 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
      
| |
|
 |
|
|
 Youth Rates, the Fight for Equality Continues.
My first job was delivering the Rotorua Review every Friday after school - I must have been about 9 or 10 years old. Back then I covered the Fordland's route, earning $21 every four weeks for my effort; in 1984, that was a whole stack of cash (you could still buy 1 cent lollies, an iceblock for 20 cents and there were stories that an entire rail network went for a dollar!). After six months, my service included pamphlets and fliers and reached into neighbouring suburbs. As the work increased, the pay improved. High School brought new opportunities in the exciting supermarket industry - it also revealed something unexpected; a young person could be doing almost exactly the same work as a person over 18, but was expected to earn almost a third less. I asked my supervisor about this weird situation, to which she nervously replied “Welcome to youth rates, son”.
Youth Rates.
Those two words haunted me all the way through High School, as I was expected to do the same job as my co-workers, but was penalised for being young. In those days, my call of “youth discrimination” incited laughter and heckles, to which extra work was given by older workers as punishment. While travelling through Hamilton, I got talking to a group of young women who equally disliked being paid heaps less (one girl was being paid $5.50 an hour at a local takeaway). We teamed up and held a small protest in Garden Place asking for the youth rates to be increased (from memory the youth rates in 1990 were something like $6 an hour). A friend shouted “why don't we just scrap youth rates?” to which we all cheered. It is amazing and awesome to see that some 10 years on, that very call has amplified and is now on the verge of being a reality.
 One of the two main arguments I have encountered whenever discussing youth rates is that small businesses cannot afford the extra labour costs. The other is if young people were offered the same pay as an adult worker, more than likely, that young worker would leave school to earn some extra money. My response to the first argument is that more money in the pockets of youth workers will have a flow on effect for the economy. My response to the latter, is that we simply need to TRUST rangatahi. The vast majority of young people know the value of education and simply because they are making an extra $3-$5 at McDonalds doesn't mean they are going to quit school and start a career working in fast food. Regardless, many of the arguments against scrapping youth rates are simply weak justifications for protecting big business and maintaining the status quo, while at the same time discriminating against young people.
Young people have the right be respected regardless. Youth rates tell young workers that it is OK to pay different rates to people, based purely on age. Many of us understand that experience is valued, but what lesson is learned if two workers are paid differently for the same job? It is saying that our society prefers young people to stay at school and learn, and if you do want to work to earn some money, that you will be penalised because of your age. To me, this situation is unacceptable.
|
 |
So in 2005, when Unite, the Greens, the Maori Party and the Workers Charter championed the Super Size My Pay campaign, focusing specifically on youth rates, I was ecstatic. The gradual roll out of the campaign across the country (but more noticeable in Auckland) has been absolutely remarkable. Workers from McDonalds, Star Bucks, Burger King and KFC franchises have been vocalising their opinion, taking the campaign for equal pay for equal work to their employers. After a spontaneous student demonstration in central Auckland this Monday, the campaign went national; this hard on the heels of French student protests over a conservative government law, which lets employers fire people under 26 for any reason during a two-year trial period, in a bid to fight youth unemployment. The show of solidarity and support has been huge, with larger strikes in France expected on the 28th of March (keep an eye out for that).
 Personally, I support these actions as they do hit at the heart of discriminatory practices that are not necessary. The call by Unite to increase activism and by the Greens and the Maori Party to continue with the abolition of the youth rates should be supported. BP has already scraped youth rates. Recent reports are saying that McDonalds may also consider scraping them and newspaper articles in Wellington are hinting that many big companies intend to do away with youth rates. This is awesome, but until the actual law is passed, it is very easy to say that New Zealand prefers to under-value its young people and that it continues to practise discriminatory policies. So, like Uncle Bob say: Get up, stand up; stand up for your rights! Get up, stand up; don't give up the fight!!
$12 minimum wage – no youth rates – secure hours for young workers.
Kia Kaha to all who make the stand!!! 
|
 |
|
|
 |
| |
 |
| |
There will be a Maori Fertility and Assisted Reproduction Hui: Maori Health Worker Views held on Wednesday 29 March, 10am at Ruapotaka Marae, 106 Line Road, Glen Innes, Auckland. The hui will involve the presentation of information to encourage informed discussion on the meaning, implications and benefits for Maori of the various fertility services now available.
