Te Kete Kōrero Issue 4 Winter 2015

Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO 1

EDITOR

Jason Renes

MANAGING EDITOR

Kahurangi Waititi

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Tomairangi Nikora

WRITERS

Jason Renes

Kahurangi Waititi

Miria-Te-Ana Foe

April Kanawa

Emmeline Sunnex

Horiana Henderson

Haylee King

Brooke Freeman

Naomi Mai

Tessa Davies

Shannon Wroe

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jason Renes

Kahurangi Waititi

PRINTER

CMYK

COVER ARTWORK

The Brownies Collective

I’ll admit, I didn’t want to be this year’s editor of Te Kete

Kōrero. Not because I didn’t think this magazine unworthy,

it’s value is seen in the light that comes into the eyes of our

contributors, supporters and readers who first open these

pages when it is fresh off the press. My reluctance came

from the selfish concern I would be forced to chase up

some contributor who had fallen behind the deadline. And

my concern was I would be that contributor.

While I could use this space to explore how and why

prophecies always seem to fulfil themselves, I would rather

reveal what it was that pulled me out of this trepidation. I

simply remembered this isn’t about me.

It is about the team of talented students who put their

hands up to produce this magazine despite being unsure

whether they could do it. It is about the kaiāwhina who

gently urged those students to challenge their doubts and

find depths within themselves they may not have known

were there. It is about the wider Māori and Pasifika student

body whose voice is represented by Te Kete Kōrero, this

publication is one way to be sure their Wintec story is more

than just classes, moodle and marks. It is about something

bigger than our individual selves.

The realisation carried me through. It came to me as I

held the previous TKK issue and saw the toil and talent

that went into every page. It came to me when I imagined

how much of the same would go into this current issue.

Te Kete Kōrero manifests the idea that our obligations

to others fulfil our obligations to ourselves. It’s a kind of

circular beneficence.

I am proud to be a part of this magazine. I am prouder

still of the people behind it’s creation. I hope you will feel

proud to read it.

Jason Renes

Ngai Tūhoe me Rongomaiwahine nga iwi

Wintec proudly supports Te Kete Kōrero and is committed to helping this independent

publication be the voice for Māori & Pasifika students, and the rest of the student

community. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the

authors and do not necessarily reflect that of Wintec, its management, and employees.

Kei te tautoko Te Kuratini o Waikato i Te Kete Kōrero, me te whāinga kia noho te

māhēni nei hei reo mā ngā tauira Māori, me ngā tauira o te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa. Nā

rātou, nā ngā tauira ngā whakaaro kei roto i te māhēni nei, ehara i te mea he ōrīte ki

ngā kaimahi me ngā kaiwhakahaere o te Kuratini.

TE KURATINI O WAIKATO

Record Number Attend Marae Graduation

Whanaungatanga Key to Graduating

Graduate Designs Her Future

Opportunities Abundant for Recent Graduates

Kākahu a Link to Ancestors

Student Achievement Top Priority

HĀPORI

Polynesian Rowers a Minority

Forum Seeks to Enable Free Speech

Tupuna Remembered at Anzac Day Parade

Dead Lands Review "Symbolic and War-provoking"

Māori Need Invitation to Visit Marae

Editorial: Haka Provokes Kōrero Around Māori Issues

TE KETE KŌNAE

Who We Are

SAWIT

What's Been Happening?

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CONTENTS

TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 20156

TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO

Jason Renes

record number attend marae graduation

At a marae on a hill in the middle of a city, families

gathered to celebrate the achievements of the brightest

and most talented. Jason Renes reports on what he saw

at Wintec’s marae graduation

.

The morning sky over Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae,

at the heart of Wintec’s city campus, was deep blue

and clear. The day was sure to brighten once the sun

was higher in it’s climb and the air was full of promise.

Whānau walked towards the marae upon a hill that was

once the fertile kai gardens of Wairere, the people who

lived on this land before Hamilton was here. They carried

gifts of flowers and leis made of wrapped lollies. An early

autumn morning, the beginning of a day of celebration.

Graduation day at the marae.

In a line that went past the Hub and down towards

the intersection of Anglesea and Ward street stood the

graduates. Last year around 80 chose to graduate at the

marae, this year the number had swelled to 130. Most

were draped in academic regalia; black gowns, blue satin

hoods and trenchers – the familiar flat hat with tassels.

Korowai hung from straight shoulders, lava lava and

tupenu were wrapped around the upright and proud.

Their achievements were recognised by guest speaker

Mihingārangi Forbes, award winning journalist and

presenter of Native Affairs on Māori TV. She studied te

reo Māori at Wintec some 22 years ago – when it was

still Waikato Polytechnic. To those assembled she said

this place was key to her career as a Māori language

broadcaster. Forbes said that while it is more than possible

to be whatever one wants to be, it all depends on hard

work and determination. She illustrated the point by

touching on what is currently happening in the media; Wh

ānau

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how the competition for jobs is formidable and one had

to stay on top of their game and remain relevant.

