Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
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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.
CONTENTS TE KURATINI O WAIKATO Record Number Attend Marae Graduation
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Whanaungatanga Key to Graduating
8
Graduate Designs Her Future
10
Opportunities Abundant for Recent Graduates
11
Kākahu a Link to Ancestors
12
Student Achievement Top Priority
16
HĀPORI Polynesian Rowers a Minority
17
Forum Seeks to Enable Free Speech
18
Tupuna Remembered at Anzac Day Parade
20
Dead Lands Review "Symbolic and War-provoking"
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Māori Need Invitation to Visit Marae
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Editorial: Haka Provokes Kōrero Around Māori Issues
26
TE KETE KŌNAE Who We Are
28
SAWIT
29
What's Been Happening?
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TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
record number attend marae graduation Jason Renes
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 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;
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Whānau of graduates earth-shakingly trial their pride and support at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae.
autumn morning, the beginning of a day of celebration.
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.
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TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
Wintec School of Media Arts graduates, Donna-Lee Biddle and Jade Ormsby.
whanaungatanga key to graduating Jason Renes
Donna-Lee Biddle and Jade Ormsby reflect on how
received Bachelor of Media Arts degrees - Ormsby majored in
whakawhanaungatanga helped ease the challenge of lost
visual arts, while Biddle’s speciality was journalism.
family time while studying.
For three years the pair struggled and strived, placing before them one flagstone after the other to form the path they
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What was the biggest challenge for Biddle and Ormsby while
would tread towards a tertiary qualification. And for both
they completed their degrees at Wintec? It wasn’t the intensity
of them the hardest struggle was accepting the time spent
of the work, nor the expectations of their tutors. It wasn’t the
on their studies equalled time they didn’t spend with their
lack of money. It wasn’t moodle. For these exemplary Māori
children.
media arts students the biggest challenge was being away
Ormsby’s priority now is to rack up quality time with his family.
from their kids.
However, before this he said he got quite obsessed with his
Biddle and Ormsby graduated earlier this year from Wintec in
work so time with his family suffered as he threw himself into
a ceremony at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae. They each
his study.
TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 2015
TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
Biddle’s
days
became
a
wouldn’t have my job now
repeating cycle: up at 6am
if it hadn’t been for up here.”
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
“It’s part of our culture. Whanaungatanga. Being with each other, being around each other, gravitating towards each other.”
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 knockon effect is huge.” Biddle shared this view. “It’s part of our culture. Whanaungatanga.
Being
with
being
each
other,
around
each
gravitating
towards
other, 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.”
opened up every door. I
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TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
Wintec School of Media Arts graduate, Tomairangi Nikora.
graduate designs her future Miria-Te-Ana Foe
Here’s a descendant who hails from Tuhoe, Te-Aitanga-a-
Throughout the duration of the exhibition, public viewers
Hauiti and Tuana’i. Tomairangi Nikora recently graduated
had the chance to bid on artworks displayed by local
from Wintec with a Bachelor of Media Arts (Visual Arts)
Auckland artists who showcased work from different
majoring in Graphic Design. Having just finished her
pathways such as fine arts, digital media and more.
final year of study she found herself designing for New
Having been the only collaborator selected from outside
Zealand Company, Torpedo7 Group Ltd, an outdoor
the Auckland region, Nikora received a positive response
adventure gear outlet.
from audiences and with it, was able to successfully sell
March of this year brought with it the Creative Hub
her work.
Silent Auction Exhibition, held at Te Karanga Gallery in
To see more and keep up-to-date with her design
Auckland. As one of nine artists selected, Nikora had the
ventures visit www.ranginikora.com
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.
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TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
opportunities abundant for recent graduates 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.
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.
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 longterm 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.”
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kakahu a link to ancestors Haylee King
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TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
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
Although there are a lot of weavers that work with muka
with tassels and feathers,
and worn as a mantle.
(the fibre inside of harakeke), Christie realises that many
Janaya Christie, 29-year-old Wintec honours student
New Zealanders have never heard of it, let alone have
and traditional Māori weaving tutor at Te Wānanga o
any knowledge of the role it plays within our culture.
Aotearoa, wants to share her knowledge to as many
“I love introducing the hāro (extraction) process to people
people as possible about traditional kākahu making.
who have never seen it before,” she said.
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TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
“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 mopcloth as a substitute for muka whenu (muka warp threads), and those sewn together with a sewing
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“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.”
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 practitioners
of of
staunch 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
Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa graduation: Tauira wear their kākahu with pride.
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TE KURA TINI O WAIKATO
student achievement top priority Naomi Mai
Pasifika Student Advisor, Wyllie Charles.
