KOANGA // SPRING 2015 ISSUE 5
EDITOR Haylee King
MANAGING EDITOR Emily Ranginui
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tomairangi Nikora
WRITERS Haylee King Tessa Davies Miria-Te-Ana Foe Naomi Mai Horiana Henderson Te Ahua Maitland Era Peihopa April Kanawa Dasha Kuprienko Miriana Wetere-Ryder Jerome Nonoa
PHOTOGRAPHER Awhina Kerr
PRINTERS CMYK
COVER ARTWORK Poihakena Ngawati
Mihi
from the editor I have always admired Te Kete Kōrero and the team involved with making it happen so when the opportunity arose, I was more than keen to take on the role of editor. I will admit, I was nervous, scared and unsure of how I could make a difference but knowing I had th`e support of current contributors, Wintec staff and the previous editor, encouraged me to utilise my skills for an amazing, award nominating, publication. To me, Te Kete Kōrero is the voice of our people, our students and a platform for Wintec’s issues, events and information regarding Māori and Pasifika to be known to our readers. I take my hat off to those involved in producing the magazine, the contributors who not only wrote stories in their own time but also wrote worthy, faultless and interesting stories. The level of work that I have added into this issue is of high standard and the kōrero covers a wide range of topics. In this issue you will find an article regarding the hot topic, TPPA. We wanted to create awareness of what the TPPA is, the issues surrounding it and the positives and negatives that can come from it. The presence of this information was to explain the kaupapa in a way that we can understand, the information is accessible in one place and sources multiple voices, including our very own. I am proud of the work that has been produced. This was the beginning of my Te Kete Kōrero journey and I will continue to be involved, whether I am on campus or not. I hope that you enjoy the serious, the important, the interesting and the informative stories that feature in issue 5 of Te Kete Kōrero. I hope you find yourself keen to keep flipping the pages and eager for the following issues. This is my mihi. My mihi to our readers, the contributors, the design masterminds and everyone involved with the production and continuation of our very own mahi.
Haylee King Ngāti Awa
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
HĀPORI
WHAKANGAHAU
TE KETE KŌNAE
Poihakena Ngawati: Te Kakauroa o Te Toki a Kupe
1
Naomi Leading the way in Māori Learning Success
2
On the Road to Becoming a Māori Design Hero
3
Jade Makes Designer Mark on New Zealand
4
Students Fly to China
5
Cerisse Palalagi
7
Wintec Hosts Inspirational Workshop for Young Pasifika Artists
10
Pasifika Profiles
11
TPPA Yay or Nay
13
It’s Time We Take Te Reo Māori Seriously Before It’s Too Late
17
Preserving Māori Culture
19
World Slam Champs Lured by NZ’s Spoken Work Talent
21
Dark Horse — Movie Review
22
Born to Dance — Movie Review
23
Introducing Emily Ranginui
25
Who We Are
26
Poihakena Ngawati: Te Kakauroa o Te Toki a Kupe
TE KURATINI O WAIKATO
Haylee King
The cover artwork featured in this edition was created by Wintec’s graphic design student Poihakena Ngawati. The piece, Te Kakauroa o Te Toki a Kupe, means the long and direct lineage of Kupe. Ngawati said “the kaupapa for this special piece is based on Kupe and his epic voyage from Hawaiki to Aotearoa.” The two Tui represent the double hulled canoe, Matahourua waka, Kupe sailed on and depicts the rough sea conditions that he and his family had come across on the voyage. The Tui also has characteristics such as Kaha, Mana, Mauri and Wairua, all of which describes the waka of Kupe. “This painting was made for a collective exhibition that I had the privilege to take part in earlier this year”, Ngawati said. “This particular exhibition had a theme of Matariki. I wanted to make a painting based on the star constellation and how we as Pacific Islanders used these stars as a tool to navigate, gauge and indicate the time to sail, harvest and fish for food.” Overall, the piece is dedicated to all traditional navigators and took eight hours to complete. “The funny thing is that I painted it 12 hours before the exhibition while the other artists were hanging their pieces and getting things ready around me.” Creating art is a means of release for the crazy, wacky, controversial ideas that build up in his head. “It explodes on to the nearest wall or canvas.” “I’m just a Māori boy from the far north that makes a living off painting wicked murals and designing mean computer graphics.”
1
TE KETE KŌRERO // Kōanga - Spring 2015
TE KURATINI O WAIKATO
Studying can be stressful no matter what your age
All nominees were presented with a certificate, and
or where you might be heading. Whether you’re
a $60 gift card to Centre Place Shopping Centre.
fresh out of high school or you are someone who
As an award winner, Mai was presented with a
is looking for a career change, making the decision
framed certificate, a bouquet of flowers, and $1000
to further your education is daunting.
prize money. Mai is unsure of what she will spend the money on
Wintec holds an Adult Learner Awards evening
but she may use it to help pay off her student loan.
every year, coinciding with International Adult
Mai liked the way the awards evening was
Learners week, which celebrates people who have
formalised, in that all nominees were called to the
chosen to re-train and re-educate themselves.
stage, while various Wintec officials talked about
These awards have been in existence since 2004,
their nominations.
and are there to recognise and celebrate the
She felt the nomination was a big deal because
successes adult students gain during their time at
you were formally recognised as an adult learner
Wintec.
at Wintec.
Tutors nominate students, in each of Wintec’s
Mai felt important because it was a separate
schools at both the city and Rotokauri campuses,
occasion specifically set aside for adult learners,
who show commitment to their studies and a
instead of being cast aside as just another set of
willingness to go the extra mile.
students.
Naomi Mai, Tainui, a third-year Media Arts student
Wintec’s student population consists of more than
(majoring in Public Relations and Advertising),
50 percent adult students, which contributed to
was nominated for, and later won, an award in
Mai’s decision to study here.
the Māori and Pasifika category, along with two
Learning in classes has been made a lot easier
other students from the schools of Education and
because of the life experience she holds.
Science.
Her background mainly consists of customer
Mai was surprised to hear that she had been
service roles in the public and private sectors,
nominated because she thought she was not
managerial positions in events, and more.
doing well enough in her studies to be considered
“My life experience has been invaluable in
a nominee.
contributing to my learning.” Mai said.