 Dr. Marewa Glover will be holding a series of hui to gather the views of different groups of Maori. One such hui, aimed at Maori men and women who have not experienced infertility but who have thought about helping others will be held on 1 April, 10am, at the School of Population Health in Glenn Innes. To register and receive an information sheet for either of either of these hui please contact Dr. Marewa Glover, Principal Investigator, University of Auckland, 09 373 7599 extn 86044, Fax: 09 303 5932 or by email. We will be announcing other upcoming hui in the future. To read more about Dr. Glover's research click here.
 Te Hotu Manawa Maori would like to invite you to attend the National Auahi Kore Residential Training 2006, a three-day Auahi Kore/Smokefree training course. This course will be held 5-7 April, at Hopuhopu Sports Park in Ngaruawahia.
Experienced educators and health practioners of Auahi Kore will deliver this exciting and innovative training experience. This training is suitable and appropriate for Maori health workers and health workers who have a particular interest in Maori health and/or who work with Maori communities. Complete the registration form and return with payment by Friday 24th March 2006 to the following address: Te Hotu Manawa Maori – National Auahi Kore Training 2006, Suite 2-2 , D72 Building, 72 Dominion Road , Mt Eden, Tamaki Makaurau. below. The registration fee for the hui is $112.50 per participant. This includes your accommodation, food and complimentary training resources. For further information contact Erina Henare Aperahama.
 Eighteen years after a controversial Maori unit at the old Carrington Psychiatric Hospital was closed, a new Maori unit opened on March 16 at its successor, the Mason Clinic. The $5 million, 10-bed "secure village", Te Papakainga o Tane Whakapiripiri, was opened by Health Minister Pete Hodgson in front of 300 people representing all the traditional waka of Maoridom.
Judge Ken Mason was an honoured guest at the opening of the new unit - still the country's only secure mental health unit for criminal offenders based on a kaupapa Maori philosophy. The clinic's associate service director in charge of Maori cultural input, Charles Joe, said cultural advisers worked alongside medical staff in all units, but it had taken years of consultation to finalise plans for the papakainga (NZ Herald, 17 March). To read an interesting article about Maori focused solutions to mental health click here.
 If you're like me, sometimes, it's all about the food. Here's a great local website that contains recipes, food and cooking from local 'foodie' Helen Jackson. Check it out foodlovers.co.nz. Has anyone seen the programme “ Kai Ora” on Maori Television yet? Could you write in and let me know what's cookin' please – I've seen the ads on the Food Channel but haven't had the pleasure of watching yet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
|
| |
 The Intellectual Property Group of the Ministry of Economic Development would like to extend an invitation to attend a Workshop on the Protection of Traditional Knowledge (TK). There is no registration fee to attend the workshop. Lunch and tea breaks will be provided. The workshop will be followed by a cocktail reception, providing an opportunity for networking. The Workshop will be held on Monday 3 April 2006 at the Ministry of Economic Development, 33 Bowen Street, Wellington. The welcome will be held at 8:30 am, and the workshop will start at 9:00 am.
You can register for the workshop online or by phone. Contact: Paryse Suddith 04 460 1379. If you are interested in viewing the Ministry's fact sheets on TK click here.
 A South African government official has slammed Picasso saying that he stole from African art to boost his flagging talent. That's kicked up a debate about the use of indigenous art forms in western art. It's a debate that's been present in New Zealand: should non-Maori artists be able to use Maori forms and shapes in their art with impunity? Or is it just stealing? Click on this link to hear Dr Rangihiroa Panoho of Auckland University's Art History department discuss the issue with José Barbosa. Thanks to the Big Idea for this thought-provoking korero. To read more on African art and Picasso click here.
 The Asia-NZ Foundation are offering a special media travel award this year. Every year the foundation offers NZ journalists the chance to travel to Asia to prepare and research a compelling story proposal. The deadline for the North Asia round of media travel awards is on May 18, followed by Southeast Asia on July 18 and South Asia on September 15. The travel award covers up to 80% of the cost of the assignment. More info can be found here. Is there someone in your whanau who may be interested in this panui?