Introducing Wyllie Charles (spelt with a double ‘L’),
and Disability Co-ordinator, working with tamariki and
Wintec’s new Pasifika Student Advisor who will be based
rangatahi with high needs.
at Avalon Drive campus from early April this year.
A keen sportsman, Charles enjoys basketball and added
Known as “Wyles” and “Coyote” to his mates, Charles is a
that he has been watching the cricket world cup, despite
New Zealand born Cook Islander, who lived in the Cooks
“not really being into cricket”.
for eighteen years, moving there when he was just two
He is a Michael Jackson fan but said jokingly that he only
years old.
liked Michael for his crotch-grabbing dance moves.
Fluent in the (Cook Island) reo, Charles also understands
When asked to describe his own dance style, Charles said
all Cook Island dialects, putting it down to having lived
that “other people” think he is a “pretty smooth dancer”
on a lot of the islands including Penrhyn, Manahiki and
but wouldn’t say who these “other people” were.
Rakahanga because his father was a Minister.
He is into gospel music, reggae, hip-hop, rap, slow jams
“I’m passionate about Pasifika and Māori achievement
and soft rock.
and I want to help drive our people to succeed,” he said,
A self-taught guitarist who can play any song using just
adding that his intention was to reach out to all Pasifika
three chords, he is also learning to play the ukulele.
students at Wintec.
Welcome to Wintec Wyllie!
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
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HĀPORI
Ashburton College student, Tessa Puleaga, representing at the 2015 Aon Maadi Cup Regatta.
polynesian rowers a minority Emmeline Sunnex
Samoan student Tessa Puleaga, 17, from Ashburton
will help you out so you can row whether you have
College, is on a mission to prove why she deserved to
money or not,” she said.
attend Maadi.
“Joining at 17 and rowing with others that have been
When Puleaga told her friends that she wanted to get
rowing for four or five years. I did doubt myself. Everyone
into rowing, some did not believe she had the stamina
at [Ashburton] has cheered me on and I can [strive to] be
to participate in the sport. She wanted to prove to herself,
at their level if I just push myself.”
and to those who said she couldn’t do it, that she could
Puleaga said she didn’t feel singled out being Samoan in
commit to the strenuous training of rowing and make it
a rowing team dominated by Europeans.
to Maadi.
“No way at all, in our group we are all equal. It doesn’t
Puleaga's hope this Maadi was "showing everyone the
matter how well you [are] at rowing, we all love each
hard work I've put into the season, and going hard out
other in a way that’s indescribable.”
and giving it my all in the water."
Her parents’ advice helped her. “My parents have taught
The oldest of five children, this is Puleaga's first ever and
me once you’re committed to something you’re all in.
only Maadi, being Year 13.
You’re not 50% in, you’re 100% in, and they’ve taught me
Puleaga said Polynesian rowers are the minority because
to be humble.”
it is an expensive sport.
On what has inspired Puleaga this Maadi she said:
“A lot of Polynesians do feel like they’re going through
“Everybody who rows with me. Because seeing them all
financial difficulty.
try out there, even if they are not the strongest or the
“Coming from Ashburton anybody can row whether
fittest, seeing them push themselves to the limit, they all
you’re Māori, Samoan or have financial difficulty. They
inspire me.”
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HĀPORI
forum seeks to enable free speech Naomi Mai
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
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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
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
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HĀPORI
Eli Rererangi James Henderson & Joshua Iraia Henderson remember and honour their tupuna at the 100th Anzac Day Commemoration held at Parana Park.
tupuna remembered at anzac day parade Horiana Henderson
20
Today’s goal is in line with that of farmers throughout
Koro Winiata left for foreign shores in 1918 with the 32nd
the country—to beat the sun out of bed. I need not have
Māori Contingent Reinforcements. His first language was
worried, as I was woken by people parking cars on the
Te Reo Māori and he did not appreciate me, as an infant,
verge outside my house at 4.45 am. My family are rugged
crawling over his arthritic feet. We will remember him
up, it’s dark outside. And we, along with the moving
also.
masses, are on our way to the cenotaph at Parana Park.
Our three Koro came home to us, they rest here in
This ritual is one we take part in each year. To remember
Aotearoa, and our memories of them as kaumatua are
Granddad Jim who served in the 23rd Battalion during
treasures we can pass onto our children. Other families
World War Two, and Old Great-Granddad Jim (in our
throughout the country however, understand in a way
family there are a few Jim’s) who was in the 2nd Otago
we cannot, the sting of the words “they shall grow not
Battalion in World War One. This year I also learnt that
old”
TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 2015
HĀPORI
We remember them as real people who lived, loved and hoped, the same way we do.