She knew about the awards in her first year, but
“Theories that we learn about [in class] I can apply
was put off by the fact that a tutor had to nominate
straight away.”
her.
In her spare time, she volunteers with St Vincent
Mai attended the awards evening with her sister, a
de Paul on the Fulfill food truck, which delivers
fellow Media Arts student, and Cate Prestidge, the
and serves food to communities in Hamilton every
tutor who nominated her, in tow.
Monday.
They were very supportive of her nomination, and
Mai graduates in March 2016, with a Bachelor
win, on the night.
of Media Arts, majoring in Public Relations and
“I love that they were so encouraging, although
Advertising. She has yet to decide on her next
they were a little too encouraging,” Mai said.
move following graduation.
Naomi leading the way in māori learning success
Tessa Davies
“It was nice, but I was too nervous on the night.”
Kōanga - Spring 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
2
On the road to becoming a māori design hero
TE KURATINI O WAIKATO
3
Dasha Kuprienko
A New Zealand artist whose work displayed 30 storeys high on 36 screens in Times Square, New York shared his story of Māori design at Wintec’s SPARK Festival.
Our people once were designers
Johnson Witehira does not just want to be a
blocks which represent six iwi.
Māori who designs, he has a desire to be a Māori
“When Māori children use the blocks and play with
designer.
them they can connect to who they are more
“Our people once were designers,” he says.
specifically in terms of their iwi and hapu (sub-
Witehira draws inspiration from looking at New
tribe).”
Zealand homes, public places and seeing that none
He is currently working on another project with
of those are connected to who he is as a Māori.
Uncle Goose which is further development of the
“There’s Māori art on the wall, but why don’t we
Māori alphabet blocks with more carving styles and
make a whole wall Māori.”
Māori-related imagery.
And that he did. Witehira’s art was selected from
“If I’m making a Māori product I can’t just put a
131 entries nationwide to be showcased in Times
generic kind of Māoriness on there. I want it to be
Square.
different.”
But that wasn’t his proudest moment.
Witehira thinks that New Zealand is lacking in
Witehira says that even though the Times Square
non-Pakeha Māori design heroes and dreams to
project is his biggest achievement so far, it’s not
become one.
something he’s most proud of.
“It’s hard, you know, because you can only do so
His pride is within the Māori alphabet blocks he
much. I want to design everything and I want to
created in collaboration with American company,
spend time learning Te Reo.”
Uncle Goose.
With Witehira’s full time job teaching graphic
This is because the finished product has a bigger
design at Unitec and working on design projects
effect on the lives of New Zealanders.
for his clients, he does not have time to design as
Beginning in 2012, it took a year and a half to finish
much as he would like.
24 wooden blocks featuring Māori macronised
But to make his dream come true he wants to
letters and numbers.
open his own Māori design workshop where by
To add more Māori identification Witehira designed
creating one object at a time, he can eventually
six different carving styles to be included on the
become a Māori design hero.
TE KETE KŌRERO // Kōanga - Spring 2015
TE KURATINI O WAIKATO
Jade makes designer mark on new zealand
Tessa Davies
Combining Māori heritage into your work can make for greatness and can also push you into what you never thought possible.
Jade Ormsby was a nominee at
recognise collaborative work,
Having the support of his
the Best Awards in Auckland’s
which is what TKK is about.
friends and whanau is important
Viaduct on October 9.
He feels his nomination for
because without it, he is not
“I didn’t expect to reach that
the work he did for Te Kete
pushed to be great.
stage, so [I] was stoked that Te
Kōrero helped get not only the
Ormsby is a huge fan of Māori
Kete Kōrero could be taken to
publication, but also his name
artists and designers, especially
that level”, Ormsby said.
out to people who might not
Johnson Witehira, who spoke at
The Best Awards is set up by
have noticed him or his work
Wintec’s SPARK festival in August
the Designers Institute of New
before.
this year.
Zealand, and is an annual event
Ormsby’s first involvement with
One piece of advice Ormsby
showcasing areas of excellence
Te Kete Kōrero was through a
has for aspiring designers is,
in Graphic Design, Spatial,
spontaneous Facebook message
“Whakawhanaungatanga; make
Product and Interactive Design.
of the idea.
connections, either in reality or
Ormsby was approached by
He decided to go for it and over
through social media, to gain
Wintec earlier this year to enter
time it snowballed into what it
inspiration and support in your
TKK as part of a new category
is today.
field”.
named Ngā Aho, which
“I believe in taking opportunities
“As well as taking on
recognises “Aotearoa-ness”, as
that come your way and I’m
opportunities, even though they
he puts it, and collaborative
glad I did because if I hadn’t, I
seem impossible because it can
practice.
might not be at the level I’m at
lead to great things.”
The category was made to
now if I hadn’t done so”, he said.
Kōanga - Spring 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
4
Students fly to china
TE KURATINI O WAIKATO
5
Miria-Te-Ana Foe
Where do I start?
I walked into the street. There
and mountain climbing. These
In September ten students
was a whole lot of smoke from
activities were all new to us and
from Wintec's school of Media
smokers at the front entrance.
getting to experience a different
Arts had the opportunity to
When we first arrived at our
culture was exciting and a little
travel to China to work with
motels our partners from
odd. We got to taste a part of the
other students from ChengDu
ChengDu Universtiy were
world that was not similar.
University.
waiting for us. They were
What made it enjoyable was the
I was one of the lucky students
waiting with signs of our
friends we made on the trip. We
who had the privilege to go.
names indicating who we were
were always trying to organise
This was a whole new
allocated with as partners. We
times for us to spend together.
experience for me as China is so
then split into groups, two from
That was the highlight of my
far away from home. It is not like
Wintec and two from ChengDu
trip, the life-long friends I made.
our neighbours Australia or the
University.
Our last day there was such a
islands but somewhere totally
The reason for our trip was to
rush. I wish time went slower.
different. I heard things on TV
complete a project within each
I did not want to leave. Saying
about China, about accidents
group. Our group's topic was
goodbye was the hardest.
that made me nervous but I
"Our impression of ChengDu".
