She says there are very few people who are on the Earth by themselves. We exist as part of our families, our whanau and our communities.

For many Maori, death is a process the whole whanau goes through together because the whanau is farewelling a part of itself. Continue reading

Speaking at the launching, the Associate Minister of Social Development, Tariana Turia, said that Aotearoa can learn from Pacific nations.

"Today is a very significant day - a day in which Pacific nations have established a platform for change that all of Aotearoa can learn from,"she said.

"For this publication; this process; is a truly remarkable event - it is about reclaiming the divine sacredness of 'va' - the understandings throughout the Pacific of living in relationships that honour each other's existence. It is, indeed, something to be proud of; a day of great excitement."

The framework is intended as a guide for policy writers. It defines and explains meanings of family, violence, and key concepts and principles that promote family wellbeing for seven ethnic specific Pacific communities.

Source

• Voxy.co.nz
• New Zealand Family Violence Clearing House
• Image: New Zealand Family Violence Clearing House

Kereama Pene, an apotoro rehita (senior minister), in the Ratana church believes Mr Hone Harawira closely embodies this prophecy.

"The founder of Ratana carried two books - the Bible and the Treaty. He always believed that one day the Treaty should become the foundation document of New Zealand. Not just a piece of paper." However, prophecy was also important said Mr Pene

• Hone Harawira said he was humbled by the support and talk that he might be the northern Treaty man spoken of, but he was not actively pursuing it.
• Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia has expressed surprise that an individual member of the Ratana Church has been elevated to speak for its membership. "I would have thought that any position purporting to be the views of Te Haahi Ratana would have come forth from the Tumuaki, Hare Meihana," Mrs Turia said. I always find it difficult when his great name is associated with political tactics of the day - we need to hold fast to his memory and rise above the lobbying."

Mr Pene, who is ineligible to vote in tomorrow's by-election because he lives in the Tamaki Makaurau electorate, is from Te Tai Tokerau. He is campaigning for the Mana Party.