikato-Tainui tribal members.

“The Raupatu destroyed our economic land base and the agricultural expertise evidenced in the mid to late 1800s. As a consequence, we are no longer primarily a farming Iwi.

“While the overarching aim of Iwi is about achieving self-determination, it has to be remembered that self-determination is a process, not an outcome. And the current stalemate is highlighting that Maaori remain marginalised in these processes.

“Talleys is a major stakeholder in our community. We would welcome the opportunity to work with them to promote their interests, while safeguarding employee rights and outcomes of benefit to our Iwi and local communities,” said Mr Roa.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Tom Roa
Chair, Te Arataura o Waikato-Tainui Te Kauhanganui
Mobile: 0277 038 755
Email tomr@tainui.co.nz
Note to editors

An Interview opportunity can be coordinated for media wanting to speak directly to a whaanau feeling the effects of the lock-out.

The family:

1. Husband, wife and daughter all locked out
2. 2 dependent tamariki at home
3. Husband has gone to the South Island to work in an effort to alleviate their situation – leaving the family without a husband and father

Please contact Kirk MacGibbon for family contact details – cellphone 0277 549 689.

Our nieces and nephews have been watching this video over and over again and if you combine all the views on their 17 YouTube vids they have over 1 MILLION views, ka mau te wehi!

Snakes and Ladders was the first video they posted on their YouTube channel and is an original song written by Tahu, Tatai, Maisey Rika and Arihia.

These two inspirational rangatahi (Tahu Henare and Arihia Cassidy both from Uawa) from Te Kura Maori o Nga Tapuwae were part of a group who travelled to Italy, Paris and London to pay their respects to those in the Maori Battalion that never made it home.

Sit back and enjoy!

In an extraordinary interview with the Weekend Herald, Louis Crimp said he believed he had the support of Brash, Banks and other “white New Zealanders”.

Mr Crimp made the largest financial contribution to the Act Party for the 2011 election with a $125,520 donation.

His comments have appalled Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples.

But the Act Party last night affirmed Mr Crimp’s right to have his say – and welcomed future donations if he was inclined to make them.

Mr Crimp, a multimillionaire businessman, said he was inspired by Dr Brash’s controversial 2004 Orewa speech and supported Act when the former National Party leader took over as Act’s leader last year.

“I supported Act because I thought Brash would go along the way for Maoris to be treated like equal New Zealanders … they don’t get any more than a normal New Zealander and we’re all the same.

“The money I gave was to get Don Brash in to go with his things about the Maori. I know white New Zealanders want the Maoris to be treated like ordinary New Zealanders.”

Mr Crimp, 79, said he had met Mr Banks – now Act Party leader and a Government minister – within the past few days and was encouraged he would pursue the same goals.

“He’s lonely. He needs somebody else in there [Parliament] with him.”

Mr Crimp said Act should have taken a harder line on Maori during the election even if it led to public outcry. “All the white New Zealanders I’ve spoken to don’t like the Maoris, the way they are full of crime and welfare.”

He said he had asked Dr Brash why questions about special status for Maori were not pursued harder during the campaign. He said he was told the issue had been campaigned on but had been ignored by the media.

The campaign came after the Rugby World Cup, which showcased Maori in a way Mr Crimp opposed.

“It was an embarrassment at the Rugby World Cup, [Maori] coming to shore in canoes, with hardly any clothes on, waving spears and poking their tongues out, all painted up.”

He said it was intended as a welcome but would have terrified visitors.

“Every opportunity the Maoris get they have to do this war dance, whether it is for a funeral or something happy or a wedding. They feel they have to take all their clothes off, stick tongues out and wave spears. That’s not New Zealand.”

He said New Zealand was poorer because of Maori claims, welfare, language revival, television and crime.

“The Maori language, that is the biggest waste of money that New Zealand has ever spent on anything … $500 million a year to promote the Maori language.

“It’s making New Zealand poorer by paying the Maori out the welfare and the language.”

He said that when he met Mr Banks, he complained about the cost of Maori TV.

“He agrees and so does Brash but somehow or another it didn’t get across to the public.”

Mr Crimp said the Labour Party had given Maori “special benefits” for 30 years to get votes.

He said the Act Party should not be in a coalition with the Maori Party. “What are they going to claim for next?”

He said the party had to be more direct, although it was not able to position itself as “anti-Maori”.

Asked if his political views could be labelled racist, he said: “I don’t give a stuff what I’m called. You have to look at the facts and figures. This is the problem with New Zealanders. Most of them dislike the Maoris intensely – I won’t say hate – but they don’t like to say so.”

He said there was such nervousness among those he expressed his views to that he would ask if they had Maori blood.

“They don’t like to say anything against the Maoris. They say it very quietly with their eyes looking around.”

He said Maori were over-represented in crime statistics.

“I’m an Invercargill person and there’s hardly any Maoris down there so this doesn’t happen. But in Auckland, you pick up the crime page in the Herald, most of the faces in the Herald are brown in the crime page.

“The Maoris in jail are 51 per cent of the people in jail and yet they are only 13 or 14 per cent of the population. They’re either in jail or on welfare.”

According to the Department of Corrections, as at March 31 last year Maori made up 51.2 per cent of New Zealand’s prison population. Maori make up about 15 per cent of New Zealand’s total population.

Dr Sharples said Mr Crimp was “out on his own … this guy – where does he get off?”

He said he had worked well with Act Party MPs.

“If Mr Crimp told the Act Party that’s the reason he’s giving them the money, they should have turned him down.”

Act’s president, Chris Simmons, said he disagreed with Mr Crimp on some areas but respected his right to have a view.

He said he saw Maori culture as “part of our culture”.

“One of the beauties of the Act Party is we believe everyone should have their say.

“That’s his view.”

Mr Simmons said the party would take Mr Crimp’s money again.

Mr Banks, Act’s sole MP, did not respond to calls.

Shortly after Mr Crimp’s donation, a squabble erupted inside the Act Party over its election advertising plans.

Advertising guru John Ansell quit the party after adverts he designed asking Kiwis if they were “Fed up with the Maorification of Everything” were cancelled.