Somewhere in our goodbyes
could not find myself to saying
The group I was in comprised
some of us knew we would not
no. I realised the positive impact
of two graphic designers from
get to see some our new friends
the trip would have and said yes
ChengDu and two moving
again. We had tears falling down
straight away. I was not going
image students from Wintec.
our face, we tried to wipe them
to let this opportunity slide. NO
We had to come up with ideas
away but they would not stop.
WAY!
on how we could utilise our
Now that we are back home
It took us almost 11 hours to
skills and merge them into one.
I have realised that I miss
travel to Singapore and an extra
Overall, I could not be happier
them. It was such an amazing
four to five hours to ChengDu.
with our finished product.
experience and I would not
We were all tired and everyone
For the 10 days we were there
change it for the world. We
wanted to take a shower and hit
other than working on our
have kept in contact with our
the sack.
projects, we were lucky to see
Chinese friends with the hope of
All together we spent two days
the sites that China had to offer.
reuniting again.
travelling.
We went to a panda zoo, the
“If a door opens up to you, take
When we arrived in China I
markets, shopping malls, an
it, don’t hold back, because the
was instantly hit with heat as
art museum, many restaurants
experiences are worth it."
TE KETE KŌRERO // Kōanga - Spring 2015
TE KURATINI O WAIKATO
Ashayla De Thierry So what’s my impression of ChengDu? AWESOME! We spent 10 days in ChengDu experiencing the culture, seeing
Noah Chen Nuoya
historical sights, looking at
Justin Xu Chong
museums and of course eating Hello Everyone.
delicious Sichuan food. Our
Hello Everyone.
I am Noah. I am a junior
CDU students, like everyone
My name is Justin, I am a junior
student studying in the Fine Art
else, were extremely hospitable.
student studying in the Fine Art
School of ChengDu University.
We all got along really well and
School of ChengDu University..
In these three days, I have
it was really good to see how
This ChengDu impression
worked with some students,
they worked in comparison
workshop project has helped me
which have come from New
to us. They each had different
to gain more knowledge. This
Zealand and we cooperated to
styles but were really talented.
project showed me that these
finish a workshop (ChengDu
Sometimes the language
New Zealand students are good
impression). And, I have learnt
difference were a barrier but it
at expression, communication
a lot of things that I did not
did not stop us learning a few
and have a good attitude
know before, from the foreign
words and phrases. I had an
towards their work. I have learnt
students. Also, I believe that
amazing time in ChengDu with
many things, and those things
we are friends now. I do hope
the students and experiencing
are not only good for my study,
sometime, maybe we can work
their culture. I would happily go
but also good for my future
together again. Thanks.
back there as soon as I can!
work and life. Thanks.
Kōanga - Spring 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
6
Cerisse palalagi
TE KURATINI O WAIKATO
Naomi Mai
Cerisse Palalagi nicknamed ‘Cee’
What does your name mean?
is an Auckland-based Visual Artist
It’s French for ‘cherry’, but my dad liked a model
specialising in photography,
named Cerise from a certain magazine #truestory!
printmaking and painting. When did you know you wanted to be an artist? At high school I had a fair idea, but no specific Known for her ‘Polyslang’, Cerisse has an interest in connectness through everyday languages.
plan of making a career out of it. I excelled in two subjects, Art & Te Reo Māori. I’m lucky to have had a great art teacher at the time - Ms Amanda Bade.
The eldest of six siblings who all speak Māori, she is Nuiean (Tuapa village) and Māori (Ngāti Pikiao & Ngai Te Rangi).
When you began studying for your degree, what was the dream? I didn't have a dream, I was pretty much a freespirit. I was never taught to plan ahead, like having a 3-5 year plan or career goals. Once I left Uni and
She completed her Bachelor of Fine
got a job, my “real-world” education began. I was
Art from Elam School of Fine Art, The
fortunate to have a boss that put the seed into my
University of Auckland and followed with her Masters of Visual Art and Design from Auckland University of
mind about self-empowerment and having life goals. It’s only now in my 30’s that I am thinking about my future and career as an artist.
Technology. When was your first solo exhibition? My first solo show was called ‘Ranea’ in celebration Cerisse participates in a number of solo and group exhibitions and is
worked vintage images of Māori women, patterns
experienced in body art, set design
with bright pops of colour, lots of magenta, pinks,
and fabric design which she has done
corals and peach. I had so much satisfaction seeing
for various productions including Lisa
all my framed works hanging in FRESH Gallery,
Reihana’s Pursuit of Venus.
7
of Matariki. All the works had silk screenprinted, re-
TE KETE KŌRERO // Kōanga - Spring 2015
Otara in Auckland.
TE KURATINI O WAIKATO
How has it been to find work in your chosen
What motivates you to suceed?
field of expertise?
Creating work that makes people feel excited,
[It] definitely has its challenges, you constantly
empowered and happy which eventually makes
need to find opportunities through networking in
them want to own it.
the industries where your expertise are needed. Sometimes it can come down to who you know.
Where are you finding ideas for your work these days?
What is the best thing about being a female
Fashion and artists Tumblr blogs, fashion
Pasifika artist?
magazines, Instagram, Twitter and people-
There is not much competition out there (for now
watching (looking at different styles of fashion that
lol), so get out there and own the market in your
people are wearing), tattoo art from around the
creative field!
world and typography.
What has been your greatest achievement and
What is your next project?
how has it shaped you?
A group show with two other artists – Hoodsavvy
An indigenous arts residency in San Franscisco
(photography/illustration) & Onesian (digital artist)
with other indigenous artists. Seeing the types
called ‘CHOLA 2.0’ at Papakura Art Gallery in
of art being made for the pusposes of brown
March 2016. I will be making new silk screenprints
empowerment, beauty and pride, made me
alongside the linoleum prints that were made for
step up my game and look at my own work and
‘CHOLA’ which was exhibited earlier this year at
struggles in New Zealand. As a result, all my work
FRESH Gallery, Otara.
since then, has a common thread running through
I’ve always dreamed of making a small fashion
it – Brown pride.
magazine dedicated to brown youth, as I feel we are under-represented in mainstream media.
