September 3rd 2010

On the Spasifik Sisters Page
Tongan national faces deportation from Britain

On the Sport & Leisure Page
Womens Rugby World Cup- New Zealand to face England in Final
Polamalu's hair insured for $1 million

On the Business Page
ISSUE 40 EXCLUSIVE Pacific Trade Expo now scheduled for 2011

September 3rd 2010
MIBs still in style
Barbership singing is still in style and Wellington’s Musical Island Boys, who featured in SPASIFIK in 2006 after winning gold at the International Collegiate Championships in the US, are out there to prove it.
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September 3rd 2010
ARTS
New arts centre celebrates Mangere and Manukau
Mangere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku is celebrating its local community with visual and performing arts events that will inaugurate its gallery and theatre.
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September 3rd 2010
EVENT
Large gathering of Pacific Medical Leaders expected in Auckland
The largest gathering of Pacific health workers from the South Pacific region will meet in Auckland from the 8th to 10th of September.
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September 3rd 2010
ARTS
History being created with gift to China
History is being created with the gifting of one of the largest pieces of Maori art to the people of China. The waharoa or traditional Maori gateway is the showpiece at New Zealand’s pavillion at the Shanghai World Expo.
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September 2nd 2010
NEWS
Parihaka tomb desecrated by thieves
The burial tomb of revered Maori peace prophet Te Whiti O Rongomai at Parihaka Pa has been desecrated and a priceless greenstone mere stolen just days after hundreds of mourners made their way to the pa for the funeral of Parihaka peace festival director Te Miringa Hohaia.
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September 1st 2010
MEDIA
Media Ethics and Media Freedom issues in Fiji
This keynote speech by Stanley Simpson (news editor of the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation) was presented to the 1st Pacific Media Partnership Committee meeting, August 25-27 at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Those attending explored how to sustain a vibrant Pacific media.
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August 31st 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Step by step to eliminate typhoid Fiji
The poorest villages in the Ba area are to receive water filters donated by The Fiji Water Foundation and the NGO Give Clean Water in an effort to eliminate water borne diseases including typhoid.
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August 30th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Fiji media groups must face reality
Fiji news organisations have to face reality and make ethical and professional decisions in the “dramatically changed” media landscape, a regional workshop in Tonga on building a vibrant Pacific media has been told.
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August 30th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Samoans impacted most by US Middle East war deaths
Samoan group in Hawaii says Samoans have suffered the highest number of U.S. military casualties on a per capita basis in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
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August 30th 2010
EVENT
Samoan Cuisine Celebrated This Saturday at the Museum
The sun-kissed islands of Samoa are home to a culture rich in traditions of seafaring, faith, family and food. Sunday is set aside for Church and a feast cooked in the traditional umu oven. A history of British and German colonisation has left its legacy on the country’s cuisine, including a version of chop suey attributed to the Chinese workers employed by German colonists.
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August 30th 2010
TODAY IN HISTORY
1914 NZ force captures German Samoa
Colonel Robert Logan led a 1374-strong expeditionary force to capture German Samoa (afterwards renamed Western Samoa). The 80 Germans stationed there were in no position to offer resistance.
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August 30th 2010
MUSIC
Waiata Maori Music Awards
Ten artists from around New Zealand and Australia will be heading to Hawke’s Bay next month as nominees for the third annual National Waiata Maori Awards.
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August 30th 2010
REGIONAL
Maori place names get formal recognition
Environment Canterbury Commissioners formally endorsed the dual use of Māori place names with their European equivalent by the regional council at their public meeting
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August 27th 2010
ARTS
Manukau to celebrate opening of new arts centre
Manukau’s much-anticipated new arts facility, Mangere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku, will be officially opened on Friday 3 September.
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August 27th 2010
FILM
Matariki film to go on show at Toronto Film Festival
The thirty-fifth Toronto International Film Festival, to be held from September 9 to 19 2010, has just announced its line up of prestigious world premieres, and a New Zealand film will be up there with the others.
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August 27th 2010
ENTERTAINMENT
Hollywood calls Temuera Morrison
Things are looking up again for Temuera Morrison and his picturesque Lake Rotorua lakeside retreat is now off the market as he celebrates upcoming roles in big-budget US movies Green Lantern and Tracker.
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August 27th 2010
POLITICS
Minorities have a growing role in local body elections
Aspiring local body politicians and community advocates are concerned that decisions being made about the development of New Zealand cities or towns are not reflective of who makes up your neighbourhood. With less that two months to go until the next local body elections they want to give the community a wake up call to put in their postal votes and to make those votes count.
