Waatea News: Māori Radio Station

Te Pāti Māori says it is pressing ahead with candidate pre-selections as the party ramps up preparations for the next election, with Party President John Tamihere signalling confidence despite recent political scrutiny and internal pressures.

Tamihere says the party remains firmly focused on challenging the current Government and advocating for whānau struggling under mounting cost of living pressures.

The comments come as many Māori communities continue to face rising housing costs, food prices, fuel expenses and financial strain, with community providers warning demand for support services is increasing.

Tamihere says Māori providers are operating in an increasingly difficult environment, with many organisations under pressure from funding uncertainty, workforce shortages and growing social need.

Whānau support services, health providers and kaupapa Māori organisations have raised concerns in recent months about the impact of government reforms and tighter economic conditions on frontline services.

Despite ongoing political turbulence surrounding Te Pāti Māori, Tamihere says the party’s focus remains on strengthening its electoral campaign and building support ahead of the 2026 election.

Candidate selection processes are continuing as the party prepares to contest key Māori electorates and expand its political influence in Parliament.

Te Pāti Māori has positioned itself strongly on issues including tino rangatiratanga, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, housing, poverty, Māori health and opposition to government policies it says disproportionately affect Māori communities.

Political observers say the next election is shaping up as a critical test for the party as it seeks to convert grassroots support into greater political leverage.

Tamihere says economic hardship facing whānau and mounting pressure on Māori service providers will remain central campaign issues as Te Pāti Māori takes its message directly to voters across the country.

#RadioWaatea #TePātiMāori #JohnTamihere #MāoriPolitics #Election2026 #CostOfLiving #Whānau #MāoriProviders #Aotearoa #NZPolitics #TinoRangatiratanga #TeTiriti #MāoriHealth #CommunitySupport #PoliticalNews

The post #election2026: Te Pāti Māori Pushes Ahead With Candidate Selections Amid Cost of Living Battle appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

Forest & Bird is warning that proposed changes to conservation law could open the door to the largest loss of public conservation land in decades, sparking fears over environmental protection, public access and the future of biodiversity in Aotearoa.

Richard Capie, Group Manager of Conservation Policy and Advocacy at Forest & Bird, says the Government’s proposed Conservation Act Land Management Bill would significantly expand powers allowing conservation land to be exchanged, disposed of or reclassified.

Environmental groups fear the changes could weaken longstanding protections designed to safeguard native ecosystems and public ownership of conservation areas.

Capie says one of the major concerns is the scale of ministerial discretion proposed under the Bill, with critics arguing it would reduce independent oversight and limit opportunities for public scrutiny around decisions affecting public land.

Forest & Bird believes concentrating decision-making powers within government ministries risks undermining transparency and could lead to environmental outcomes being driven more by development interests than conservation priorities.

Concerns are also growing about what the legislation could mean for future generations and their ability to access and enjoy protected landscapes, forests and natural spaces.

Public conservation land has long been viewed as a cornerstone of New Zealand’s environmental identity, providing recreational opportunities while protecting native wildlife and ecosystems.

Capie says the proposed reforms appear to fit within a broader pattern of recent policy changes that environmental advocates say are weakening nature protections in favour of economic development and infrastructure expansion.

Recent debates over fast-track consenting processes, freshwater regulation and biodiversity protections have intensified concerns among conservation groups about the future direction of environmental policy under the current Government.

Forest & Bird is calling for stronger safeguards, greater public consultation and more transparent decision-making processes to ensure conservation land remains protected for future generations.

The Government says the proposed reforms are intended to improve flexibility and efficiency in land management decisions while balancing environmental and economic priorities.

#RadioWaatea #ForestAndBird #Conservation #PublicLand #Biodiversity #Environment #Aotearoa #NZPolitics #ConservationLand #EnvironmentalProtection #Nature #FastTrack #PublicAccess #ClimateAction #ProtectNature #NewZealand

The post #nature: Conservation Land at Risk: Forest & Bird Sounds Alarm Over Government Bill appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

Latest Kōreo from the rohe and motu. Ngā kaupapa nui, ngā reo o te hapori. Listen Live or Online on Waatea Digital

The post 11 o Mei 2026 Ngā Kawepūrongo a Waatea | 10am appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

Kia ora whānau, welcome to First@5am — your early morning roundup of the biggest stories from across Waatea News.

Housing and economic pressures continue dominating headlines, with growing warnings that Māori homeowners could be sitting on a financial time bomb as debt rises and home ownership quietly declines. Read more:

Meanwhile, a new report says stable housing could be one of the biggest keys to reducing reoffending and breaking cycles of crime and incarceration.

Young people are also feeling the squeeze after backlash erupted over the Government’s decision to remove the final year of Fees Free tertiary education while youth unemployment continues rising.

Concerns are also growing around New Zealand’s strained healthcare system, with confidence falling nationally amid staffing shortages and pressure on frontline services.

In one of the weekend’s most powerful opinion pieces, Matthew Tukaki examined the growing anger around access to cancer drugs, pharmaceutical profits and broken political promises.