Who or what inspires you?
While I was at high school there was a free street/
I’m definitely inspired by travel – the best way
urban fashion magazine that had photos of young
to learn about other people, cultures and food!
brown models wearing high street clothing, which
History, whether its mine or someone else’s – I
I’d never seen before. I really cherished those
always like to know the backstory to anything that
images and ripped them out and stuck them in my
I find interesting. Before the internet, I got my style
school books, so I could see them everyday. They
and fashion cues from music videos especially
were really empowering and it was a good feeling
Hip Hop – definitely a huge source of inspiration
seeing reflections of me. Seeing brown people in
growing up.
a fashion magazine gave me validation that I am beautiful too.
Kōanga - Spring 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
8
Cerisse palalagi
TE KURATINI O WAIKATO
Is there any other form of visual art that you haven’t tried, but would like to? I’ve always wanted to make music videos. I guess it’s a natural progression from my love of photography, and the need to tell stories. Apart from your artistic talents, do you have any hidden talents? I love cooking and I’m always trying new recipes especially Vietnamese and Chinese. What art work do you wished you owned? ‘Kaulana Na Pua’ an oil on canvas painting by Kamea Hadar & Defer, and anything by Retna, or Elmac and Reuben Patterson. What is the most indispenseabe item in your studio? Japanese woodcutting tools – they have strong sharp blades that never get blunt. What was the last book you read? Tattoo Traditions of Hawai’i by Tricia Allen. If you weren’t an artist, what would you be? A fashion photographer or DJ! What under-appreciated artist do you think people should know about? Onesian.com – an awesome digital artist from South Auckland. What one piece of advice would you give a Pasifika student pursuing a career as an artist? As well as perfecting your craft and making dope work, networking online and in person are definitely one of the keys to being a successful artist.
9
TE KETE KŌRERO // Kōanga - Spring 2015
TE KURATINI O WAIKATO
For the first time since 2008 Pasifika secondary school students from Hamilton came together at Wintec for the Tautai Fresh Horizons workshop during SPARK week in August. Formed by renowned Samoan artist Fatu Feu’u and a group of friends, Tautai is an Auckland-based organisation dedicated to the development and ongoing support of Pacific arts and artists. Secondary schools nominate students to take part in the Fresh Horizons workshop, a free three-day creative workshop and exhibition held in several locations nationwide. The Hamilton workshop offered the 25 students who attended the opportunity to work with, and be mentored by, leading Pasifika creatives, conceptual artist Leafa Wilson, visual artist Cerisse Palalagi, and fashion artist Linda Lepou. Lecharnie Fatupaito, a Samoan Māori (Ngati Poua) student at Hillcrest High school said she was glad she was nominated. “I love painting and mixing all the colours together and making alot of colours and shades,” she said.
Wintec hosts inspirational workshop for young pasifika artists
Naomi Mai
Fatupaito said she is interested in art but it had not worked out for her at school because she was not allowed to do her own thing. Fatupaito participated in Cerisse Palalagi’s stencil and painting workshop. “I enjoy the people, all the art supplies I need, support from Cerisse, and I like using everyone else’s stencils and putting them into my work,” she said. Despite wanting to become a social worker and help people, she was inspired by the art studio spaces in X block, the venue of Fresh Horizons and will consider the Bachelor of Media Arts for future studies.
Kōanga - Spring 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
10
TE KURATINI O WAIKATO
Naomi Mai
Invincible tutor and top sportsman
11
Ajay Kumar is a tutor in electrical engineering at
living in Auckland.
Rotokauri campus since 2014.
“My first priority was to become a good tutor.
A Fijian Indian from Pakuranga, Auckland and one
When I first started teaching I would work until
of eight in his family, first came to New Zealand in
7pm each everning. [I felt] I had to do a lot of
1981 as a student at Mt Albert Grammar.
revision before I could teach my students.”
His name, Ajay, means cannot be destroyed or
He says that engineering is a male-dominated
invincible.
industry and it probably is not being promoted to
Kumar worked in the electrical engineering
target women but that if you do not like maths,
industry for about 25 years but was made
engineering isn't for you.
redundant at the end of 2012, accepting short term
He recently underwent a peer observation when
contract work.
his manager Simon Finlay and another tutor sat-in
He saw an advertisement that Wintec was looking
on his class.
for a tutor, and not having taught before, he
He says he was nervous but was offered positive
thought he would “give it a go.”
feedback which was encouraging.
A family man with two teenage children, Kumar
When Kumar is not watching sport he likes to keep
lives in Hamilton Monday to Thursday, travelling
active and plays soccer for his over 35s team, The
home to Auckland on Friday for the weekend.
Fencibles United, and although its not his first time,
“I enjoy teaching, I like the student contact and
Kumar was recently awarded Coaches Player of
the rapport I’ve built with my students, but it’s also
the Year.
challenging being away from my family,” he said.
“All Blacks are always number one,” he said
He thought about relocating to Hamilton but his
predicting they will win the Rugby World Cup in a
children were not keen, and he has two sisters
final match against Ireland.
TE KETE KŌRERO // Kōanga - Spring 2015
TE KURATINI O WAIKATO
Naomi Mai
Tyson comes out fighting What does Hollywood actor Jack Black and
“I didn’t feel like working anymore and so I thought
21-year-old Tyson Heather have in common? TKK
I’d study,” he said.
gets “down to the nitty gritty” to discover who is
He moved to Hamilton to study at Wintec with the
Tyson Heather.
intention of one day working overseas.
Heather is a Cook Island Māori (Ngāti Rangi) in
He says all his classes are different, he’s learning
his second year of the New Zealand Diploma
something new all the time and his tutors help him
in Engineering (Electrical) at Wintec’s Rotokauri
out.
campus.
“I like computers and stuff like that...I do electronics,
He’s described by his tutor Ajay Kumar as
there is a lot of maths [involved],” he said.
“intelligent, a lovely chirpy person, the life of the
Although he admits getting out of bed for an 8am
classroom.”
class can be difficult, and he has learnt he does not
At Wanganui High school his mates called him
like flatting with others.