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August 26th 2010
TODAY IN HISTORY
1894 Death of Second Maori King
As the second Maori King, Tukaroto Matutaera Potatau Te Wherowhero Tawhiao had led his people through the traumatic period during and after the wars of the 1860s. He was buried at Taupiri after a tangihanga in September that was attended by thousands. Tawhiao was succeeded as King by his son Mahuta.
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August 25th 2010
ENTERTAINMENT
Ha: Breath of Life Celebrates it's One Year Anniversary
Hawaii’s “Newest Ancient Story” Has Become Its Newest Must-See
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August 25th 2010
MUSIC
Unsung Heroes in Maori Music Recognised

Unsung Heroes of Maori Music tracks the developments in Maori music, with each episode profiling successful musicians and entertainers such as Tai Paul and Rim D Paul, and show band giants Mary and the Maori Hi Five, who hit the big-time overseas.
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August 25th 2010
SPASIFIK intern: Zora Feilo
My name is Zora Feilo and I am completing a Communications degree with a double major in the International and Media pathways, at Unitec. I am in my final semester and am really looking forward to completing this last part of my degree.
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August 25th 2010
BOOK
History on your doorstep
NEW children's book aims to encourage the next generation to appreciate their own unique heritage places.  Written by Muriwai resident Malcolm Paterson, it is called The Castle In Our Backyard.
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August 25th 2010
MEDIA
Honest government is media focus
The new media body was launched early in August in Apia and its name, when registered, became the Pasifika Media Association (PasiMA) and the board is now setting out a work plan that will determine its direction in the coming months.
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August 25th 2010
ARTS
Manukau Festival of Arts eagerly awaited
It’s that time again when we will see lots of preparation getting underway to ensure that the third Manukau Festival of Arts is even more of a success than 2009.
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August 24th 2010
POLITICS
Young Justice To Stand For Council
One of the country’s youngest Justices of the Peace is to run for election to the Palmerston North City Council.
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August 24th 2010
DANCE
Bring It On Grand Final
The Bring It On dance competition recently held its Grand Final over the weekend of August 14th and 15th. 14 secondary schools from the West, Central and South of Auckland competed at the Trusts Stadium Arena. SPASIFIK intern Falen Tuuga Stevenson writes.
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August 23rd 2010
ARTS
NorthTec tutor invited to Melanesian Arts Festival
NorthTec tutor and Māori carver Brian Mitchell (Ngāti Hine) is one of five international artists who has been invited to participate in next month’s Melanesian Arts Festival in New Caledonia.
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August 23rd 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Voyagers training to be skippers
Duncan Morrison, who skippered vaka Marumaru Atua on its journey from New Zealand to the Cooks, is training six local voyagers to be certified skippers.
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August 20th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Pacific Media Association asks for meeting with Commodore Frank Bainimarama.
Following the failure by the Pacific Islands News Association or PINA to speak out on issues such as the Fiji media decree the newly formed Pacific Media Association has asked for a meeting with Fiji’s interim leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.
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August 20th 2010
New SPASIFIK intern
Talofa Lava SPASIFIK readers, my name is Falen Tuuga Stevenson.
I’m a proud New Zealand born Samoan and the youngest of two children. Hailing from west Auckland, I was fortunate enough to grow up in a multicultural area completing my Primary, Intermediate and College schooling locally in Te Atatu Peninsula. 
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August 19th 2010
TRIBUTE
Turia saddened by death of Taranaki leader
Maori Party co-leader and MP for Te Tai Hauauru Tariana Turia expressed her shock and deep sorrow at the sudden death of Te Miringa Hohaia – a caretaker and guardian of Parihaka and staunch advocate of kaupapa Maori in many fields.
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August 19th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Wan Smolbag theatre centre receives New Zealand aid
Wan Smolbag theatre was established over 20 years ago during The Republic of Vanuatu's first decade of Independence. Since then it has grown from having only 15 volunteers to over 100 staff and 400 volunteers working with Programmes run by the centre and New Zealand is providing the organisation with NZ$6.6 million over the next 5 years to support the development of its Programmes.
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August 19th 2010
POLITICS
1ST Independent Pacific Island Ticket running for Supercity
This Saturday history will be made at the launch of ABC, the first independent Pacific Island ticket to run for council in South Auckland, home to the world’s largest Pacific Island population.
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August 18th 2010
POLITICS
Hewitt’s next career move may be in to The Beehive
First he was an All Black, then Dancing with the Stars champion, and now Norm Hewitt is contemplating whether he should take another leap into the world of politics
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August 18th 2010
MEDIA
Radio 531pi and NiuFM celebrates 25 years of Pacific Radio in Aotearoa
Pacific Media Network (PMN) parent entity to Pacific radio stations; Radio 531pi and Niu FM, will host a birthday event celebrating 17 years of broadcasting for Radio 531pi and 8 years for NiuFM.