Politics remains heated as Wellington mayors face mounting pressure over fast-track governance reforms that could radically reshape local government structures across the capital region.

Election 2026 debates are intensifying after Te Kaupapa Weekend tackled rising unemployment, homelessness, migration policy and growing economic hardship across Aotearoa.

Political donations are also under the microscope, with National dominating the latest fundraising race as concerns grow over money and influence in politics.

Climate pressure is building too, with insurers backing stronger action while climate leaders gathered at a major wānanga focused on the future resilience of Aotearoa.

The Government’s proposed Kāinga Ora cuts are facing backlash across the regions amid fears vulnerable whānau will pay the price.

In regional news, the new Omori Water Treatment Plant officially opened, bringing safer drinking water infrastructure to rural communities around Lake Taupō.

Overseas, Kiwi passengers have been caught up in a deadly cruise ship virus outbreak as international health authorities monitor the situation closely.

And yes — the internet is still exploding after the White House released a fresh batch of classified UFO files, with more revelations expected in coming weeks.

In sport, it was a huge weekend for Kiwi teams.

The Hurricanes crushed Moana Pasifika, the Chiefs extended their winning streak, and the Highlanders survived a thriller in Dunedin.

In netball, both the Mystics and Southern Steel delivered statement wins as the ANZ Premiership heats up.

That’s First@5am from Waatea News — your daily pulse on Aotearoa, te ao Māori, politics, business, sport and the issues shaping our communities.

#WaateaNews #FirstAt5am #Aotearoa #NZPolitics #MāoriNews #SuperRugby #HousingCrisis #Healthcare #ClimateChange #TeAoMāori

The post #First@5am: Housing Pressure, Political Firestorms And Big Weekend Sports Wins appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

Kanaloa Rugby CEO Tracy Atiga says a Pacific-led consortium is ready to secure the future of Moana Pasifika, insisting the organisation has the financial backing, leadership experience and community support needed to stabilise the struggling Super Rugby franchise.

The bid comes as concerns continue mounting around the long-term sustainability of Moana Pasifika, which has faced ongoing financial and operational pressures since entering Super Rugby.

Atiga says Kanaloa Rugby’s proposal offers a fundamentally different model centred on stronger Pacific governance, commercial sustainability and deeper community engagement across Aotearoa and the wider Pacific region.

The consortium believes greater Pacific ownership and leadership are essential to ensuring the franchise remains connected to its original kaupapa of creating opportunities for Pasifika players, coaches and fans.

Questions are also being raised over the process surrounding the rejected takeover proposal, with Kanaloa claiming its bid was blocked despite presenting what it says was a credible and fully funded plan for the franchise’s future.

Atiga says concerns remain around transparency and decision-making, particularly given the financial challenges facing professional rugby and the importance of ensuring Pacific voices are genuinely represented in decisions involving Moana Pasifika.

The franchise was established to provide a pathway for Pacific talent and strengthen representation within elite rugby, while also building stronger cultural connections with Pasifika communities throughout New Zealand and the Pacific.

Kanaloa Rugby says maintaining that vision requires leadership structures grounded in Pacific values, relationships and long-term investment rather than short-term survival strategies.

The debate comes at a time when Super Rugby franchises across the region continue facing financial pressures linked to sponsorship, travel costs, audience competition and shifting commercial realities within professional sport.

Despite those challenges, Atiga says Kanaloa remains confident a community-driven Pacific model can create long-term sustainability through stronger grassroots engagement, partnerships and commercial development.

The future ownership and direction of Moana Pasifika is expected to remain a major talking point within New Zealand rugby as pressure grows to secure the franchise’s long-term future both on and off the field.

#MoanaPasifika #SuperRugby #PacificRugby #KanaloaRugby #Pasifika #RugbyNZ #Aotearoa #RadioWaatea #PacificCommunity #NZRugby #SportsNews #PacificLeadership

The post #hakinakina: Pacific Power Play: Kanaloa Rugby Pushes to Rescue Moana Pasifika appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa 2026 is now into its second week, with events, performances and community initiatives continuing to build momentum as the country celebrates 26 years of New Zealand Music Month.

The nationwide campaign shines a spotlight on local artists, emerging talent, music venues and the communities helping shape the sound of Aotearoa.

Organisers say NZ Music Month remains a vital platform for supporting artists and strengthening the wider music industry, particularly as musicians continue navigating economic pressures and major shifts in how audiences consume music.

Rachel Ashby says the month-long celebration plays a critical role in promoting homegrown talent and encouraging New Zealanders to actively support local music through streaming, attending live shows and discovering new artists.

This year’s programme includes performances, workshops, school initiatives, industry panels and grassroots events taking place across the motu, with organisers aiming to connect communities through music while highlighting the diversity of sounds emerging from Aotearoa.

Among the major focuses this year are support for independent artists, strengthening regional music scenes and creating more opportunities for young and emerging musicians to build sustainable careers.