“Nacho” as in the 2006 American comedy Nacho
Heather was in the Cook Islands in December last
Libre featuring Jack Black as a moonlighting
year for the first time, a twenty-first birthday gift
Mexican wrestler.
from his mother, where he visited family including
“…beneath the clothes, we find a man... and
his great-grandparents.
beneath the man, we find his... nucleus” – Nacho
When he is not studying, Heather likes all kinds
Heather who once dreamed of being a
of music from “Dr Dre to Dean Martin and Bob
professional wrestler, says he was given the
Marley.”
nickname because he had an afro and was the first
He plays the piano and guitar, mostly self taught,
of his mates to grow a moustache.
and speaks a little Māori.
He grew up in Wanganui with his younger sister,
In September this year Heather met Prime Minister
and having finished high school with a Year 13
John Key, when Mr Key officially opened the
Diploma with merit, he worked for an on-shore oil
new engineering and trades facility at Rotokauri
rig in New Plymouth.
campus.
Kōanga - Spring 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
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HĀPORI
Horiana Stockman Henderson
Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
TPPA yay or nay
WHAT IS TPPA OR TPP? TPPA is the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement between New Zealand and 11 other Asian and Pacific rim countries. The 12 member nations involved are New Zealand, the United States of America, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Huh? It has been called a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by our National Government but thousands throughout Aotearoa rallied to protest the deal which lead to this discussion.
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TE KETE KŌRERO // Kōanga - Spring 2015
HĀPORI
The critics say it is about more than free trade and
The supporters say it is ambitious and will benefit
could have multiple implications for New Zealand
our small export oriented nation by opening and
including the loss of Sovereign rights; and Treaty of
enhancing trade with those countries involved,
Waitangi compromises.
particularly with the United States of America.
They have also criticised the Government’s lack
The agreement if concluded would also account
of disclosure of the full terms of the agreement;
for nearly 40 percent of the global economy.
something Prime Minister John Key has stated as not necessary or a presidented practise of FTAs.
The Prime Minister’s response in August regarding those protesting was that FTAs commonly stir up
Leaked sources however have highlighted at least
fear mongering and that only a third are genuine
three points of dispute including:
protesters but misinformed.
»»
The potential for companies to sue New Zealand if our laws and regulations can be shown to undermine their interests.
»»
It may impact New Zealand’s ability to subsidise prescription medicines.
»»
And that it could enable external parties of New Zealand to challenge our laws, processes and interests.
So what? Since August 2015 legal actions have been taken to have the TPPA text disclosed for discussion and nationwide protests have been launched in efforts to raise awareness of and challenge those contentious aspects of the agreement. The Government are saying TPPA is good for New Zealand and New Zealanders are rallying to say differently. Te Kete Kōrero reporter Horiana took to the Wintec city campus to get some on the spot responses of TPPA (conducted 1 Oct, 2015).
Kōanga - Spring 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
14
TPPA yay or nay?
HĀPORI
Olivia Grave
Megan Hutt
Media Arts - Churchill
Media Arts - Te Atiawa
“It’s some International deal
“I know that it’s the Trans-Pacific
between 12 countries to do with
Partnership Agreement that John
trading and change some laws
Key’s not letting us read about,
in New Zealand but that’s the
most likely the media’s trying to
main thing. I think it could be
distract us with sports and the
good for trade in some situations
flag. I feel like it’s going to be
but I think there will be things
something really bad.”
that come up that it will end up having really bad consequences for. Like big business’ having a lot more control over what happens in New Zealand and things that they can do around New Zealand.”
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TE KETE KŌRERO // Kōanga - Spring 2015
Joy Lambert
Jerome Nonoa
Business Admin & Computing - Hamilton
Media Arts - Te Whanau a Apanui,
“I would like to find out more
Tangahoe, Samoa
about [TPPA]. I know my mum’s
“Sitting on the fence, suing our
been quite involved with protests
Government, that’s a big negative
in Whangarei.”
but I see positives for both.”
Chantelle Pumfleet
Amy Tuhoro
Communications - Whangarei
Nursing - Tuhoe, Ngati Porou
“That’s the first I’ve heard anything
“I’ve seen the protests but I don’t
about [TPPA].”
really know what it’s about.”
Brendan Buisson
Terereawai Kipa
Information Technology - Hamilton
Nursing - Tainui Waikato
“I’ve seen the protests but I don’t
“They say that’s John Key’s way of
really know what it’s about.”
getting rid of the Treaty.”
HĀPORI
A bit more input
New Zealand is a trading nation. We need to
Being a political issue it seems only fitting to
access as many markets as possible and the TPPA
include input from our regional representatives.
would grant us better access to markets and so is
Our Māori, Waikato Hauraki MP, Nanaia Mahuta
in the best interests of New Zealand. A failure to do
said:
so when competing countries could do so would
The TPPA is no ordinary free trade arrangement.
put our exporters and our economy at a distinct
This is a multilateral deal comprising of 12 Nation
disadvantage. The critics of the agreement are
states. If the deal goes ahead and one country
doing so without basis and are generally against
wants to pull out at any point all signatory
free trade in general and are using unjustified
countries need to agree.
arguments to try and influence public opinion
It has the real potential to affect New Zealand’s
about this potential free trade agreement and its
sovereignty. Labour has called for these matters to
benefits.
be protected to give New Zealanders some What now? »»
Pharmac must be protected.
On Monday October 5, 2015, the 12 member
»»
Corporations cannot successfully sue the
nations signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership
Government for regulating in the public
Agreement in Atlanta, GA, USA.
interest.
Our Trade Minister Tim Groser said it was not a
New Zealand must maintain the right to
“gold plated” outcome for New Zealand but that it
restrict sales of farm land and housing to
is good.
non-resident foreign buyers.
Prime Minister John Key tweeted afterwards that
»»
The Treaty of Waitangi must be upheld
TPP would save $259 million a year in tariffs and
»»
Meaningful gains are made for New
that it would benefit New Zealand’s economy by at
Zealand farmers in tariff reductions and
least $2.7 billion a year by 2030.
market access.