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August 18th 2010
TE REO
Honorary Doctorate for Maori Language pioneer
Expert and authority in Māori language, culture and history, Roka Paora QSM (Whānau-ā-Apanui), is being awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Waikato
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August 18th 2010
MUSIC
Waiata Maori Awards – Taisha announced 2010 ambassador
Well-known singer, song-writer and performer Taisha Tari has been named the inaugural 2010 Waiata Maori Awards ambassador.
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August 18th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Pacific Media Association launched
The Pacific Media Association (PacMA) was formed in Apia, Samoa, last week, after a meeting of media representatives from around the Pacific region.
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August 18th 2010
TODAY IN HISTORY 1955
20 Year old hanged for murder
On the evening of 28 April 1955 a cold and hungry Edward Te Whiu broke into the house of Florence Smith, a 75-year-old widow, with the intention of robbing her.
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August 17th 2010
MUSIC
Three time Grammy award winner heads to Samoa
It’s official. The Pacific is set to host one of the biggest names in the music industry when Kirk Franklin heads to Samoa to headline the FOB Music Festival, from 3 until 10 October.
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August 16th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Easter Island wants Polynesia over Chile
A row over land rights and immigration has been brought to the attention of the recent Pacific Islands Forum. Easter Islands community leaders are considering transferring their current allegiance from Chile to Polynesian states.
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August 16th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Ashika memorial wall unveiled
Crown Prince Tupoutoa Lavaka in an emotional ceremony at the Vakataumai Cemetery, on Vuna Road, Ma΄ufanga on Sunday August 8, unveiled a memorial stonewall.
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August 16th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Canoe journey reaches its conclusion
After sailing a 72 foot traditional double hull saelkenu around the Pacific Ocean, local Ni Vanuatu sailors Kalo Nathanael, Willie Peter, Kaltoban Nombong, Thomson Enrel, and Jonywell Ennis returned home to Uliveo island South
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BLOG
August 16th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Pacific Islands Forum here to stay
Despite all the bleak talk on the future of the Forum, in the opinion of Tupuola Terry Tavita, editor of the Samoan government newspaper ‘Savali’ one thing is clearly coming across in Port Vila, ‘the Pacific Islands Forum will always remain’.
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August 13th 2010
NATIONAL
Radio Samoa police programme achieving success
A police radio show telling Samoan parents who speak limited English about the dangers of youth gangs is working so well it may be extended
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August 12th 2010
EVENTS
Bring It on - GRAND FINALS
Bring It On is a high energy dance event - primarily hip-hop focussed. It features a diverse range of secondary schools, bringing to the stage 4 minutes and 30secs of hard core dance. The event that encourages participation across all spheres of life and showcases creativity and immense talent.
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August 12th 2010
ART
Tā-vā theory and Tongan ethnography investigated at art residency
Master of Architecture scholar from The University of Auckland and Tongan multi-media artist, Sēmisi Fetokai Potauaine, has just returned from an art residency at Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA).
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August 12th 2010
POLITICS
Alfred Ngaro humbled by campaign launch turnout
Close to two hundred supporters and well wishers braved a cold winters evening and packed the Onehunga Library Cafe on Friday 6 July to celebrate the launch of Alfred Ngaro's campaign.
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August 11th 2010
ART
New Zealand art curators to explore Korean, Chinese art scenes
Three contemporary art curators are to embark on a tour of leading art galleries and museums in North Asia to build their professional networks and explore future collaborations.
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August 11th 2010
MUSIC
Dawn Raid sign US deal
San Francisco based leading independent Hip Hop label SMC Recordings / Fontana has signed an exclusive three-year distribution deal with iconic New Zealand music label Dawn Raid.
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August 11th 2010
NATIONAL
Employment Assistance funding may be too late for many Pacific people
The million-dollar funding pledged by Social Development Minister Paula Bennett comes out of the $12.6 million fund for Employment Assistance announced in the May Budget and is an assistance package to help 14% of unemployed Pacific job seekers. The number has skyrocketed by 12% in the past quarter.
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August 11th 2010
POLITICS
Luamanuvao Winnie Laban to stand down
Labour MP for Mana Luamanuvao Winnie Laban has today announced she is to leave Parliament to take up the role of Assistant Vice Chancellor Pasifika at Victoria University
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August 10th 2010
NATIONAL
PM reaffirms Vanuatu development commitment
Prime Minister John Key has underlined New Zealand's commitment to supporting Vanuatu's economic development at a ground-breaking ceremony with Vanuatu Prime Minister, Edward Natapei, for the nation's new passport office.
