Built in a style reminiscent of an open-sided whare (house), the new entrance structure helps welcome people into Garin College's wairua (soul).

It also protects the school's "story and curriculum", principal John Maguire says.

Bicultural story

That story began with the powhiri when the school opened in 2002.

The powhiri was held in exactly the same place where the new entranceway has been sited.

Today, the newly-opened entranceway serves a number of purposes, Maguire says.

It's a shelter for students who like gathering there each morning.

But it also represents "an exciting step" in the school's bi-cultural journey. Garin College's communities are two-fold: educational and Catholic, Maguire explains.

Whakairo - Carving

The whakaaro (concepts) represented on the building's facade are the fruit of bi-cultural research and consultation.

The school's Maori protocols leader, Matua Simon Pimm, undertook some of this while the school consulted with the Catholic parish community on the design.

The result "spoke to" the Maori who first arrived in Aotearoa and to local Maori's whakapapa and journey, Maguire says.

The symbolism continues within the structure, where four pou represent the Maori health model's four cornerstones, Te Whare Tapa Wha'.

In the centre, imagery of "an Atua or God, Christ at the centre, and the Trinity - or the mystery if you like - for both Maori and Christian, in terms of the mystery of faith" Maguire says.

Inside the structure there are four panels, each named after the school's house patrons.

That was a move to help students "reflect on the influence of those inspirational persons ... in Catholic education," Maguire says.

Garin College's founding patron Father Antoine Garin, and Bishop Pompallier, the first Catholic missionary to arrive in New Zealand, are named on the panels.

The church Garin established in Nelson some 150 years ago, St Mary's parish church, also features as a cut-out in the whare, Maguire says.

Other symbolism is encapsulated in the five boulders around the whare.

These represent the school's five current values. Maguire says these are generosity, aroha (love), rangimarie (peace), integrity and new life.

They were designed to show the values are "rock solid", Maguire says.

Funding

Funding for the new entranceway came from the Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington.

The Archdiocese in turn received the funds by way of a property-upgrade package provided to state-ontegrated schools four years ago by the government.

Plans

Between now and 2025, Garin College's building plans include four new classrooms and a multi-purpose area.

The $5.6m project is needed since the College is already nearing its capacity (670 students).

Next year's roll of 635 is far larger than the roll of about 500 five years ago.

Source

• Stuff

The first St Peter's College pupil to take advantage of the change is 16-year-old Dixie-Leigh Burr (pictured), who has just received her first ta moko.

The Year 11 pupil says she had been considering getting a ta moko for some time, and after discussions with her mum and koro (elder), she received their blessing.

In Maori culture, it is common for a whole family to go to the same artist to get their ta moko. Many have a family member that would take the role of tattooing their entire family, especially in the olden days, Burr says.

She chose to have her ta moko applied from Queenstown-based artist Renata Karena, who had already done her mother's. This led to having discussions with Karena about what would best represent her journey so far, she says.

"There's many different things that you could have ... I chose my whanau ... I could have put like where I'm from, like my actual whakapapa, like my maunga - my mountain, my awa - my river, I could have put that in there, but I chose my family first."

Burr's preparation for her ta moko happened to coincide with another student having similar thoughts.

St Peter's College principal Tara Quinney says that student approached the school administration to ask to get a ta moko.

"We consulted our uniform policy, which actually had nothing in there whatsoever about tattoos at all," she recalls.

The grey area in the uniform policy resulted in deputy principal Darren Jack undertaking consultation and research to find the best next step.

The school got in touch with the Hokonui Runanga, who suggested that they ask the student body themselves what they wanted, Quinney says.

The school set up an online survey about the matter with 150 of its 420 students participating.

"The overwhelming majority wanted students to represent their culture, that was the way they wanted to do it," Quinney says.

Hokonui Runanga made various recommendations as to how to go about the rules of allowing students to get tattoos, particularly the ta moko.

It recommended the student must establish a connection to their whakapapa to get a ta moko.

The students must also have permission of both parents, and the permission of their koro, or an elder.

Hokonui Runanga cultural advisor Matu Coleman-Clarke says the student should not have been asking the school, but rather their whanau or koro.

"They should be letting them [the school] know out of courtesy, but really the permission should come from their whanau, so heading back to where they're from.

"That's what moko is about, it's about your connections, knowing where you're from," he says.