Major critics of TPPA, It’s Our Future and Professor
»»
Jane Kelsey are still thoroughly engaged in Labour believes that the rights enshrined in the
protesting the deal even though it has been signed.
Treaty of Waitangi must not be compromised by
The It’s Our Future website promotes “the fight
the TPPA.
continues” and Kelsey has had a legal suit upheld
The Government should stop its secrecy on the
by High Court Judge Collins that Trade Minister
TPPA and be open with the public about what
Groser acted unlawfully when he refused to
is being negotiated. The text should be released
release any information relating to the [TPPA] to
before the Government commits New Zealand to
[Kelsey] under the Official Information Act.
it.
The next step for the FTA is for it to pass through
Labour has always been a party in favour of free
parliament, be written into legislation and it is
and fair trade, because done right it increases
expected to come into force within two years.
our exports and supports New Zealand jobs. Labour protected all these things in our Free Trade
So the ultimate question is: What do you know
Agreement with China.
about the TPPA and how do you feel about it?
And our Hamilton East Electorate MP, David
Yay or Nay?
Bennett said:
Kōanga - Spring 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
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It’s time we take te reo māori seriously before it’s too late
HĀPORI
Te Ahua Maitland
Te reo Māori speakers have dropped in the generation vital in keeping it alive. According to Statistics New Zealand from the December 2013 Census, only 23.3 percent of Māori aged 15 to 29 can hold a conversation in te reo, an 8.2 percent decrease from the 2006 Census. Recent data showed the New Zealand indigenous language is declining in all age groups except people aged 65 years and over. Statistics New Zealand measured te reo Māori through another data source called Te Kupenga, which asked about general and cultural wellbeing, with more detailed questions on language proficiency for Māori. While the 2013 Census measured te reo speakers by their “ability to hold a conversation,” Te Kupenga asks more in-depth questions such as ability to speak, listen, read, and write in te reo Māori, and the environments in which they used the language. Between the ages of 15 to 24, 132,000 people classed themselves as Māori. Out of that only 11,000 said to know very well or well te reo, with 60,500 knowing no more than a few words or phrases. Chloetilde Pomare is one person trying to recapture the language of her culture. The 23 year old, part Māori and Fijian recently completed a Diploma in te reo Māori through the Waiariki campus. Growing up she attended many Māori schools such as Kōhanga as a toddler, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Hiringa for primary and a year at Hato Petera College. Then went through mainstream intermediate and high school, then onto tertiary education. “My Fijian mother who was born in New Zealand didn’t have the opportunity to learn her culture at a young age, so she decided to send her children to
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TE KETE KŌRERO // Kōanga - Spring 2015
HĀPORI
It has moulded the person I am today and I am very proud Kōhanga because she believed it was a privilege to
“So when I first started there were only two classes
know your culture.”
with 18-20 people, then next year 25-28 people.
Although Chloe admits she has lived a more
And then last year we had three classes of up to
European lifestyle, she saw the diploma in te
25 people, and then this year there are five classes
reo Māori as a good opportunity to regain some
with 20-25 people.”
confidence in her reo.
Wakama said there is a mix of younger and older
“It has moulded the person I am today and I am
Māori people learning te reo.
very proud to have been brought up the way that
“The oldest person in our class is 70…and the
I have. If I could do something different from my
youngest is 17.”
own childhood it would be to speak te reo to them
Wakama said she tries to target the younger Māori
[my children] at home.”
generation.
Today there is an array of learning opportunities
“We have to market our own programmes and
available.
find our own students, so my market has been a
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and the Waiariki Institute
younger generation through Facebook friends and
offer te reo Māori in levels ranging from a
word of mouth.”
certificate to a degree, with some courses being
Wakama said the younger Māori generation in
free. Waikato University and Wintec also offer te reo
her course said they decided to take the course
Māori courses.
because they were not taught the language
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Raroera campus tutor,
growing up, or at school.
Mere Wakama, teaches a free te reo Māori in a level
New Zealand Statistics note that the Māori ethnic
2 certificate.
group is made up of people who stated in the
She has been in her role for four years, and has
census that Māori was their only ethnic group, or
noticed numbers have grown yearly.
one of several ethnic groups.
Kōanga - Spring 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
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Preserving māori culture
HĀPORI
19
Haylee King
Generations preserve Māori culture.
become normality as will Te Reo.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata,
“Yes it is good to learn about Te Ao Hurihuri but
he tangata.
we first have to learn about our own world. I
What is the most important thing on this earth?
don’t believe in bilingual education, you have to
The people, the people, the people.
immerse yourself in something to really get better.”
The most important aspect to look at to
Tangiora believes that all aspects of Māori are
preserve the strength, knowledge and tāonga of
somewhat in danger but can be preserved if Māori
Māori culture and matauranga Māori for future
value systems remain strong.
generations, is the people.
“We are a collective, communal people, we are not
There are mixed emotions when it comes to
individual. When the 28th Māori Battalion went
talking about Māori culture, its current place
to the war, they went as a whanau. They were
compared to years ago, and where its future lies.
successful because they went as a group.”
Many people across the motu, young and old, are
“We need to highlight our values and make sure
including Māori practices and traditions in their
we stick to them. Some of the strongest values we
daily lives to preserve it.
have are manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. We
Te Aihurangi Tangiora, Rongomaiwahine, 63,
are value based people with group mentality.”
believes that Māori culture has been sick for a
Te Ariki Manuera Tukiri, Ngāti Awa, 21, believes
long time and thinks that forward thinking, lived
that practicing Māori values, ethics and morals are
experiences and keeping value systems strong is a
important to preserving Māori culture in himself
way to ensure a future for Te Ao Māori.
and in future, his children.
“Colonisation has changed the way Māori think.
Tukiri’s parents are both fluent Te Reo speakers,
It is the thinking that needs to be changed in the
as are his grandparents and as were his great
minds of the younger generations. We need people
grandparents. He was born into a Māori world,
with forward thinking.”
went to Kohanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa Māori
He believes that in order to have forward thinking
and had always been taught that Māori are for the
for Te Ao Māori any Māori should have praxis (the
people.
lived experience). This is where Tangiora thinks the
“My entire family has taught me to help others
problem lies, there are not enough Māori that have
when in need. This is a value that I have become
the lived experiences.
accustomed to and is just normal to me.”