“Just having a job these days is an achievement,” she said.

“Having one that you love is a privilege.”

The conferment of qualifications highlighted the

diversity of Wintec, and the desire of those who came

here from around the world to study to graduate at the

marae. Whānau showed love and support through haka

and waiata while their loved ones walked up to receive

their qualifications. And those from the islands all across

Pasifika released joyous cries as they approached to

bestow leis upon their graduates. There were celebratory

songs for a graduate from Africa, and a Middle Eastern

recipient smiled proudly when his supporter stood to

give him words of praise and recognition.

When all qualifications had been conferred it came time

for the student speaker’s address. Donna-Lee Biddle, who

this day received her Bachelor of Media Arts and National

Diploma in Journalism, gave the speech. Her voice rang

clearly as she recited the beginning of the universe, as

it was told by our tupuna. She went on to speak of how

a life-plan had been put in place for her the moment

she was born, simply because she was born Māori and

female.

“I was supposed to live a life of poverty, I was supposed

to fall pregnant as a teenager. I was supposed to live

on the Domestic Purposes Benefit, then go on to have

more children. And I was not supposed to have a tertiary

education.

“Being Māori, the thing that should statistically mean

I should fail in life has been the very reason I have

succeeded. I think people are scared to fail, but you

shouldn’t be. Because how else will you gain strength?

How else will you become more resilient?”

Studying at Wintec saw Biddle transcend euphoria, and

plumb the depths of despair. Late nights, no sleep, sick

children, babies throwing up on her homework. The

stresses all dissipated when the assignment was handed

in.

All those listening with newly acquired degrees, diplomas

or certificates in their hands understood exactly what she

meant.


Jason Renes

whanaungatangakey to graduating


Wintec School of Media Arts graduates, Donna-Lee Biddle and Jade Ormsby.

Donna-Lee Biddle and Jade Ormsby reflect on how

whakawhanaungatanga helped ease the challenge of lost

family time while studying.

What was the biggest challenge for Biddle and Ormsby while

they completed their degrees at Wintec? It wasn’t the intensity

of the work, nor the expectations of their tutors. It wasn’t the

lack of money. It wasn’t moodle. For these exemplary Māori

media arts students the biggest challenge was being away

from their kids.

Biddle and Ormsby graduated earlier this year from Wintec in

a ceremony at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae. They each

received Bachelor of Media Arts degrees - Ormsby majored in

visual arts, while Biddle’s speciality was journalism.

For three years the pair struggled and strived, placing before

them one flagstone after the other to form the path they

would tread towards a tertiary qualification. And for both

of them the hardest struggle was accepting the time spent

on their studies equalled time they didn’t spend with their

children.

Ormsby’s priority now is to rack up quality time with his family.

However, before this he said he got quite obsessed with his

work so time with his family suffered as he threw himself into

his study.



“It’s part of

our culture.

Whanaungatanga.

Being with each

other, being

around each

other, gravitating

towards each

other.”

Biddle’s days became a

repeating cycle: up at 6am

to shuffle the kids off to day

care; don’t see them again

until 5 or 6pm; but only for a

couple of hours before they

are put to bed again; then

study resumed and could

continue throughout the

long night.

“That’s the grind every

day,” said Biddle. “So my

weekends were very

precious to me because

Saturday and Sunday was

the only time I could spend

with my kids.”

However, the benefits

matched the pangs of lost

family time.

Being at Wintec helped

Ormsby discover himself

and his identity, something

he felt disconnected to

when he first began his

study.

“It was pretty life changing,”

he said. “Finding that

whakawhanaungatanga

opened up every door. I

wouldn’t have my job now

if it hadn’t been for up here.”

And it was only made

possible for Ormsby

because he took a chance

and stepped forward to be

known by his fellow tauira,

and the kaiawhina who

supported them. His advice:

“Get involved. Don’t be afraid

to take opportunities on,

even if you know you don’t

really have the time for it.

Because if I hadn’t done that,

we probably wouldn’t have

Te Kete Kōrero. The knock-

on effect is huge.”

Biddle shared this view.

“It’s part of our culture.

Whanaungatanga. Being

with each other, being

around each other,

gravitating towards each

other. I think it makes it easier

for you to study as well,

when you know you’ve got

that support there and your

peers are going through the

same thing.”


Miria-Te-Ana Foe

Here’s a descendant who hails from Tuhoe, Te-Aitanga-a-

Hauiti and Tuana’i. Tomairangi Nikora recently graduated

from Wintec with a Bachelor of Media Arts (Visual Arts)

majoring in Graphic Design. Having just finished her

final year of study she found herself designing for New

Zealand Company, Torpedo7 Group Ltd, an outdoor

adventure gear outlet.