Burr says at first she did not understand the need to ask for permission to get a ta moko, but her mum made her understand its significance.

"I felt like it's more upheld now. That not everybody can get it. You know, it's a privilege really," Burr says.

St Peter's College students will not need to keep their tattoos covered as long as they adhere to the school's uniform policy conditions.

Source

• Stuff
• Image: Stuff

In June the Parihaka Papakainga Trust was granted $14 million from the Provincial Growth Fund.

It will be used to build a visitor centre and other infrastructure to cope with the increasing number of people coming to the historic site. Read more

Professor Rangi Matamua was awarded the top communication prize at the Prime Minister's Science Awards on Tuesday. Read more

A new report from justice hui representatives is resolute in its calls for total reform of the justice system, once and for all. Read more

They say children should spend a maximum of three days at a funeral - and only if the deceased is a member of their immediate family.

In a report on Stuff, Amanda Saxton has examined the difficulties Pasifika families have balancing family, church and culture with the reality of living in New Zealand.

Purotu, from Pukapuka in the Cook Islands, has been a butcher, shoemaker and social worker.

She told Saxton that while funerals are a chance to reconnect with tradition and far-flung aunts, their length and frequency can sabotage a child's education.

Kaio told her that he tells parents that as much as he loves to see their children at church, they lose confidence when they're away from the classroom for too long.

He said he can do 20 funerals a year and the same people attend many of them.

Former secondary school teacher ​Siliva Gaugatao​, originally from Samoa, is doing doctoral research at Auckland University. He focuses on Pasifika staff and student engagement.

Looking at eight years of the ministry's truancy data, Gaugatao is unimpressed.

"How have they let it get worse? I'm thinking we haven't really learned anything in that time," he says.

Out of the 88,000 Pasifika students enrolled in schools around New Zealand in 2018, only 52 per cent attended school "regularly" - defined as more than 90 per cent of the time that they were expected to, according to data from the Ministry of Education.

The national average was 64 per cent.

A spokeswoman for the ministry says parents are primarily responsible for making their children go to school, but Gaugatao reckons teachers need to better understand the dissonance between school life and home life for many Pasifika students.

Source

• stuff.co.nz
• Image: stuff.co.nz

Maori religious culture provides a way of exercising public religion.

Public events include traditional Maori blessings, in which all are expected to join. Read more

The non-traditional Santa outfit has split Nelsonians, with one little girl remarking, "it's definitely not Santa". Continue reading

Deacon Danny Karatea-Goddard from Wellington attended on behalf of Cardinal John Dew and the Catholic Church.

The photograph shows Karatea-Goddard with Anglican Archdeacon Don Rangi.

The late Pihopa Takuira Mariu always made a point of going to join the Ratana ceremonies.

The 8th of November commemorated the day 100 years ago in 1918 that Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana received an anointing from the Spirit.

The celebrations continued for most of the week. On Wednesday, the prime minister came as did the leader of the opposition and other ministers.

That was the official day to welcome all other Churches.

On Thursday the 8th, there was a special prayer service to offer thanks.

Apotoro Te Ringakaha-Tia-Ward from Te Tai Tokerau gave thanks for the blessings on Ratana and his descendants.

He renewed the commitment of the Ratana movement and government to the Treaty of Waitangi.

When he travelled, Ratana carried the Bible in one hand and the Treaty of Waitangi in the other.

About 2000 people, including the Maori Kingitanga and various other dignitaries, attended including Che Wilson, Chair of the Maori Party.

Ratana women, called Awhina, led the singing. They were dressed in purple robes, marking the time they were nurses for the sick.

Combined bands led the people from the marae to the Temple where the service concluded.

Members of the Ratana faith believe Wiremu Ratana was set aside as a prophet for Maori.

He was to be the ‘Mangai' or ‘Mouth-piece' of God.

His task was to proclaim the news of God to Maori and then all people.

Ratana travelled around Aotearoa and then made trips overseas to speak on behalf of God, "Matua, Tama, Wairua Tapu me Nga Anahera Pono," Father, Son, Holy Spirit and the Faithful Angels.

Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana is buried in front of the Temple. He died on 18th September 1939.

Buried next to him is his wife, Te Urumanao Ratana, who died in 1940.