The Penetito Trust (Rangitaiki 60D 1B 2D2) Kaumatua Grants Application deadline is 21 April. Application grants are being accepted from beneficial owners in this trust, who are 65 years and older. Application forms available from Prideaux & Co Chartered Accountants. Contact: Prideaux & Co, 1st Foor, 88 The Strand, Whakatane, ph: 07 308 5015, fax: 07 308 6229.
 Wellington Access Radio the longest running community access radio station will mark its 25th anniversary this month. The station first began broadcasting in 1981 as part of Radio New Zealand. The station which is run by a small number of paid staff and a host of volunteers will mark its birthday from 2pm at Te Papa Marae on Sunday March 19. The event will feature a artists such as the Afro-Latin group Clave Latina, Pakistan-born singer Shagufta Zia, the Klezmer Rebs and performances by Malaysian, Cook Island, Samoan and Sri Lankan community groups. For more information, contact project coordinator Sonia Yee on 027 416 5307. Thanks to the Asia-NZ Foundation for this info.
 RANGIKAINGA would like to send our condolences to the whanau and friends of Te Aopehi Kara while at the same time celebrating all that Matua Aopehi did for Tangata Whenua Maori. Matua Aopehi had a dream to have more Maori involved in education and learning their own language. So at the age of 38 the former shearer trained to be a teacher. He taught Maori and social science at Te Aute College in Hawkes Bay and Colenso High School in Napier, and was one of the first to teach Maori language in a school.
He later moved on to work for the education department in Wellington and became national coordinator of the drive to recruit more Maori and Pacific Island teachers. Mr Kara, of Ngati Kahungunu and Tainui descent, was a board member, vice president and kaumatua of Te Kohanga Reo National Trust, a Tainui Te Arataura (executive) board member, and kaumatua for the Health and Disability Commission for 11 years. He was also patron of the Maori Golf Association. He was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit last year, for services to Maori. Mr Kara is survived by his wife Waiariki. The couple raised 10 children.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 AgResearch recently announced their strategy to help Maori farms increase GDP by $800 million. AgResearch launched their Maori Strategy 'road show' on March 16. Their goal is to double productivity to $1.6 billion by 2020. Maori are the largest natural grouping of pastoral farmers in New Zealand, farming an effective area of 720,000ha and growing (NZ Herald, 20 March). AgResearch Maori Strategist, Roger Pikia begins a 12-stop tour of the North Island starting in Auckland which aims to provide Maori dairy, meat and wool farms with scientific tools to help them realise their potential and, in doing so, significantly increase New Zealand’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Click here to read more.
 NZ company Certified Organics recently signed a $1m supply-deal for the Interceptor weed killer with the South Australian Government, power companies across the country are looking for ways to shut the power supplies down should a power crisis hit, Telecom is still yet to unleash its full broadband potential, there are a huge number of film & TV jobs currently being offered, Graeme Hart is now the unofficial King of New Zealand. The sharemarket saw promise across the Tasman but itself stayed out of medal contention and recycling and waste management, I predict, will be boom industries over the next two quarters. And yes, if my lotto numbers do come in one day, I will be investing diversely, buying stocks and bonds, purchasing secure assets and taking the entire whanau to Disneyland... one day…
And finally, I've been approached by whanau who are interested in opening a Maori Educational Resource Centre in the Central North Island. Their vision is to provide essential Maori educational resources covering a range of areas, at every level of the Maori teaching and learning experience, and they are committed to encouraging education, increasing information and collaboratively communicating with all whanau, teaching staff and tauira. They will be hosting a series of hui in April/May to discuss the developing the goals of the centre and to set down a plan of action and a working timeline, so if you are interested in being involved or finding out more, please send a message here. Also, if you would like to talk about placing your educational product in this new centre, I would like to hear from you. More on this exciting development soon… |
|
|
|
   |
|
 A Waitangi Tribunal inquiry under the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 concerning the flora and fauna claims will be held on March 22 in Auckland. The Waitangi Tribunal will hold a judicial conference for claims in the Flora and Fauna and Cultural Intellectual Property inquiry (Wai 262). The purpose of this is to discuss the draft statement of issues that was released to counsel in the Wai 262 claim. The hearing will commence at 10.00am on Wednesday 22 March 2006. The hearing is located at the Butterfly Creek Conference Facility, Tom Pearce Drive, Mangere, Auckland. The judicial conference is open to the public and further information can be obtained from: The Registrar Waitangi Tribunal, PO Box 5022, Wellington. For more information contact: Tina Mihaere, ph: 04 914 3000, fax: 04 914 3001.