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August 10th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Is diplomatic coercion not working over Fiji issue?
Dr Steven Ratuva, who teaches in Pacific Studies at Auckland University, spoke to Radio New Zealand International on 6 August, and said the absence of some leaders from this week’s Pacific Islands Forum summit, fractures within the Melanesian Spearhead Group and the refusal to involve Fiji in the African Caribbean and Pacific meeting in Vanuatu, points to the fact that methods being used to bring Fiji back into the fold are not working.
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August 10th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Official 2010 Pacific Islands Forum Communique
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Communique of the 41st Pacific Islands Forum, Port Vila, Vanuatu 4 - 5 August.
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August 10th 2010
EVENTS
Massive Haka at Tahunanui Beach
Watch this space. Two years ago at Ngaruawahia the biggest group haka in the world was staged with 3264 people participating – a world record.
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TODAY IN HISTORY
August 9th 1930
George Nepia plays his last Allblack test
The 19-year-old fullback Nepia was one of the stars of the 1924-5 All Blacks, dubbed 'the Invincibles'.
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August 9th 2010
TRIBUTE
Leading Pacific author, educator and scholar dies
HONOLULU: Distinguished Pacific author, political scientist, scholar and educator, Dr Fay Gilkey Calkins Ala’ilima, passed away peacefully at her home on Pia Street in Honolulu, Hawaii on Sunday, August 1, 2010.
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August 9th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
New Zealand to host 2011 Pacific Islands Forum
New Zealand will host the 2011 Pacific Islands Forum next September, Prime Minister John Key announced on Thursday
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August 9th 2010
DANCE
Minister congratulates world champion dancers
Hip hop dance crew ReQuest has shown once again that passion tempered by total commitment and discipline can take you to the top of the world, says Maori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples.
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August 9th 2010
EVENT
Artsplash, Wellington City Council's children's arts festival
Artsplash, Wellington City Council's children's arts festival, returns this month to celebrate dance, music, drama, visual art and wearable art for primary and intermediate-aged children.
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August 6th 2010
MUSIC
Waiata Maori Music Awards
Two well-known names in the New Zealand hip-hop industry will be on the judging panel at this year’s Hip-Hop Dance Competition being run alongside the National Waiata Maori Awards (Maori Music Awards) in Hawke’s Bay in September.
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August 6th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Pacific Leaders weak in failing to address violence against women
Amnesty International has condemned the statement on violence against women in today’s Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting communiqué as weak and disappointing.
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August 6th 2010
ART
Congratulations to Pacific Arts Association
Ian George, Cook Islands visual artist has made huge contribution to Pacific art in NZ his roles as art teacher, Chair of Tautai Trust and member of Creative NZ Pacific Arts Committee and continues his work as Arts Advisor with the Ministry of Education and Co Owner of the Art Studio in Rarotonga.
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August 6th 2010
NATIONAL
Census statistics don’t mirror Harawira’s viewpoint
Hone Harawira continued to air his views once again when he gave a Weekend Herald interview in which he said he wouldn’t like it if one of his seven children brought home a Pakeha partner, and believed many Pakeha would feel the same about Maori.
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August 5th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Photo session a relaxed affair for the Pacific Islands Forum
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders’ retreat is the signal for the group photo session when the leaders of the member states are presented with shirts representing the host country. This usually means that representatives from New Zealand and Australia will be wearing attire which might be a little outside their comfort zone but the session is always seen as a bit of light relief from the serious discussions of the Forum.
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August 5th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Australia and New Zealand strong supporters of Pacific Islands Forum
When Prime Minister John Key spoke to reporters during a break between meetings at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Vanuatu he said the comments by Fiji’s self-appointed prime minister that Australia and New Zealand are not Pacific island nations were ridiculous.
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August 5th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
A new approach to Fiji suggested at Pacific Islands Forum
A topic of great concern at this year's Pacific Islands Forum in Vanuatu on how to deal with banned member Fiji which was suspended from the forum in 2009 after failing to meet its deadline to hold elections.
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August 5th 2010
BOOKS
Big growth in interest in Mäori book awards
Winners of the University's second annual Ngä Kupu Ora Mäori Book Awards have been decided by public vote and include a Massey PhD candidate, an internationally-renowned author and a book commemorating the Taranaki land wars.
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August 4th 2010
EVENT
Maori Kapa Haka group receive rave reviews in Finland
Kahurangi Ki Kaipara was one of four international groups at an annual international folklore festival in Finland with the final day featuring about 1500 performers. The young Maori kapa haka performers from South Kaipara have received rave reviews.
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August 4th 2010
MUSIC
Waiata Maori Music Awards
The executive director of the 2010 Waiata Maori Awards (Maori Music Awards) Tama Huata has welcomed news a Maori Music Chart will be set up to play across the country’s 21 iwi radio stations.