March of this year brought with it the Creative Hub

Silent Auction Exhibition, held at Te Karanga Gallery in

Auckland. As one of nine artists selected, Nikora had the

opportunity of exhibiting a series of illustrations; the first

series was entitled ‘Spirit Animals’ and was followed by

extracts from ‘The Turtle and The Shark’ storybook.

Throughout the duration of the exhibition, public viewers

had the chance to bid on artworks displayed by local

Auckland artists who showcased work from different

pathways such as fine arts, digital media and more.

Having been the only collaborator selected from outside

the Auckland region, Nikora received a positive response

from audiences and with it, was able to successfully sell

her work.

To see more and keep up-to-date with her design

ventures visit www.ranginikora.com


graduate designs her future

Wintec School of Media Arts graduate, Tomairangi Nikora.



Haylee King & Brooke Freeman

Achievement, honour and pride were a few of the feelings felt by Wintec graduates at this year’s ceremony held at Te

Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae. The abundance of family members, tutors and industry practitioners made it a morning

to celebrate the hard work graduates had undertaken thus far.

Usey Anak Assing – Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering)

Usey felt nothing but happiness the morning of graduation. The weather was good and

celebrating his success was something very important in his life. His current plan is to

find a job in the civil engineering industry. Graduating at the marae was something very

original to Usey and was also a reflection on his own background, beliefs and international

connections.

“You have to work hard, make sure you’re very up to date with lecture notes. Don’t put

assignments off until the last minute, if you want to do very well.”

Tawera Carol Trinder – Bachelor of Midwifery

Hot and flustered emotions were what Tawera felt the morning of graduation; along with

the most common, excitement. She has already started work; her first year of practice

will be in a hospital as a core midwife. Tawera will also work as a self-employed midwife

where she will support a couple of women. To be a self-employed midwife is her long-

term plan. Graduating at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa was the most significant way for

Tawera to celebrate her success. Being at the ceremony with her whānau was more

meaningful to her - the more whānau, the better.

“Perseverance, it’s in the long run. Take every week as it comes and think of the end

product, what you can do for your whānau and your iwi overall.”

Lepeka Fangaloka – Certificate in Services Industries Sector (Level 2)

Lepeka’s graduation morning was filled with nerves and excitement. Currently still at high

school stude nt, Lepeka juggled school commitments along with her Wintec studies. Her

most important short-term plan is to finish year 13 this year. Dressed in Tongan attire, the

marae graduation offered her the chance to graduate alongside other Wintec students

because she wasn’t able to make the graduation at Founders Theatre.

opportunities abundantfor recent graduates


Haylee King

kakahu a link to ancestors


In the beginning kākahu

were created out of necessity

and practicality, to clothe our

ancestors, keep them warm and

dry. Now they act as a taonga for

Māori - a link to our ancestors and

a window into their time.

A kākahu is a Māori garment made from flax, decorated

with tassels and feathers, and worn as a mantle.

Janaya Christie, 29-year-old Wintec honours student

and traditional Māori weaving tutor at Te Wānanga o

Aotearoa, wants to share her knowledge to as many

people as possible about traditional kākahu making.

Although there are a lot of weavers that work with muka

(the fibre inside of harakeke), Christie realises that many

New Zealanders have never heard of it, let alone have

any knowledge of the role it plays within our culture.

“I love introducing the hāro (extraction) process to people

who have never seen it before,” she said.



“Every bit

counts. It’s all

a contribution

so that our

grandchildren

may get to

experience some

of the glimpses

of an older

time, through

the window of

kākahu.”

“Kids think it’s magic.”

“I like the idea that I am

practicing old techniques

that were part of a

necessity for our people

to survive at one time.”

To Christie, kākahu

making is part of her

everyday life, through her

own practicing, teaching

others, and watching her

whānau produce them.

“I am aware that there

are a lot of people out

there who have no idea

what they are. I would say

there are probably more

contemporary kākahu

out there as opposed to

traditional - for example

those made with mop-

cloth as a substitute for

muka whenu (muka warp

threads), and those sewn

together with a sewing

machine and rolls of

feathers as opposed to

traditional muka kākahu.”

Christie doesn’t believe

that the custom of Kākahu

making and its meaning

will ever be lost but she

did think there was a time

where mātauranga Māori

(Māori knowledge) was in

danger of disappearing.

The revival in te reo Māori

(language), toi Māori

(art), and kaupapa Māori

has bought about a new

generation of staunch

practitioners of Māori

culture.

“I myself am a product

of this and I know many

others who will continue

to work hard and share

the knowledge we have

been given so that the loss

of kākahu never happens.”




Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa graduation: Tauira wear their kākahu with pride.