To have success in Te Ao Māori, he believes that
He was moved to a bilingual school when he was
younger generations need to begin early.
nine years old. While there he was forced to attend
“If you truly want to preserve Māori, then I say to
interval and lunch time English lessons to help with
young Māori mothers, seriously consider sending
the transition to mainstream classrooms.
your tamariki to Kohanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa
When Tukiri was 12 he and his family moved to
Māori,”
Australia where he was placed in an English high
He believes that the language is one thing, but
school. It was a culture shock for him and he
you cannot learn language without tikanga. By
admits that he struggled but eventually adjusted.
surrounding yourself with other Māori in social
While being in Australia Tukiri was introduced to
environments the natural knowledge of tikanga will
many new cultures such as Australians and their
TE KETE KŌRERO // Kōanga - Spring 2015
HĀPORI
lifestyles, Asian cultures, Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipinos, Timorese and Japanese and on top of them introduced to European cultures like Greeks, Italians, Macedonians, Turks and Lebanese. “Growing up in New Zealand I always thought there was only three nationalities, Māori, Pakeha and Chinese but living in Australia I only met two Māori throughout my high school studies.” By being aware of other cultures from around the world, Tukiri felt that growing up in a western society away from Māori influences had left him feeling that there’s no real need for his language. “It made me want to learn about other cultures and finding an understanding of why they did certain things in certain ways.” His newfound interest caused him to lose the sense of being Māori and his fluency in Te Reo. Since moving back to New Zealand two years ago, Tukiri has motivation him to pursue his fluent understanding of his culture and regaining his Te Reo. He plans to become fluent in Te Reo Māori again but more importantly, he plans to instil Māori traditions into his children and create an effective goal for them where they understand the importance of Māori culture, their ancestors and morals. “Te Reo Māori is the key to our culture, I feel it is the foundation of our traditions.” “For our young, I think we could inspire them to be proud that they are Māori, our generation should direct them in a positive direction, build on the foundation that our elders built us on, let them evolve but make sure they don’t change our culture just so it is accepted by the rest of the world.” Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi. With your basket and my basket the people will thrive.
Kōanga - Spring 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
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World slam champs lured by nz’s spoken work talent
WHAKANGAHAU
Era Peihopa
The country’s thriving spoken word talent has
overseas, returning from The Banff Centre’s
lured world champs to New Zealand Poetry Slam
Indigenous Writing Programme recently.
finals.
“My style comes from a fusion of Kapa Haka,
World Slam Champs, Carrie Rudzinski and Ken
Mōteatea and Manu Kōrero with a twist of rap.
Arkind were drawn here by Aotearoa’s distinctive
Growing up, I listened to Upper Hutt Possie and
style and vibrant spoken word scene.
Damn Native who both influenced my Haka-Rap
The pair will collaborate with New Zealand Slam
style,” Rolleston says.
founders, Michelle Durey and Michael Rudd, to
Rolleston uses spoken word as a platform to
mentor some of our leading talent in preparation
highlight topical issues which are close to home, as
for international exposure.
well as challenges faced globally.
“Having world leaders in our midst gives our
“My work is inspired by Damn Natives line ‘Kaupapa
poets access to develop their practice to compete
Driven, dats how I’m living.”
on international platforms such as World Slam
Coming from the shores of Matakana Island, the
Competitions,
Rena oil spill was a focus which he expressed
“NZ’s game is ready for international competition
through spoken word.
and participation. Our mentors are excited to help develop the scene here, without influencing their American flavour as they appreciate what sets Aotearoa apart,” she said. The champs aim to mentor our finest poets over the next two years and prepare our national winner for international exposure. Durey and Rudd established the competition in 2011 to develop and unite the spoken word culture,
Kaupapa Driven, dats how I'm living.
which has been growing strong since. On November 7, Hamilton will host the national
Event Details
finals in search of our top Slammer, expecting to fill
Regional heats have been taking place country-
Clarence Street Theatre.
wide to select the very best to battle out other
The city was chosen in recognition of its regional
spoken wordsmiths.
talent, which has topped winning spots over the
Heat one of the Hamilton Regional Poetry Slam
last three years.
is presented by New Zealand Poetry Slam, in
“Wellington scene has picked up since hosting
conjunction with Uplift Poetry Society & Te Ahurei
this comp and we’re keen to see happen here
a Rangatahi.
Hamilton too as the talent is incredible,” Durey
The national Slam Finals will be held at the
says.
Clarence St Theatre on the Saturday 7 November
The current Slam champion, TeKahu Rolleston
at 7pm.
(Ngai Te Rangi) will now be a judge at the finals in
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his home town Tauranga.
Ticket information can be found at
Since winning, he’s had vast exposure here and
www.newzealandpoetryslam@wordpress.com
TE KETE KŌRERO // Kōanga - Spring 2015
WHAKANGAHAU
stepping onto a topic before moving off. This shows a hesitancy to go darker. Although there is obviously a cultural bias here, it wishes to instead focus in on the characters, as if they themselves are hesitant. The director could’ve delved deeper into the lives and backstories of the minor characters to create a truly wholesome, overall emotional feel. The film didn’t deal with a lot of major confrontations and any that we expect to see are downplayed. With the music score composed by Dana Lund, the mood gives us a false expectation of something ominous about to happen, with no real pay-off. Throughout the film, there is no danger. Perhaps then, this makes it hard to relate to the characters in a way that because this again lightly confronts the idea of being alone, they never truly look like they are. There is light, there is companionship, there is a purpose. Genesis never
The dark horse — movie review
April Kanawa
seems to worry about himself. There are small stages in the film where we are reminded of Cliff Curtis’s character, but the film doesn’t play on it, and as an audience, we Directed by James Robertson, this film deals with
aren’t manipulated into feeling sorry for him. Cliff
the controversial topics of the fringes of society
provides a character who is still emotionally strong,
in a gang-associated nation. It is an inspiring
sincere, and although at times slightly conflicted -
true story based on a New Zealand chess player,
compassionate. Mana, played by James Rolleston,
Genesis Potini (Cliff Curtis – Whale Rider), who
brings to light a character who finds small joy in
despite suffering from bipolar, wishes to overcome
being accepted. He presents a hard shell and when
his adversities in hopes of providing the children of
confronted, shows he has a softer, more sensitive
his community with his knowledge of chess.