At the service, the crowd is greater than previous years in
the ceremony another Koro arrives with two tokotoko.
commemoration of 100 years since the ANZAC’s landed
The hike from the top of River Road was clearly a struggle
at Gallipoli. As unacquainted strangers we huddle in
for him also but he stops to rest a minute before turning
the dark, but are united in reverence and reflection of
around and making his way back the way he came.
those who paid dearly for the lives we enjoy today. We
The sky brightens, the stars twinkle and then are lost
remember young men who fought for high ideals, and
to the light. I can now make out faces and life seems
paid faithfully to protect them.
to wake up with the sun. A group of middle aged men
I think it is also important to pay tribute to my Taranaki
are gathered together, and they proudly don the medals
and Waikato tupuna who took stands against going to
of their ancestors. They make me wonder if those they
World War One for their own ideals. Ideals I acknowledge
remember gathered in a similar way with their peers
and respect.
once upon a time.
The sound of clapping alerts me to the arrival of the
For me, the most important thing about ANZAC day is
parade. Babies are crying and the number of pram totting
that we look back and remember our tupuna. That we
parents is noteworthy. A noisy car with glaring lights
remember them as real people who lived, loved and
seems to cut through the quiet and a police officer and
hoped, the same way we do. That we share their stories
security guard quickly step up to reprimand the occupants
with our children, their moko. As a mother to three boys,
for their rude intrusion. An unrepentant young Māori
I hope that they grow to attack life with the same fervor
male quickly (not so quietly) rushes to open the front
and faith as their tupuna. I hope that they look behind for
door for an elderly pakeha man. The elderly man has on
examples and wisdom, and I hope they that look forward
a blazer, crisply creased dress pants and a row of medals
with an appreciation for the lives of others and their own.
decorates his breast. The young man states that he found
On ANZAC morning, my family united with other
the koro struggling to make his way down the hill and so
families to remember and to honour our loved ones. We
offered his assistance. This unexpected example seemed
also gathered together to appreciate one of the simplest
to me, more in keeping with the spirit of ANZAC day than
of occurrences, something we take for granted most
enforcing an attitude of silent reflection. Near the end of
days of our lives—the rising of the sun.
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HĀPORI
dead lands review "symbolic and war-provoking" 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
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TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 2015
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, heartfelt 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!
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
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HĀPORI
maori need invitation to visit marae Haylee King
No invitation or occasion is the main reason some Māori
Biddle believes the statistics of Māori who would not
do not want to go to their ancestral marae more often, a
like to have gone to their marae more often are a sad
Statistics New Zealand/Tatauranga Aotearoa infographic
reflection and she questioned whether the disconnection
shows.
with marae is a sign of changing cultures.
Released February 2015 Ngā huarahi ki te marae: Māori
“There are benefits from being at your marae that I feel
connecting to their ancestral marae shows that there is a
these people are missing out on. Your marae is a way for
near balance of Māori who have been to their ancestral
you to connect with whānau, learn about the history of
marae in the last 12 months and those that have not.
your iwi, and reconnect,” she said.
Of the 46 percent who had not been to their ancestral
Jason Renes, Ngai Tūhoe and Rongomaiwahine, regularly
marae in the last 12 months the infographic shows that
visits his marae in Waimana but has not been to his marae
45 percent would not have liked to have gone more
in Mahia in two years.
often.
He said that cost and distance is a factor that keeps him
The main factor for not visiting is there was no invitation
from going home to his marae more often.
or occasion to go. Cost, distance and transport problems
“It’s easy to think everyone with whakapapa to a marae
were other reasons.
ought to spend X amount of time at the marae, but if
Donna-Lee
Biddle,
Ngati
Pikiao,
said
her
marae,
Tapuaeharuru in Rotoiti, is very important to her as it is
change that.”
a way to reflect on lifestyle and strengthen her culture.
Household statistics manager Diane Ramsay said she
“It’s a link to my whānau and my tupuna, it’s a spiritual
hopes the infographic will help iwi, hapū, and whānau
connection that I have with my iwi and now that I
support people on their journeys to their marae.
have children, it’s important for them to understand the connection,” she said
24
there is a palpable sense of disconnection, words won’t
TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 2015
Ngā huarahi ki te marae: Māori connecting to their ancestral marae uses information collected in the Te Kupenga 2013 survey of Māori well-being.
Ngā huarahi ki te marae: Māori connecting to their ancestral marae
71%
of Māori* know their ancestral marae
Māori who knew their ancestral marae were asked… 89%
Have you ever been there? Yes
Have you been in the last 12 months?
54%
60%
Would you like to have gone more often in the last 12 months?