 The restored Maori Parliament building at Rukumoana, near Morrinsville, will be officially opened on April 2. Te Kauhanganui Building Committee spokesman Butch Tuhakaraina said Maori Queen Dame Te Arikinui Te Ata-irangi-kaahu will, health permitting, attend the celebrations. Otherwise, a representative will step in on her behalf. Details of the programme will be finalised at a hui tomorrow. Speaking to the Piako Post on Monday, Mr Tuhakaraina said work had been all but completed at the historic site. Archives, held in storage in Hamilton, were due to be in place at Rukumoana by the end of this week. The floor of the building will then be shined to complete the $400,000 project. The Maori Parliament building, including an upper and lower house, was erected on the Morrinsville-Walton Rd site in the mid-18th century. The present one was built in 1917 (Piako Post, March 17).
The Puke Ariki Land Trust Annual Hui of Beneficiaries will be held on 25 March at Owae Marae, Waitara. The hui will begin at 1pm. Hui papers were distributed to beneficiaries on 27 February 2006. If you are a beneficiary and have not received Hui papers contact the Registrar on 027 471 4353. For other related information contact the Chairperson, ph: 027 231 5636.
All shareholders and their beneficiaries are invited to attend the Muriwhenua Incorporation AGM, which is to be held on 25 March at Te Reo Mihi Marae, Te Hapua. The AGM begins at 10am. For more information contact: Pani Petera, ph: 09 409 8253, fax: 09 409 8245.
The Ngati Pukenga Hui-a-Iwi will be held on 1 April at Ngunguru Marae, Whangarei and will commences at 10am. For more information contact: Hori Parata or Pirihira Kelly ngatiwai.rmu@xtra.co.nz or mirirangi@xtra.co.nz, ph: 027 230 3469 or 09 436 2024.
|
|
|
|
   |
 |
|
 The NZ Herald recently reported that Judy Bailey will help present Maori Television's all-day coverage of Anzac Day. MTS announced on March 17 that it planned 6am-to-midnight coverage of Anzac Day events on April 25 and hoped to include live coverage from the Gallipoli commemorations. Bailey is to share studio and in-field duties with Wena Harawira. To read the Herald's article click here.
 Have you produced a film, a short film, documentary, performance and concert recordings or mixed media? If yes, then the Arts Channel (channel 59 on SKY TV) wants to speak with you. The Arts Channel is currently seeking submissions for local work to be televised on air, so if you are interested, please check out their website. This might be a choice prospect to follow up.
An exciting exhibition opportunity is being offered in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, for works by Maori and Polynesian artists. Portsifika is a gallery showcasing artists producing art and artistry which is infused with a Maori or Polynesian flavour - irrespective of an artist's ethnicity - the gallery seeks to contribute to the distribution and promotion of contemporary cultural artefacts and artists in NZ. To find out how you can be involved email portsifika@xtra.co.nz.
Applications for Tanetinorau Opataia Whanau Education Grants will close 31 March. Grants are available to intermediate and secondary students. For more information please contact: N. Carr, ph: 07 877 7555, fax: 07 877 7555.
 Each year the University of Waikato host the National Maori Academic Excellence Awards. The purpose of the Awards evening is to celebrate those Mäori Doctoral graduates who have had their degrees conferred during the period 31 st July to 31 st July each year. Over the past three years Waikato University have had 86 recipients from across all the Universities, however, they have been unsuccessful in finding five of those recipients. Therefore, they would appreciate any help in contacting any of the following people so that the Te Amorangi award can be forwarded to them:
2004 Recipients
- Dr Lisa Ferguson – Waikato University
- Dr Hoani Copper – Auckland University
2005 Recipients
- Dr Kirsten Hanna – Auckland University
- Dr Nicola Poa – Auckland University
- Dr Diane Divett – Auckland University
Indeed if you have any information, please contact Herearoha Skipper by email herearoha@waikato.ac.nz or ph: 07 858 5159.
|
|
|
 |
|
 The Stuff recently reported that Keisha Castle-Hughes will play the Virgin Mary in the movie Nativity, which chronicles the life of the Virgin Mary before the birth of Christ. "The story, to be told with a strong female perspective, will follow Mary and Joseph's life before the birth of Christ as their love, faith and beliefs are tested. The script incorporates their departure from Nazareth and travel to Bethlehem and includes such biblical figures as King Herod, John the Baptist and the three kings from the Orient, among others".