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August 4th 2010
EVENT
Get a taste of the Cook Islands
Situated between west and east Polynesia, the Cook Islands embrace the best of both ’nesian food worlds. Chef Aketaura Makimou will this Saturday demonstrate the best of Cook Islands’ cuisine with the preparation of Pai varaipani, a sweetener made from very ripe bananas mixed with arrowroot / cassava starch at the Pai to Kai exhibition at the Auckland Museum
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August 4th 2010
NATIONAL
Pacific immigration quota results are out
The results of the Immigration New Zealand 2010 Samoa Quota (SQ) and Pacific Access Category (PAC) Ballots are out.
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August 3rd 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Maori-PNG communities share culture
At the Pacific Cooperation Foundation’s Melanesian Symposium in 2008 former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Rabbi called for the facilitation of meaningful engagement between NZ Maori and Melanesia. In June the Cooperation made it happen, to great success. FLORENCE AIONO reports.
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August 3rd 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Photo competition offers chance to win a trip to Samoa or Tonga.
Budding photographers will have a chance to test their photography skills and possibly win a trip to Samoa or Tonga through a calendar competition recently launched by the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs.
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August 3rd 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Oxfam: Pacific development needs to be a priority for Pacific Forum.
As a high level delegation led by John Key prepares to join Pacific island nations at the annual summit of the Pacific Islands Forum, Oxfam calls on the government to prioritise real development benefits for the Pacific’s people.
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August 3rd 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Pacific sojourn become life project.
A former Peace Corps volunteer who turned his 20-month posting to the tiny Pacific Island nation of Kiribati into a ten-year project is spending a year as a Fulbright Fellow at the University of Waikato.
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August 2nd 2010
EVENT
Award winning opera stars sing for Sarah Lilli
For the second year, the Sarah Lilli Fund is pleased to be able to present a family concert filled with talented performers and designed to entertain people of all ages.
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Ramere 30 Hongongoi 2010
LITERATURE
National Book Awards call for Maori language entries
There will be no Māori Language Award given this year in the country’s most prestigious book awards – the New Zealand Post Book Awards - as there were no books submitted into that category
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Ramere 30 Hongongoi 2010
MUSIC
Iwi stations reach agreement with music licensing body
Māori artists and labels who are PPNZ (phonographic performances NZ) members can now receive royalties for the broadcast of their music on iwi stations.
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Ramere 30 Hongongoi 2010
MAORI LANGUAGE WEEK
Learning Te Reo benefits everyone
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) supports Te Wiki o Te Reo, Māori Language Week and embraces this year’s theme Te Mahi Kai, The Language of Food.
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Ramere 30 Hongongoi 2010
MAORI LANGUAGE WEEK AT TE PAPA
Mahinarangi
Enjoy an hour of te reo Māori song and dance with Mahinarangi Maika and her band. A bilingual Wellington singer and songwriter, Mahinarangi is an emerging talent on the Aotearoa New Zealand music scene.
Whiti CD Launch
Get ready for a real aural and visual delight! Fresh from international music festivals, Toni Huata appears onstage at The Marae to launch her new album, Whiti.
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Rapare 29 Hongongoi 2010
MAORI LANGUAGE WEEK
Toi te Kupu: Te Reo Maori in print
Toi te Kupu: Te Reo Mâori in Print, is the first exhibition of its kind at the Dunedin City Library. Dedicated solely to our diverse accumulation of te reo Mâori literature, the exhibition traces the historical journey of the written and spoken word in Mâori since early European settlement.
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Rapare 29 Hongongoi 2010
NATIONAL
Defence Force taking Maori language to schools
Defence force cultural groups around the country are actively promoting Te Reo Maori during Maori Language Week.
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Rapare 29 Hongongoi 2010
EVENTS
Maori Language Events in Wellington
Check out: Kai me Kōneke - roller disco, Kai - a show and tell by Anne Thorp and Hoko Kai during Maori language week.
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TODAY IN HISTORY
1 Hereturikoka 1987/ 1 AUGUST 1987
Te Reo Maori becomes official language
The Maori Language Act came into force, making te reo Maori an official language of New Zealand. It could now be used in some legal proceedings. The Act also established Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Maori – the Maori Language Commission.
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Raapa 28 Hongongoi 2010
ENTERTAINMENT
It’s In the Bag is Back
Pio Terei and Stacey Morrison are set to blaze through the halls and theatres of our heartland towns for a second Maori Television series of IT’S IN THE BAG.