11% No
46%
40%
55%
45%
68%
32% Yes No
Māori were asked what stopped them from going to their ancestral marae more often**
Cost, distance, or transport problems
21
56
Not enough time
5
Illness, been there enough, or other reason No reason 60 * Māori aged 15 years and over ** Multiple answers possible
40
5 29
7
29 0 Percent
33
13
14
10
14
6 60
60
Visit our website for more information
www.stats.govt.nz/tekupenga
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
Creative commons
29
29
30
27 9
15 60
Wanted to go more often
Supporting Te Kupenga: our survey of Māori well-being. E tautoko ana i Te Kupenga: ko tā mātou rangahau o te oranga Māori.
19
13
23
0 Percent
29 31
21
27
12
Māori who had never been there
50
30
17
15
Lack of te reo or cultural knowledge, or feel out of place
60
16
47
No occasion or invitation to go
Māori who had not been there in the last 12 months
60
28 0 Percent
60
Didn’t want to go more often
Source: Statistics New Zealand - Te Puni Kōkiri.
Māori who had been there in the last 12 months
HĀPORI
editorial: haka provokes korero around maori issues Jason Renes
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TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 2015
Kingi Kiriona fiercely leads Te Iti Kahurangi on Te Matatini National stage.
HĀPORI
Haka is an appropriate way to confront the serious issues
to discuss these issues away from the mainstream’s
facing Māoridom and wider New Zealand society. There
negative glare.
is no hiding from haka. The growled delivery of lyric, the
So, what is to be learned from this entire affair?
fearsome pūkana and passionate gesture, the rhythmic
The ideas of public interest and freedom of speech come
stomp that mirrors the beat of our hearts. The performed
to play when looking at this issue. The initial investigation
haka articulates the emotions surging up from the soles
into Te Kohanga Reo National Trust was in the public
of our feet, and gives expression to the swirl of ideas
interest, and Te Iti Kahurangi have the freedom of speech
making a storm in our minds.
to criticise this investigation.
Over the years war, domestic abuse, the historical sins
Perhaps it comes down to appropriateness. Appropriate
of the government and institutional racism have all been
spaces to discuss things important to Māori, and
subjects ripped open and laid bare by haka performed at
appropriate reactions to arguments that counter ones
Te Matatini National Kapahaka Festival. Most of the time
own.
these are met by the audience well, since any given haka
Was criticising Māori TV on a Māori TV broadcast
is a call to Māori to seek the truth behind these, and other,
underhanded? No, that argument doesn’t hold water. The
issues and take the steps to make change for a positive
haka was first and foremost written and performed for Te
outcome.
Matatini. While the festival was aired on Māori TV’s waves
However, at this year’s festival a haka performed by
is seems unfair for a TV station to keep groups from being
Hamilton group Te Iti Kahurangi caused a stir that hadn’t
able to discuss the issues they want to discuss when they
been seen before in Te Matatini.
are on a stage beyond the jurisdiction of the TV station.
The haka dealt with a contemporary issue facing Māori:
And who is to say Te Iti Kahurangi’s criticism was not
how our stories are presented by Māori media. The haka
shared by many who watched it?
specifically criticised the handling of a 2013 investigation
And how about the decision to cut the segment from the
by Māori TV current affairs show Native Affairs of kohanga
website, was this censorship? It was definitely foolish. But
reo misspending. The message of the haka was that Māori
to lump it in the diabolical category that is censorship
media should not follow the path of mainstream media
is perhaps a step to far. The claim might be valid if our
when presenting Māori stories. Instead, the promotion of
screens suddenly went black during the live broadcast
positive stories is what is needed.
of the haka itself, assuming there was a delay which
Te Iti Kahurangi’s entire bracket, including the haka, aired
could’ve made such an action possible. But it didn’t. And
during Māori TV’s live broadcast of Te Matatini. However,
all those watching the festival live saw the haka and heard
a few days after the festival Māori TV removed the
it’s message. To Māori TV’s credit, they did republished
segment of the haka from their website. This prompted
the segment after hearing the call from the public.
a social media backlash, with users sharing the hashtag
So maybe the lesson to be learned is a simple one: aim
#ShowtheHaka across Twitter and Facebook. A hui was
before you shoot and think before you act. Because
held at Māori TV and the haka was reinstated on their
whatever you say or do in the public domain can
website.
possibly be the subject of hard questions and harder
On Te Kaea, Māori TV Chief Executive Paora Maxwell said
consequence.
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
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
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TE KETE KŌNAE - Who We Are?
te kete konae Who We Are?
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. 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 Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae.
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TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 2015
TE KETE KŌNAE
sawit 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 shannon.wroe@wintec.ac.nz
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
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TE KETE KŌNAE - What's Been Happening?
marae third birthday 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.
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TE KETE KŌRERO // Hōtoke - Winter 2015
whanau night 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.
Hōtoke - Winter 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
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WINTEC