Source

Supplied. Fr Philip Cody

In this building is a central Lecture Theatre called ‘Te Kete Uruuru Rangi.' It is surrounded by carvings.

As part of those carvings, there are sets of ‘pou' (carved wall features or poles) which express the ancestral links each hapu has.

One of these sets speak of the early men and women of Ngati Kapu, the hapu which has a covenant agreement with the Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington to care for (be ‘kaitiaki') of the land embracing the Pukekaraka area of the Marae o Hine Nui o te Ao Katoa and St Mary's at Otaki.

In the picture, you can see Debbie McAsey, née Taratoa, who is the grand-daughter of one of the people in the carving, Meremaihi.

She is holding a patu representing the strength of the person she was.

Known affectionately as ‘Aunty Pepe', she was a force to be reckoned with! She balanced care and generosity with strength and fearlessness.

Meremaihi portrays the strength of the women of her clan; she fought for the rights of her people and literally stood firm on the Tainui pa land through thick and thin.

The man in the carving at the bottom (Debbie has her hand on him) is Meremaihi's father, Arekatera Te Rawaraki.

He was a master of assembling and fitting masts on sailing sea-ships. He is holding a long rafter pole (called a 'tahuhu') with both hands above his head.

He was called on to assist in the building of Rangiatea Church and setting the rafter pole in place.

He is holding Rosary Beads in his hands. They are real beads blessed by Cardinal John Dew and given to the carvers by Oriwia Raureti.

When the Catholics of Ngati Kapu helped their relations build Rangiatea Church (Anglican or Mihinare), they left rosary beads in the rafters and behind the tukutuku, symbolising their unity in faith and family.

Another person in the right-hand carving is holding rosary beads. They, like the ones Te Rawaraki holds, mark out the Catholic Faith which to this day is a central focus and strength of the iwi.

They mark with pride the relationship Ngati Kapu has with Rome. Various ‘taonga' were exchanged with the Pope. To this day the Papal flag flies over Pukekaraka.

The lady with the white shawl is Kui Taruru, who helped bring up the late Makuini Johnson, both proven stalwarts and guides of Faith.

Kui Taruru was one of those kuia, elder ladies, who accompanied the early missionaries on their journeys. The rosary she holds is carved.

Below Kui Taruru is Tira Putu. He was an orator for the people. He is carrying a tokotoko which represents his skill in language.

He taught the late Pa Hemi Durning SM te reo Maori. Pa Hemi is one of the priests and sisters buried on Pukekaraka.

These carvings were done by local carvers, Chris Gerretzen, Brian Climie and Bill Doyle.

Ma te rarangi whakahi o enei tupuna, to tatou mana, to tatou mauriora me to tatou whakapono e pumau.

May our mana, our well-being and our faith be held firm as we recognise the proud link we have with our ancestors.

Read the unabridged text

Source

• Photo used with permission
• Oriwia Raureti, Debbie McAsey, Huia Winiata and the carvers

And white New Zealanders are looking to Maori language and culture to help them make sense of their own cultural identity. Read more

The programme includes multi-award winning features, documentaries and short films, two of which are nominated for Oscars

There are 121 Features, Shorts, Documentaries, Workshops, Korero and other special events over five days.

Movies include:

• 8 New Zealand premieres of multi-award winning international Indigenous feature films.
• 100 films from 15 countries and 71 Indigenous nations
• 35 New Zealand films
• A majority of film and videos created by Indigenous female directors (60%)

Among the many and varied festival activities are:

The Maoriland Storytelling Tent.
It will provide a relaxed forum for filmmakers and film fans to talk about the work and the ideas seen on screen.

Bingo Shorts
An evening of bingo and comedic short films. Everyone is invited to bring a pen, play some bingo and have a big laugh.

The Maoriland Rangatahi Film Festival
The first Maoriland Rangatahi Film Festival is curated by Nga Pakiaka - a group of award- winning young filmmakers (aged 12 - 16). They have viewed films from around the world to put together a programme for their peers.

The Maoriland Rangatahi Film Festival will feature:

• The Maoriland Rangatahi Gala; with live performances
• An international food festival called the Kainaval
• Two whanau outdoor screenings of the blockbuster and multi-award winning NZ film, Hunt For The Wilderpeople and the Oscar-nominated animation movie, Moana.
• An opening keynote address by award-winning 14-year-old actor Julian Dennison (star of Hunt For The Wilderpeople) and his mother Mabelle.