Keisha "became the youngest actress nominated for a best actress Academy Award when she was recognised for her breakthrough role in 2002's Whale Rider". She also had a brief and silent turn in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith as Queen of Naboo Shooting is set to begin on May 1 in Morocco and Italy, with the studio eyeing a December release. Catherine Hardwicke (thirteen) is directing the New Line Cinema project.
The Pacific Centre for Participatory Democracy is holding a hui in Ruatoria for people aged between 17 and 30, to discuss the concepts of Citizenship, Identity and Globalisation, and what these mean for indigenous young people.  The hui will run from 24 - 28th April and includes workshops based on the following themes:
- Constitutional and state issues
- Issues in Pasifika
- Maori-Pakeha power-sharing
- Traditional systems of governance
- Theories of identity
Moana Jackson will be one of the keynote speakers for this event. Registration costs $100, and this includes kai and accommodation for the 5 days. The Centre will also subsidise travel costs for participants coming from outside the rohe. For more detailed info, please click on the following links ( application form and draft programme) or go to the their website.
 We are pleased to announce that a Palmerston North research project into the health and wellbeing of rangatahi Maori is getting a funding boost and will expand. Te Runanga o Raukawa will be given extra money through the Youth Development Ministry's youth development partnership fund. The fund is to encourage young people to get involved in their communities through youth-oriented projects that teach work, life and practical skills. The research is expected to look at problems that hinder young people in reaching their potential. The money, obtained by Palmerston North City Council, will allow Te Runanga o Raukawa to employ a part-time worker to coordinate the researchers.
 If you're a fan of TV show, the Simpsons, then check this video link out. Remember it will take some time to view if you have a dial-up connection.
We received lots of requests for more online games, so we went digging in the vaults and found this classic – Turbo Tanks.
And if you want to play games and win prizes (for real my cuz, for real), then fix your eye on the jandal and go for the gold.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Just a reminder that the Waka Ama IVF Va'a World Sprint Championships are being held at Lake Karapiro from 21 March - 25 March. Every two years teams from around the world meet to determine the best Va'a paddlers in the world. Contact: Ben Hemi, ph: 07 846 0404 or visit their website.
The Black Caps put down a convincing win over the West Indies to take the series 2-0, Russell Crowe is one of the new owners of the Rabbitohs Rugby League club, Parramatta Eels schooled the Warriors in Hamilton, the Hurricanes beat the Bulls, the Cats lost to the Crusaders, the Chiefs had a bye, the Blues tamed the Brumbies, the Highlanders were munched by the Sharks, Italian Giancarlo Fisichella won the Malaysian grand prix, France won their 15th Six Nations title thanks to a 21-16 defeat of outgoing champions Wales and baby Atutahi can now fully kick a ball. What a week sports fans, what a week…
We here at RANGIKAINGA and TangataWhenua.com would like to say a big "O" for Owesome to all those competing at the Games, and an extra special 'chur' to Shelly Kitchen (Bronze in Squash), Lisa and Nina Daniels (Bronze in Synchronised Swimming), Sam Warriner (Silver in Women's Triathlon), Bevan Docherty (Silver in Men's Triathlon), the New Zealand Women's team (Bronze in 4x200m freestyle swim), Dean Kent (Silver in 200m Medley swim), Moss Burmester (Gold in 200m Butterfly, Bronze in 100m Butterfly), Hannah McClean (Bronze in 200m Backstroke) and to our 7's Team (Gold) – massive respect from all your supporters back here at home. There are still a few days to go, so we'll be bringing you a special Commonwealth Games wrap up next issue.
|
|
|
|
|
|
   |
|
|
|
|
|