Introducing Wyllie Charles (spelt with a double ‘L’),

Wintec’s new Pasifika Student Advisor who will be based

at Avalon Drive campus from early April this year.

Known as “Wyles” and “Coyote” to his mates, Charles is a

New Zealand born Cook Islander, who lived in the Cooks

for eighteen years, moving there when he was just two

years old.

Fluent in the (Cook Island) reo, Charles also understands

all Cook Island dialects, putting it down to having lived

on a lot of the islands including Penrhyn, Manahiki and

Rakahanga because his father was a Minister.

“I’m passionate about Pasifika and Māori achievement

and I want to help drive our people to succeed,” he said,

adding that his intention was to reach out to all Pasifika

students at Wintec.

An ex-Wintec student himself, having previously studied

electrical engineering in 2007, Charles is a busy father of

three currently living in Tokoroa where he is “doing up”

his house.

Before coming to Wintec, Charles worked as a Health

and Disability Co-ordinator, working with tamariki and

rangatahi with high needs.

A keen sportsman, Charles enjoys basketball and added

that he has been watching the cricket world cup, despite

“not really being into cricket”.

He is a Michael Jackson fan but said jokingly that he only

liked Michael for his crotch-grabbing dance moves.

When asked to describe his own dance style, Charles said

that “other people” think he is a “pretty smooth dancer”

but wouldn’t say who these “other people” were.

He is into gospel music, reggae, hip-hop, rap, slow jams

and soft rock.

A self-taught guitarist who can play any song using just

three chords, he is also learning to play the ukulele.

Welcome to Wintec Wyllie!

Naomi Mai


Pasifika Student Advisor, Wyllie Charles.

student achievementtop priority


HĀPORI

Emmeline Sunnex

Samoan student Tessa Puleaga, 17, from Ashburton

College, is on a mission to prove why she deserved to

attend Maadi.

When Puleaga told her friends that she wanted to get

into rowing, some did not believe she had the stamina

to participate in the sport. She wanted to prove to herself,

and to those who said she couldn’t do it, that she could

commit to the strenuous training of rowing and make it

to Maadi.

Puleaga's hope this Maadi was "showing everyone the

hard work I've put into the season, and going hard out

and giving it my all in the water."

The oldest of five children, this is Puleaga's first ever and

only Maadi, being Year 13.

Puleaga said Polynesian rowers are the minority because

it is an expensive sport.

“A lot of Polynesians do feel like they’re going through

financial difficulty.

“Coming from Ashburton anybody can row whether

you’re Māori, Samoan or have financial difficulty. They

will help you out so you can row whether you have

money or not,” she said.

“Joining at 17 and rowing with others that have been

rowing for four or five years. I did doubt myself. Everyone

at [Ashburton] has cheered me on and I can [strive to] be

at their level if I just push myself.”

Puleaga said she didn’t feel singled out being Samoan in

a rowing team dominated by Europeans.

“No way at all, in our group we are all equal. It doesn’t

matter how well you [are] at rowing, we all love each

other in a way that’s indescribable.”

Her parents’ advice helped her. “My parents have taught

me once you’re committed to something you’re all in.

You’re not 50% in, you’re 100% in, and they’ve taught me

to be humble.”

On what has inspired Puleaga this Maadi she said:

“Everybody who rows with me. Because seeing them all

try out there, even if they are not the strongest or the

fittest, seeing them push themselves to the limit, they all

inspire me.”

Ashburton College student, Tessa Puleaga, representing at the 2015 Aon Maadi Cup Regatta.

polynesian rowers a minority

Why have the Indonesian government banned international

media from West Papua? And why should Pacific leaders take

action against wholesale spying by foreign powers? These are

just some of the issues that Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) want

you to know about.

PFF is an online network of Pacific media colleagues, whose

key focus is to raise awareness and advocacy of the right of

Pacific peoples to enjoy freedom of expression and a free and

independent media.

PFF Editor Jason Brown said, “We are never exposed to areas

like West Papua,” he criticised the New Zealand media for not

highlighting the West Papua conflict, despite it being “in our

own backyard.”

Brown said that pressure should be put on Indonesia who will

not allow any foreign journalists to report on the West Papua

conflict.

In relation to Prime Minister John Key’s push to send New

Zealand military to Iraq Brown said: “It’s awful what’s happening

in Iraq but the West Papua thing has been going on for 50

years”.

Born out of a concern relating to threats against freedom of

speech in the Pacific, PFF was founded in Avarua, Rarotonga, in

2008 by Cook Island Journalist Lisa Williams.

“We are an open organisation who welcomes input from

everyone,” said Brown.

He added that there is no membership fee because “a lot of

journalists [in the Pacific] are poor or have low wages, and

can’t afford professional memberships”.

He extended an invitation to students who are interested in

writing stories on the Pacific, with a freedom of speech angle.