side that isn’t made obvious by what is seen
There are three sides to this story. There is the
onscreen. You only have to understand his actions.
relationship Genesis has to family and his nephew,
With references to Maori lore, it is sure to inspire
Mana (James Robertson – Boy), a troubled young
anyone, whether to understand some aspects of
teen destined to follow his father’s footsteps; the
chess, or just to appreciate the drama of the film. A
cultural separation of race; and the underlining
must watch for a patient audience.
antagonist to this story: the gang life. Yet this film chooses to stay “inbetween”. It doesn’t wish to stray too far into either perspective, always lightly
Kōanga - Spring 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
22
Born to dance — movie review
WHAKANGAHAU
Miriana Wetere-Ryder
Aotearoa saw the launch of its first dance film Born to Dance in September this year. As a hip hop dancer myself, this is a film that left me with tears of happiness.
Born to Dance (BTD) is directed by Tammy Davis, who starred in the successful Outrageous Fortunes series. International New Zealander choreographer Parris Goebel created all of the amazing hip hop routines in the film. Along with these people we see familiar faces like Stan Walker, Kherington Payne, John Tui and a new upcoming star Tiataharoa Maipi from Huntly, the main character of the film. The film tells the story of a Māori boy named Tu (Tiataharoa-Maipi) who dreams of making it big in the hip hop dance world. World champion crew, K-Crew, see Tu dancing in a youtube clip and his world goes wild when they invite him to audition. He takes the bus up to the North Shore three times a week to secure a spot in the crew. While keeping this secret from his dance crew in Papakura, 2PK, and his father who sees Tu’s future following in his footsteps by joining the army. With hip hop dance nationals approaching, Tu begins to question whether being in K-Crew will help him follow his dream as a dancer or if it will burn to the ground. The plot follows a similar path to many dance movies I have seen over the years such as You Got Served and Step-Up. But the cool thing is, is that the plot reflects characteristics of New Zealand denotations. The characters reflect our people and their lifestyles are familiar. I see similarities in the setting through the suburban shops and homes, bus stops, people milling around, slang and the fashion. They are all ours. Dancing is a huge part of the film. Throughout the film we come across different crews with their very own styles. All of the routines in the film have been choreographed by Parris Goebel, choreographer who runs The Palace Dance Studio and has worked with people like Jennifer Lopez and Nicki Minaj. Her dance style is seen a lot during the film but is contrasted between all kinds of hip-hop styles such as whacking, dance hall, gangster, popping and voguing. Although at times I felt some of the moves got a bit repetitive as I continuously saw the same arm movements over again. Although, when the film got to the national competition, dance moves were not as repetitive. All the crews featured in the film had their very own creative style which made the film more exciting to watch. Besides the dancing, a lot of the cast members are all dancers who have never had any acting experience. I think they all did an excellent job especially the main lead roles. A stand out for me was Tiataharoa Maipi, he felt very confortable with his character that he was portraying. It did not look like it was forced. Another stand out was Onyeka Alice, Tu’s best friend in the film. She portrayed a strong leader and would do anything to support her best friend’s dream. The overall rating I would give the film is a definite 10 out of 10. The story is interesting, the actors bended very well and how can I forget the dancing, the main idea of the film. As a dancer it made me feel blessed to be a dancer from Aotearoa and see the struggles of what dancers have experienced to become successful. It was definitely a film that left me in tears, happy tears. To the creators of the film, you have definitely made Aotearoa very proud. Go and see Born to Dance! You will be amazed with what you see from the moment it begins.
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TE KETE KŌRERO // Kōanga - Spring 2015
WHAKANGAHAU
#2PK or
#KCREW? Kōanga - Spring 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
24
Introducing emily ranginui
TE KETE KŌNAE
Haylee King
Emily Ranginui has joined Wintec as Media Arts’ new Kaiawhina, beginning in August this year. Born and raised in Fairfield, Hamilton, Emily stuck to her roots as she still lives there with her tane, Miah, and children, Karauria and Charlie. Being a Kaiawhina involves three of Emily’s interests and loves, the arts, talking and people. “I have a passion for art and am motivated to help others be successful.” Emily said. “In this role I co-ordinate events to help create positive participation for Māori and Pasifika Media Arts students.” she said. Emily has a social work background previously working in child protection and youth work. “This is useful when dealing with people. I also have my own business selling Mahi Raranga, so I have an understanding of the journey and trials of an artist.” Throughout her short time as Media Arts’ Kaiawhina, Emily feels that Wintec has been very welcoming. “It is very big and overwhelming at times but there is always someone to point me in the right direction.” She also said Wintec is up to date with technology. “My previous jobs have been really archaic”. “Te Kete Konae has amazing dedicated people. They are inspirational how they all work for the best of their students.” she said. To sum up Emily, she said “Mahi Raranga is what fills me up. Netball is what pushes me. My whanau is what drives me.”
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TE KETE KŌRERO // Kōanga - Spring 2015
TE KETE KŌNAE
Who we are
Te Kete Kōnae practices and promotes
»»
Academic Learning Services
»»
Group Workshops
»»
Counsellor
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
Free and confidential service
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
»»
Kaiāwhina/Student Advisors Scholarships and grant information
home and comfortable.
Provide support to help students overcome We deliver these supports to students using Māori
barriers to success
and Pasifika frameworks, and are available between
Help in accessing financial assistance, health
8.30am-5.00pm daily. Nau mai, Bula, Susu mai,
advice, advocacy and personal support
Talitali fiefia! We look forward to seeing you in Te Kete Kōnae soon!
»»
In-class Support
Like us on Facebook at
»»
Appointments
facebook.com/WintecMaoriandPasifika/
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
Kōanga - Spring 2015 // TE KETE KŌRERO
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