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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?
6
8
10
11
12
16
17
18
20
22
22
26
28
29
30
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
of
gra
du
ates
ear
th-s
hak
ing
ly t
rial
th
eir
pri
de
and
su
pp
ort
at
Te K
ōp
ū M
ānia
o K
irik
irir
oa
mar
ae.
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO 7
TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
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.
TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 20158
Jason Renes
whanaungatangakey to graduating
TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
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.
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO 9
TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
“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.”
TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 201510
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
TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
graduate designs her future
Wintec School of Media Arts graduate, Tomairangi Nikora.
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO 11
TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
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
TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 201512
Haylee King
kakahu a link to ancestors
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO 13
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.
TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 201514
“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 KURA TINI O WAIKATO
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO 15
TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa graduation: Tauira wear their kākahu with pride.
TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 201516
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
TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
Pasifika Student Advisor, Wyllie Charles.
student achievementtop priority
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO 17
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
TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 201518
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO 19
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
jasonbrown1965@live.com
www.pacificfreedomforum.org
For more information check out PFF on Facebook
TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 201520
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
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO 21
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.
TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 201522
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
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO 23
TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 201524
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
Sou
rce:
Sta
tist
ics
New
Zea
lan
d -
Te
Pu
ni K
ōki
ri.
TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 201526
Jason Renes
HĀPORI
editorial: haka provokes korero around maori issues
Kin
gi K
irio
na
fier
cely
lead
s Te
Iti K
ahu
ran
gi o
n T
e M
atat
ini N
atio
nal
sta
ge.
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO 27
HĀPORIK
ing
i Kir
ion
a fi
erce
ly le
ads
Te It
i Kah
ura
ng
i on
Te
Mat
atin
i Nat
ion
al s
tag
e.
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.
TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 201528
Who We Are?
Academic Learning Services
Group Workshops
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Free and confidential service
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Provide support to help students overcome barriers to success
Help in accessing financial assistance, health advice, advocacy and personal support
In-class Support
Appointments
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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
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO 29
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.
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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 shannon.wroe@wintec.ac.nz
sawit
TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 201530
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
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO 31
www.wintec.ac.nzcreate your world
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