PFF is made up of journalists, academics, activists and advocates

who volunteer their time, and are committed to the defence

and implementation of article 19 of the Universal Declaration

Naomi Mai

HĀPORI

forum seeks to enable free speech



HĀPORI

of Human Rights (UDHR) which states:

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression;

this right includes freedom to hold opinions without

interference and to seek, receive and impart information and

ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

This year, PFF’s main focus is on a Pacific (Media) Ombudsman,

something the Pacific is lacking.

Brown said that there isn’t a Press Council in the Pacific, and

that an Ombudsman was one way of “keeping an eye on

ourselves rather than have government involvement, and as a

way of improving our performance”.

PFF is also interested in starting a second website, one that

is more conversational and encourages greater participation,

while maintaining the current website for issuing PFF formal

statements.

Want to get involved?

Brown said that the “Pacific is a diverse, complex and fascinating

region” and that they are the first group to be watching back at

New Zealand and Australia’s public broadcasting.

He said that with PFF’s active members being volunteers, they

are finding it difficult to do more, with the daily struggle just to

survive.

“We would like to be able to develop PFF, to update our website,

to get more people involved and obtain funding” said Brown.

Brown invites students to assist PFF by volunteering their

services in various roles including public relations and

journalism.

PFF Editor: Jason Brown

[email protected]

www.pacificfreedomforum.org

For more information check out PFF on Facebook


Horiana Henderson

Today’s goal is in line with that of farmers throughout

the country—to beat the sun out of bed. I need not have

worried, as I was woken by people parking cars on the

verge outside my house at 4.45 am. My family are rugged

up, it’s dark outside. And we, along with the moving

masses, are on our way to the cenotaph at Parana Park.

This ritual is one we take part in each year. To remember

Granddad Jim who served in the 23rd Battalion during

World War Two, and Old Great-Granddad Jim (in our

family there are a few Jim’s) who was in the 2nd Otago

Battalion in World War One. This year I also learnt that

Koro Winiata left for foreign shores in 1918 with the 32nd

Māori Contingent Reinforcements. His first language was

Te Reo Māori and he did not appreciate me, as an infant,

crawling over his arthritic feet. We will remember him

also.

Our three Koro came home to us, they rest here in

Aotearoa, and our memories of them as kaumatua are

treasures we can pass onto our children. Other families

throughout the country however, understand in a way

we cannot, the sting of the words “they shall grow not

old”

Eli Rererangi James Henderson & Joshua Iraia Henderson remember and honour their tupuna at the 100th Anzac Day Commemoration held at Parana Park.

HĀPORI

tupuna remembered atanzac day parade


HĀPORI

At the service, the crowd is greater than previous years in

commemoration of 100 years since the ANZAC’s landed

at Gallipoli. As unacquainted strangers we huddle in

the dark, but are united in reverence and reflection of

those who paid dearly for the lives we enjoy today. We

remember young men who fought for high ideals, and

paid faithfully to protect them.

I think it is also important to pay tribute to my Taranaki

and Waikato tupuna who took stands against going to

World War One for their own ideals. Ideals I acknowledge

and respect.

The sound of clapping alerts me to the arrival of the

parade. Babies are crying and the number of pram totting

parents is noteworthy. A noisy car with glaring lights

seems to cut through the quiet and a police officer and

security guard quickly step up to reprimand the occupants

for their rude intrusion. An unrepentant young Māori

male quickly (not so quietly) rushes to open the front

door for an elderly pakeha man. The elderly man has on

a blazer, crisply creased dress pants and a row of medals

decorates his breast. The young man states that he found

the koro struggling to make his way down the hill and so

offered his assistance. This unexpected example seemed

to me, more in keeping with the spirit of ANZAC day than

enforcing an attitude of silent reflection. Near the end of

the ceremony another Koro arrives with two tokotoko.

The hike from the top of River Road was clearly a struggle

for him also but he stops to rest a minute before turning

around and making his way back the way he came.

The sky brightens, the stars twinkle and then are lost

to the light. I can now make out faces and life seems

to wake up with the sun. A group of middle aged men

are gathered together, and they proudly don the medals

of their ancestors. They make me wonder if those they

remember gathered in a similar way with their peers

once upon a time.

For me, the most important thing about ANZAC day is

that we look back and remember our tupuna. That we

remember them as real people who lived, loved and

hoped, the same way we do. That we share their stories

with our children, their moko. As a mother to three boys,

I hope that they grow to attack life with the same fervor

and faith as their tupuna. I hope that they look behind for

examples and wisdom, and I hope they that look forward

with an appreciation for the lives of others and their own.

On ANZAC morning, my family united with other

families to remember and to honour our loved ones. We

also gathered together to appreciate one of the simplest

of occurrences, something we take for granted most

days of our lives—the rising of the sun.