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Raapa 28 Hongongoi  2010
MAORI LANGUAGE WEEK
SpongeBob in Te Reo
The world's most famous sea sponge, SpongeBob SquarePants, is back this year playing his part in promoting Māori Language Week with full episodes in te reo Māori all week screening on Nickelodeon NZ (SKY channel 041) from Monday 26th July until Sunday 1st August (8.10am and 4.00pm weekdays and 8.10am and 8.40am on the weekend).
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BEST FOODS Recipe Competition. CLICK HERE

Rahina 26 Hongongoi  2010
MISS TEEN USA
Fijian wins Miss Congeniality
Fijian American Hosanna Kabakoro has been crowned Miss Congeniality at Miss Teen USA, representing Idaho. 17 year old Hosanna Kabakoro of Twin Falls is a U.S. Congressional Award Gold Medalist, Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, and National Discover Scholar.
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July 23rd 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Quarantine stop off for zoo animals in Niue
Agricultural authorities from Niue are having discussions with New Zealand quarantine authorities about establishing an offshore quarantine station on a one-acre block of land near the airport to accommodate elephants or other animals destined for New Zealand.
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July 23rd 2010
POLITICS
Call for more women to enter Cook Islands politics
Teina McKenzie, a Cook Islands businesswoman is part of a new group encouraging women to enter politics. She is a strong supporter of political reform and said the group wants to see a more balanced gender representation in Parliament. Currently there is a strong imbalance with only three women MPs in the 24 member Parliament.
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July 23rd 2010
NATIONAL
Marae justice for wayward Maori youth
Judge Andrew Becroft, New Zealand's Principal Youth Court judge was one of several dignitaries from law and politics at Waitara's Owae marae for the Maui Pomare Day celebrations and he believes that marae justice may be the answer which will bring wayward Maori youth back on the right path.
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July 21st 2010
Regional
Katene applauds people of Whakatu
Maori Party MP for Te Tai Tonga Rahui Katene is applauding a Maori incorporation and marae in Nelson for getting recognition from the Human Rights Commission for running two of the country’s 12 best workplaces.
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July 21st 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Pacific Islanders offered new remittance option to stay in touch
New Zealand’s Pacific Island community now have a new remittance option for sending value or a gift to friends and family back in the Islands with the launch of Digicel’s new ”Top Up Your Friends & Family” service.
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ORGAN DONATION AND ORGAN TRANSPLANTS

SPASIFIK is writing a feature on organ donation and organ transplants for the September/October issue of the magazine. If you are an organ donor, have had a family member donate organs, or have undergone an organ transplant, we would like to talk to you.

CLICK ON PIC TO EMAIL YOUR STORY TO US AND WE WILL BE IN TOUCH SOON

July 16th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Siren warning system for American Samoa
A shipment containing equipment for a new siren early warning system has arrived in Pago Pago, American Samoa.
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WEDDINGS

Have you recently been married or had a civil union? Did you (or your partner) propose in a unique way? Have you got tips for other’s ready to walk down the isle? We want to hear from you! We’re looking for couples to share their weddings tales in the September/October SPASIFIK Wedding Guide in SPASIFIK Magazine. 

CLICK ON PIC TO EMAIL US YOUR DETAILS AND WE WILL BE IN TOUCH SOON 

July 15th 2010
ENTERTAINMENT
Rare viewing of old New Zealand film
Modern films have made huge advances since 1929 when a silent movie ‘Under the Southern Cross’ was made.
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July 14th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Miss Galaxy Launches Groundbreaking New Plan
Miss Tara, the 2010‐2011 Miss Galaxy Queen, was crowned at the largest annual pageant in Tonga on Friday 9 July 2010. The pageant kicked off on Saturday 3 July with a spectacular condom parade and attracted crowds of approximately 2000 people each night.
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July 14th 2010
ART
Te Papa Purchase Pacific Princess
Te Papa confirmed that it has acquired the 1785 painting of Poedua [Poetua], daughter of Oreo, chief of Ulaietea, one of the Society Isles, by John Webber (1751-1793) by private sale brokered by Christie’s, London.
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July 13th 2010
MEDIA
PACIFIC JOURNALISTS VISIT SPASIFIK
Pacific Island-based journalists Mata’afa Keni Lesa (Samoa Observer editor), Linny Folau (Matangi Tonga Online photo-journalist) and Nerys Case (Cook Islands News political journalist) visited the offices of SPASIFIK as part of a week-long visit to New Zealand hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
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July 7th 2010
MUSIC
Issue 39 Music Reviews
Check out the latest in music reviews from SPASIFIK Issue 39 featuring Young Sid, The Green, Coast and much more.
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July 7th 2010
BOOKS
Issue 39 - Baby and Child Feature DVD and BOOK Previews.