Maoriland Closing Night Party with Chocolate Box
Chocolate Box has spent 4 years building a reputation around Wellington and throughout Aotearoa, as a show not to be missed. They recently performed at the Wellington Waitangi Day Celebrations, Wellington Jazz Festival, Homegrown, Tora Tora Tora, and Sound Splash festivals.

Book a ticket

Source

• Supplied
• maorilandfilm.co.nz
• Image: facebook.com

St Paul's Anglican Church, known as the stone church, on Marsden Rd in Paihia has been trying to build a toilet block for forty years.

Due to building on consecrated ground and heritage restrictions their plans have always been denied.

Church chairperson Stephen Ward wants to talk to people who have ancestors buried in the graveyard.

"Being a church and graveyard with significant Maori cultural heritage any designs in the past has been refused or knocked back.

"The next part is about contacting tangata whenua to let them know what we're doing." Continue reading

Prime Minister, John Key says teachers in schools should be able to opt-out of delivering a karakia in schools if they wanted to.

Maori Affairs Minster, Pita Sharples. says because there are a lot of Maori and Pasifika whanau whose children attend Kelston Intermediate. The school's culture should reflect the community, and the whanau who send their children to the school.

"It is absolutely fitting that karakia be used in the school, as it is a vital part of our lifestyle and it is also consistent with the New Zealand Curriculum."

Dr Sharples said if individual teachers had an issue with leading students through karakia, then it should be worked through between the school and families.

A ministry of education spokesperson says while state primary schools were required to be secular this didn't preclude teaching about religion. He added, however that a 2009 document produced by the Human Rights Commission advised teachers and principals to avoid leading pupils in prayer.

They were responding to concern expressed by some of the teachers at the school about karakia (prayers) being recited in the classroom.

The school recites a karakia at the start of its weekly assembly and in classrooms before lessons begin.

Staff lead the prayer, which asks for the day to be blessed, help with work and to have a good week.

The NZEI, the primary teachers' union, has been asked to address concerns that have been expressed.

Source

• New Zealand Herald
• New Zealand Herald
• Image: Rotorua Post

Mr Simon is now a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) and his wife has a Queen's Service Medal (QSM).

Asked whether all those years of composing songs, singing and tutoring kapa haka were hard work, Mr Simon said they were. "But you don't even consider it hard work. It's something that needs to be done, because the people enjoy it."

Mrs Simon, who has organised his life since his health failed, agreed. "When you're working with people, it's always hard work, but it's something you enjoy when you see the results," she said.

Source

• Wanganui Chronicle

This has been described by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori as perhaps one of the most significant Maori language initiatives by a corporate entity since the Maori language was made an official language in 1987.

Maori Language Week was also marked in different ways in each of the dioceses. In Wellington, staff at the Catholic Centre were encouraged to make a special effort this week use te reo Maori. Suggestions included

• Using Maori phone greetings
• Learning ways of addressing groups and individuals
• Using Maori phrases in letters and other written correspondence,
• Learning the and correct pronunciation of common words

A free te reo Maori class was offered at lunch time and information was provided on other classes available around Wellington. Prayer resources were provided and all staff members were invited to attend Maori Masses this weekend. They were also given information about local events marking Maori Language Week and there were resources such as posters, stickers and national anthem words available at the centre.

The Maori Language Commission have chosen "Manaakitanga" as the theme for Maori Language Week 2011.

"At its core manaakitanga is about how we make people feel welcome when they are in our company, and how we give regard to and care for others when hosting visitors", says chief executive, Glenis Philip-Barbara.

Source

• Stuff.co.nz
• Communications NZCBC
• Countdown
• Image: Tangatawhenua.com

In the Report the Tribunal has called for a fundamental shift in attitude towards Maori on the part of government, saying it must become more Maori in its outlook, value Maori culture in everything it says and does, and welcome Maori "into the very centre of the way we do things in this country".

The tribunal's director, Catherine Nesus, says the Maori population is growing and Treaty settlements are sparking economic renewal for iwi.

She says New Zealand is going to look very different in 30 years' time, so government can no longer afford to view Maori as "other".

Source

• Radio New Zealand News
• Image: www. newstangatawhenua.com