We remember them as real

people who lived, loved and

hoped, the same way we do.


April Kanawa

We all know him as Boy, that cheeky brown kid back in 2010

that captured us all with a just-as-cheeky grin. Since then,

James Rolleston has aged well and he sports a Tarzan-like flair

in this 2014 film, The Dead Lands.

Set in pre-European times the story (careful, there are spoilers)

depicts the revenge taken by a chieftain’s son, Hongi (Rolleston),

when his whole tribe is slaughtered by Wirepa (Te Kohe Tuhaka)

and his men, after an intentful misunderstanding, set purposely

to provoke a war between the two tribes. Hongi seeks the

help of a monster, an unlikely anti-hero known simply as The

Warrior (Lawrence Makoare), who guards the forbidden ‘Dead

Lands’, which is so named because anyone who enters is killed.

Hongi must find Wirepa and bring honour back to himself, his

people, and take revenge for his father’s death.

The creators of this New Zealand film seem to have freshened

up what most of us probably would have expected from

something relating to the aspects of Māori culture. Even being

slowly introduced to the nature of this film, one can’t help but

expect some sort of moral dilemma, perhaps some names

pointing to the tribe and/or areas the events in this film depict.

Or perhaps even wondering if this isn’t some Māori myth we

may or may not have heard about. It could be one or more of

these things, if one were to research and think deeply about

the symbolic meaning in this text.

But director Toa Fraser has proved none of these things really

matter. He’s more worried about how certain elements could

possibly attract the audience of a modern time. How could the

youths of this generation and those who aren’t familiar with

Māori culture and history sit through 108 minutes of expected

boredom? Easy. With violence and cool martial arts-style

fighting with weapons such as the taiaha (spear) or patu (sharp

club). I know I wanted to see them being used.

Rolleston, and those you may have seen in other New Zealand

films, or on Shorty St, gave it their best when providing a

HĀPORI

dead lands review"symbolic and war-provoking"

HĀPORI

character who was more than just words on paper. Like

Rolleston, these actors seemed comfortable portraying their

roles. But the director hardly gave them a character-change

to develop. Though he was the protagonist, Hongi (and no, it

wasn’t his fault) didn’t go through much of a transformation.

What has he got to learn in the film, really? He still holds his

basic morals, isn’t influenced by the contradicting thoughts of

his mentor, and hasn’t really proven he’s reckless or impulsive.

One lesson from The Warrior himself, and suddenly he’s a mean

fighting machine? Even after first seeing his character, we get a

sense that he doesn’t seem much like the confrontational sort.

More “kick the fire and stir up smoke rather than adding wood”

if you get the poorly made metaphor. It’s actually the anti-hero

himself who proves more intriguing, shows more depth, heart-

felt emotion, and of course, control. Maybe it is his wit and

humour that makes you underestimate his savage nature. With

what he goes through, I couldn’t help but think he really was

a demon.

There are some important things to note, however. The sound

for one was intense and wasn’t traditional Māori music (I’m

guessing thanks to Don McGlashan, the guy in charge of

music), which helped in not drowning the film, but highlighted

all the best parts. It complimented the action, thoughts of the

characters, and the intense vibe, making the audience feel like

they should be expecting something to jump out at them.

The costume-design for the characters were noteworthy,

as it emphasised status, power, and beauty (especially in

the warriors). They were like birds except that they could kill

you with one sweep. Maybe this was intentional to keep us

focused on the characters, and not lose interest at the sight of

something more traditional. I didn’t realize until looking closely,

that I kind of preferred it that way.

If you’re a little in the dark or perhaps refuse to acknowledge a

little part of Māori history, maybe the mention of cannibalism

would make you a little queasy. I admit, this was a little savage.

But it emphasised the power of the action scenes, the fighting,

and the struggle these characters had to go through, and it

brought the audience out of their comfort zone. Which is

probably what you want in a revenge flick. Even having to read

subtitles, it was still something I’d want to watch again. I have

to give it three and a half stars, because Toa Fraser, the movie

was just too straight-forward!

HĀPORI



Haylee King

No invitation or occasion is the main reason some Māori

do not want to go to their ancestral marae more often, a

Statistics New Zealand/Tatauranga Aotearoa infographic

shows.

Released February 2015 Ngā huarahi ki te marae: Māori

connecting to their ancestral marae shows that there is a

near balance of Māori who have been to their ancestral

marae in the last 12 months and those that have not.

Of the 46 percent who had not been to their ancestral

marae in the last 12 months the infographic shows that

45 percent would not have liked to have gone more

often.

The main factor for not visiting is there was no invitation

or occasion to go. Cost, distance and transport problems

were other reasons.

Donna-Lee Biddle, Ngati Pikiao, said her marae,

Tapuaeharuru in Rotoiti, is very important to her as it is

a way to reflect on lifestyle and strengthen her culture.