Check out the latest Childrens Books and Dvds from SPASIFIK Issue 39's Baby and Child Feature.
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July 7th 2010
POLITICS/PACIFIC REGION
Tongan Youth Urged to Participate
Young Tongans are being encouraged to be active in politics, as their country prepares for elections in November. However, some participants at the annual Amatakiloa tertiary youth camp held on the weekend said many young Tongans are “not very aware” of the issues.
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July 6th 2010
Pasifika history and culture an important part of rehabilitation
Sixteen prisoners graduated this week from the prison-based Malaga Polynesia programme run at Spring Hill Corrections Facility in Waikato.
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July 6th 2010
Looking at the past to enhance the future
From Maori astronomy to New Zealand film, writing, architecture and the effects of the economy on New Zealand children – this year's Albany Public Lecture Series promises a diverse range of topics and speakers.
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July 5th 2010
ART
Artist marks 20 years
Text, lead and metal are the common denominators in more than 100 pieces of individual art works created by one of New Zealand’s leading contemporary Mäori artists of the past 20 years.
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July 5th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
SPREP commends va’a crew from Samoa
A historical voyage across our Pacific ocean by a fleet of five traditional twin hulled vaka canoes is navigating towards a successful end.
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July 1st 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Fiji media law a blow to media freedom
The new media law promulgated on 25 June 2010 will further restrict media freedom in Fiji and perpetuate violations of people’s right to freedom of expression, warns Amnesty International.
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July 1st 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Cook Island Nurse awarded
Tiriakau Vakapora Nicholls, (Mama Kau) an Aitutaki nurse, was awarded the Medal of the British Empire (MBE) at a special ceremony at the Ureia Hall presided over by the Queen’s Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin who travelled to Aitutaki especially for the ceremony
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June 30th 2010
MUSIC
Tipi Haere Te Reo
Tipi Haere Te Reo will be released on Monday 26th July through Ode Distribution. This release ties in with Maori Language Week.
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VIDEO
June 30th 2010
MISS TAHITI
Wilson wins Miss Tahiti 2010
Lucie Poehere Hutihuti Wilson has been crowned Miss Tahiti 2010.
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June 29th 2010
ART
Hauaga - The Art of John Pule
John Pule is one of the most significant artists living and working in New Zealand today. From the mid-1990s his powerful, enigmatic and personal paintings attracted great interest, and his work came to be widely shown.
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June 29th 2010
ENTERTAINMENT
Exquisite, Breathtaking, Provocative
A trilogy of works from New Zealand’s first integrated (disabled and non-disabled) dance company Touch Compass charts a season of distinctly New Zealand dance with Triple Bill, playing from August 18th at Auckland’s Concert Chamber, THE EDGE.
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June 29th 2010
TRIBUTE
Maori Party farewells young gifted lawyer
The Maori Party is saddened at the passing on Friday of young Maori lawyer Jolene Patuawa-Tuilave of Te Roroa, Ngati Torehina and Te Uri o Hau.
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June 28th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Vanuatu seeks review of Jakarta claim to Papua
A unanimous motion has been passed by Vanuatu’s parliament calling for the International Court of Justice to investigate the legality of West Papua becoming part of Indonesia. This motion was jointly sponsored by Prime Minister Edward Natapei and opposition leader Maxime Carlot Korman.
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June 28th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
The Difficult Issue of Race
University of Hawaii academic Dr Tarcisius Kabutaulaka opened a can of worms recently when he highlighted the degrading manner in which Melanesians were portrayed in western literature, film and other media.
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June 28th 2010
ENTERTAINMENT
NZ short film ‘Warbrick’ honoured in Montreal
New Zealand film making brothers Meihana and Pere Durie have been awarded the TEUEIKAN prize at Montreal First People’s Film Festival in Canada.
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June 28th 2010
TODAY IN NZ HISTORY
Today in NZ History 27 June 1975
1975 Mark Williams hits No. 1 'Yesterday Was Just the Beginning of My Life' was top of the Kiwi music charts for three weeks. Williams successfully combined soul and pop with an image that merged glam rock with disco.
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June 28th 2010
DANCE
Tempo Strides into a Vibrant Month of Dance
In its seventh year, New Zealand’s Tempo Dance Festival presents a dynamic month of dance in 2010.
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June 28th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Niue’s new tourism manager hopes to promote Niue more aggressively
Tourism authorities in Niue plan to market the island as a tourism destination more aggressively, in a bid to increase visitors and boost dollars.
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VIDEO
June 28th 2010
ENTERTAINMENT
Classic 80s film trilogy released on NZ On Screen
NZ On Screen present the classic 80s film trilogy - Kingi’s Story, Kingpin, and the award-winning Mark II - in full-length.