“It’s a link to my whānau and my tupuna, it’s a spiritual

connection that I have with my iwi and now that I

have children, it’s important for them to understand the

connection,” she said

Biddle believes the statistics of Māori who would not

like to have gone to their marae more often are a sad

reflection and she questioned whether the disconnection

with marae is a sign of changing cultures.

“There are benefits from being at your marae that I feel

these people are missing out on. Your marae is a way for

you to connect with whānau, learn about the history of

your iwi, and reconnect,” she said.

Jason Renes, Ngai Tūhoe and Rongomaiwahine, regularly

visits his marae in Waimana but has not been to his marae

in Mahia in two years.

He said that cost and distance is a factor that keeps him

from going home to his marae more often.

“It’s easy to think everyone with whakapapa to a marae

ought to spend X amount of time at the marae, but if

there is a palpable sense of disconnection, words won’t

change that.”

Household statistics manager Diane Ramsay said she

hopes the infographic will help iwi, hapū, and whānau

support people on their journeys to their marae.

Ngā huarahi ki te marae: Māori connecting to their ancestral marae uses information collected in the Te Kupenga 2013 survey of Māori well-being.

HĀPORI

maori need invitationto visit marae

27

13

10

6

50

31

29

30

13

15

30

21

33

14

14

23

29

19

29

27

9

28

56

47

15

5

12

7

60

40

21

16

17

5

29

29

71%of Māori* know their ancestral marae

Māori who knew their ancestral marae were asked…

Yes No

YesNo

11%89%

46%54%

40%60% 45%55% 32%68%

0 6060 0 60600 6060Percent PercentPercent

Māori were asked what stopped them from going to their ancestral marae more often**

Cost, distance, or transport problems

Not enough time

No occasion or invitation to go

Lack of te reo or cultural knowledge, or feel out of place

Illness, been there enough, or other reason

No reason

Note: All data in this infographic comes from Statistics New Zealand’s first survey of Māori well-being, Te Kupenga 2013.Source: Statistics New Zealand

Supporting Te Kupenga: our survey of Māori well-being.

E tautoko ana i Te Kupenga: ko tā mātou rangahau o te oranga Māori.

Creative commons

Would you like to have gone more often in the last 12 months?

Have you been in the last 12 months?

Have you ever been there?

Māori who had been there in the last 12 months

Māori who had not been there in the last 12 months

Māori who had never been there

Ngā huarahi ki te marae: Māori connecting to their ancestral marae

Didn’t want to go more oftenWanted to go more often** Multiple answers possible * Māori aged 15 years and over

Visit our website for more information

www.stats.govt.nz/tekupenga

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Jason Renes

HĀPORI

editorial: haka provokes korero around maori issues

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HĀPORIK

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Haka is an appropriate way to confront the serious issues

facing Māoridom and wider New Zealand society. There

is no hiding from haka. The growled delivery of lyric, the

fearsome pūkana and passionate gesture, the rhythmic

stomp that mirrors the beat of our hearts. The performed

haka articulates the emotions surging up from the soles

of our feet, and gives expression to the swirl of ideas

making a storm in our minds.

Over the years war, domestic abuse, the historical sins

of the government and institutional racism have all been

subjects ripped open and laid bare by haka performed at

Te Matatini National Kapahaka Festival. Most of the time

these are met by the audience well, since any given haka

is a call to Māori to seek the truth behind these, and other,

issues and take the steps to make change for a positive

outcome.

However, at this year’s festival a haka performed by

Hamilton group Te Iti Kahurangi caused a stir that hadn’t

been seen before in Te Matatini.

The haka dealt with a contemporary issue facing Māori:

how our stories are presented by Māori media. The haka

specifically criticised the handling of a 2013 investigation

by Māori TV current affairs show Native Affairs of kohanga

reo misspending. The message of the haka was that Māori

media should not follow the path of mainstream media

when presenting Māori stories. Instead, the promotion of

positive stories is what is needed.

Te Iti Kahurangi’s entire bracket, including the haka, aired

during Māori TV’s live broadcast of Te Matatini. However,

a few days after the festival Māori TV removed the

segment of the haka from their website. This prompted

a social media backlash, with users sharing the hashtag

#ShowtheHaka across Twitter and Facebook. A hui was

held at Māori TV and the haka was reinstated on their

website.

On Te Kaea, Māori TV Chief Executive Paora Maxwell said

when he first heard the words of Te Iti Kahurangi’s haka,

he felt the journalism done by the Native Affairs team

was being belittled and discredited.

Te Iti Kahurangi’s leader Kingi Kiriona told reporter Maiki

Sherman that mainstream media already viewed Māori

issues with a negative light and there were Māori forums

to discuss these issues away from the mainstream’s

negative glare.

So, what is to be learned from this entire affair?

The ideas of public interest and freedom of speech come

to play when looking at this issue. The initial investigation

into Te Kohanga Reo National Trust was in the public

interest, and Te Iti Kahurangi have the freedom of speech

to criticise this investigation.

Perhaps it comes down to appropriateness. Appropriate

spaces to discuss things important to Māori, and

appropriate reactions to arguments that counter ones

own.

Was criticising Māori TV on a Māori TV broadcast

underhanded? No, that argument doesn’t hold water. The

haka was first and foremost written and performed for Te

Matatini. While the festival was aired on Māori TV’s waves

is seems unfair for a TV station to keep groups from being

able to discuss the issues they want to discuss when they

are on a stage beyond the jurisdiction of the TV station.

And who is to say Te Iti Kahurangi’s criticism was not

shared by many who watched it?

And how about the decision to cut the segment from the

website, was this censorship? It was definitely foolish. But

to lump it in the diabolical category that is censorship

is perhaps a step to far. The claim might be valid if our

screens suddenly went black during the live broadcast

of the haka itself, assuming there was a delay which

could’ve made such an action possible. But it didn’t. And

all those watching the festival live saw the haka and heard

it’s message. To Māori TV’s credit, they did republished

the segment after hearing the call from the public.

So maybe the lesson to be learned is a simple one: aim

before you shoot and think before you act. Because

whatever you say or do in the public domain can

possibly be the subject of hard questions and harder

consequence.


Who We Are?

Academic Learning Services

Group Workshops

Counsellor

Free and confidential service

Kaiāwhina/Student Advisors

Scholarships and grant information

Provide support to help students overcome barriers to success

Help in accessing financial assistance, health advice, advocacy and personal support

In-class Support

Appointments

Assignments and course content review

Guidance/Advice

Available 4 days a week

Whānau Room

Study/meeting space, accordingly equipped

Available for group study-session bookings

Available to students when NOT booked

We deliver these supports to students using Māori and Pasifika frameworks, and are available between 8.30am-5.00pm

daily. Nau mai, Bula, Susu mai, Talitali fiefia! We look forward to seeing you in Te Kete Kōnae soon!

Te Kete Kōnae practices and promotes manaakitanga and whanaungatanga to all students here at Wintec. We aim to

empower tauira Māori and Pasifika to get the best out of their time here. Our students can: find updates on student

specific hui and community events; seek help and advice in confidence; have study groups with peers and tutors; take a

break between classes; and feel at home and comfortable.

Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae.

TE KETE KŌNAE - Who We Are?

te kete konae


TE KETE KŌNAE

Where Students Come First

Advocacy Support

Do you need confidential advice in times of need or advocacy assistance with study related issues? Come in and see

how we can help.

Need your assignments to look professional?

We offer binding and laminating services at great student rates.

Membership

Become an annual SAWIT member for $10 and receive a free 4 GB USB. Receive member’s only rates for all services.

We also offer…

Faxing services, sale of envelopes, stamps, USB sticks, pens and glue sticks.

A post box for your convenience – cleared daily.

Student Job Search services

Where can you find us?

City Campus — The Hub

Monday to Thursday 8.30am-4.30pm Friday 8.30am-3.30pm

Rotokauri Campus — Student Learning Services Office/ The Hub

Tuesday & Thursday 9.00am-12.00pm

Contact us

(07) 834 8800 ext 3016 — 0800 2 WINTEC ext 3016

Or email our receptionist [email protected]

sawit


Kahurangi Waititi

This year our marae Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa, celebrated

its third birthday with hangi and music for students and staff.

While the marae is relatively young in comparison to others

throughout the mōtu, it has become an important thread in

the Wintec fabric. The marae is used in many different ways

from being a special place to host manuhiri from around the

world to being used as a classroom for our tauira to learn in.

The birthday is a chance for staff and students to come and

look around the marae and get a real feel for the space. The

day was also made extra special with a Zumba class and the

student tautoko group Te Ahurei bringing their energy to the

event.

Students and staff help to celebrate Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa reaching its third birthday.

TE KETE KŌNAE - What's Been Happening?

marae third birthday

Kahurangi Waititi

With the start of the semester underway, Te Kete Kōnae held a

whānau night for the first year students and their families. The

night was a chance for whānau to come in and see where their

students would be based for the rest of their journey at Wintec.

It was also an opportunity for students and whānau to meet

the support staff in Te Kete Kōnae and provide feedback about

services they would like to see in the future. It was a fun night

with lots of students practicing the art of whanaungatanga. E

ngā akonga hou o te Kuratini, nau mai haere mai.

whanau night


www.wintec.ac.nzcreate your world

WINTEC

Te Kete Kōrero Issue 4 Winter 2015

Documents

Transcript of Te Kete Kōrero Issue 4 Winter 2015