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June 24th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Tongan King gets 200 percent raise
Radio New Zealand International news on June 22 reported that the King of Tonga, George Tupou V, is set to receive nearly 200 percent more from the state in the coming financial year.
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June 24th 2010
MATARIKI
Matariki winner unveiled
The winner of the Matariki Artist Award has been announced by the organisers of this year’s Original Art Sale, Auckland’s largest art market.
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June 24th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Death toll rises following Indonesia earthquake
At least six earthquakes struck shook Indonesia's Papua province last week during a several-hour period. Four quakes rattled the region over the period of an hour. The largest was a magnitude 7.0.
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June 24th 2010
DANCE
Unitec lecturer realises long-held dream with New Zealand’s first Maori dance festival
Pioneering Maori dance choreographer Charles Koroneho is finally realising a long held dream when the curtains go up for the inaugural Kowhiti Matariki Festival of Maori Contemporary Dance this weekend.
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June 24th 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Results focus for pacific wide meeting on Non Communicable Diseases
Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) now have initial funding and resources to make a difference on the epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) affecting the region.
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June 23rd 2010
ART
On show at the Auckland Art Gallery
A great opportunity to view treasured Maori portraiture, free of charge, will be on display at the Auckland Art Gallery, opening on 26 June.
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June 23rd 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Relief comes to outlying Vanuatu atoll
Aniwa, a small atoll in the southernmost Vanuatu province of Tafea, has received emergency rice amid severe drought.
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June 23rd 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Rare Pacific artefacts fetch $3million at auction in Paris
Over 30 rare artifacts from Vanuatu, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand were put up for sale, with some items fetching more than $500,000 in what was the biggest ever auction of Oceania art held in France.
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June 23rd 2010
ENTERTAINMENT
Australia jumping on the Boy bandwagon
Australia Shows Early Signs of Jumping on the Boy Bandwagon as Boy Takes Out Prestigious Audience Award at Sydney Film Festival.
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June 23rd 2010
MATARIKI
Matariki lights up skies
Flaxmere and Hastings will shine for Matariki when a group of hot-air balloons fire up and light up the towns to help people celebrate the end of the harvest and the beginning of a new season.
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June 23rd 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Fiji rugby chief held over quake rumours
Fiji Rugby Union Chairman, Bill Gavoka, is being kept in custody by the military regime, over rumours the nation will be hit by a disaster today (23June).
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June 23rd 2010
ARTEFACT
Knock me down with an $8400 feather
A single huia feather surpassed all expectations when it was bought by a mystery Wellington family for a world record price of $8400 at a Webb's Auction House late last week.
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June 22nd 2010
BOOK
Fast Talking PI Wins Best First Book of Poetry Award
Selina Tusitala Marsh, of Samoan, Tuvalu, English, and French descent, has won the NZSA Jessie Mackay Award for the Best First Book of Poetry with her collection Fast Talking PI, published by Auckland University Press.
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June 22nd 2010
ENTERTAINMENT
We’re watching you
Amitai Pati, 20 year old chorister from Mangere, is thrilled that the New Zealand Youth Choir will begin its international tour in Auckland at the city's venerable old town hall.
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June 22nd 2010
MATARIKI
A time to celebrate new beginnings
Matariki is a special time for all New Zealanders to share. It is a time to come together in celebration of this country's unique Maori heritage.
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June 22nd 2010
DRAMA
Actor shot by police back on the boards
Rob Mokaraka, the actor who was shot by police during a stand-off outside his Auckland home in July 2009, has returned to the stage.
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June 22nd 2010
ARTEFACTS
Protests over Maori artefacts auction
Prior to an auction last week, protesters demanded that a large collection of Maori artefacts, which were auctioned off , should have been returned to iwi free of charge.
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June 21st 2010
PACIFIC REGION
Maori Art Market a “Showcase 2011 Rugby World Cup Event” for Wellington
The highly successful biennial Maori Art Market will be staged in Porirua City next year as a major showcase event for teams and tourists in Wellington for the Rugby World Cup.
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June 21st 2010
NATIONAL
Maori Youth urged not to give DNA samples to police
"Just say no" is the message Maori Party youth and police spokesperson Hone Harawira is giving to young Maori who were being asked by police to give a voluntary DNA sample.
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June 21st 2010
NATIONAL
Government plays Santa for thousands of children
This year the Government is ensuring that Christmas comes early for close to 100,000 children in 547 low-decile schools around New Zealand.
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June 21st 2010
HERITAGE ARTS
Fluency in Pacific Languages Critical
Fluency in Pacific languages is critical to maintaining healthy Pacific heritage arts in New Zealand, according to research published today by Creative New Zealand.
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