Despite the celebration, artists and organisers continue facing significant financial challenges, including rising fuel prices, touring costs, venue expenses and ongoing pressures linked to the wider cost-of-living crisis.

Many musicians say touring nationally has become increasingly difficult, particularly for independent artists without major financial backing, while smaller venues and event organisers are also dealing with tighter budgets and operational costs.

Organisers say community support and audience turnout will be crucial in helping sustain the live music sector and ensuring local artists continue to thrive.

Looking ahead, Ashby says success for NZ Music Month would mean stronger long-term support for local music, greater visibility for emerging artists and deeper public engagement with New Zealand-made music beyond the month itself.

Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa continues throughout May with events taking place nationwide.

#NZMusicMonth #TeMaramaPuoroOAotearoa #NZMusic #Aotearoa #MusicNZ #LocalMusic #KiwiMusic #Artists #RadioWaatea #LiveMusic #NewZealandMusic #SupportLocalMusic

The post #culture: NZ Music Month Hits High Note as Aotearoa Celebrates Local Sound appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad has welcomed the Government’s announcement of new youth mental health and suicide prevention services in Te Tai Tokerau, saying the investment comes at a critical time for taitamariki and whānau across the region.

The new services are aimed at improving access to culturally grounded mental health support for young people, particularly in communities facing high levels of distress, isolation and suicide risk.

Dr Achmad says Te Tai Tokerau has long faced significant challenges in youth mental health, with many rangatahi struggling to access timely and appropriate support close to home. Concerns have also been raised nationally about growing demand for mental health services and pressure on frontline providers.

The Children’s Commissioner says the new investment has the potential to address longstanding gaps in the system, particularly for Māori youth and rural communities where services are often limited or difficult to access.

A key focus of the new approach will be ensuring services are designed alongside young people, whānau and local communities so support reflects the realities and lived experiences of taitamariki in Te Tai Tokerau.

Dr Achmad says community-led and culturally informed services are essential to building trust and improving outcomes for rangatahi, especially when it comes to sensitive issues such as mental wellbeing, trauma and suicide prevention.

The Government says the initiative forms part of wider efforts to strengthen youth wellbeing services across Aotearoa and reduce inequities in mental health outcomes.

Advocates hope the investment will lead to earlier intervention, stronger whānau support and improved long-term wellbeing for young people throughout Te Tai Tokerau.

#MentalHealth #TeTaiTokerau #YouthWellbeing #SuicidePrevention #Taitamariki #MāoriHealth #Whānau #Aotearoa #RadioWaatea #NZHealth #Rangatahi #CommunitySupport

The post #hauora: New Mental Health Support for Te Tai Tokerau Youth Welcomed appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

The Government has unveiled a major new Conservation Reform Bill aimed at accelerating decision-making across New Zealand’s conservation estate while supporting regional economic growth and strengthening environmental protections.

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says the proposed reforms are designed to modernise outdated processes, reduce delays and create greater certainty for communities, businesses and conservation groups working on or alongside public land.

The Bill comes as pressure grows to streamline approvals for infrastructure, tourism and regional development projects, particularly in areas where economic opportunities and conservation interests often intersect.

Under the reforms, the Government says decision-making processes will become more efficient while maintaining safeguards to protect biodiversity, native ecosystems and culturally significant sites.

Critics, however, are questioning whether faster approvals and reduced red tape could weaken environmental oversight, particularly as several large-scale fast-track projects continue to generate public concern around conservation impacts.

The Government insists environmental standards will not be lowered and says the Bill includes measures aimed at improving transparency, consistency and accountability across conservation-related decisions.

A key feature of the legislation will be clearer processes around Treaty obligations and Crown engagement with iwi and hapū. Minister Potaka says the reforms are intended to improve how Treaty responsibilities are recognised within conservation management and decision-making frameworks.

The Bill is also expected to clarify consultation processes and strengthen opportunities for mana whenua involvement in projects affecting culturally and environmentally significant areas.

Debate is already emerging over the balance between economic growth and conservation values, particularly as the Government pushes for increased regional development, tourism investment and resource access.

Environmental advocates warn economic priorities must not come at the expense of long-term ecological protection, while supporters argue efficient processes are needed to unlock jobs and opportunities in regional New Zealand.

The Conservation Reform Bill is expected to face strong scrutiny during the select committee process, with iwi leaders, environmental organisations, local government and industry groups likely to weigh heavily into the national debate.

#Conservation #TamaPotaka #EnvironmentNZ #Aotearoa #Biodiversity #TreatyOfWaitangi #Iwi #FastTrack #NZPolitics #RadioWaatea #ConservationReform #RegionalDevelopment

The post #national: Conservation Shake-Up: Government Promises Faster Decisions Without Sacrificing Nature appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

see the fill IV below

The post #environment: Mining Retreat in Te Wāhipounamu Welcomed by West Coast Iwi appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

The Government has announced plans to abolish the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) and replace it with an industry-led self-regulation model, triggering major debate over the future of media accountability in Aotearoa.

The move marks one of the biggest shake-ups to New Zealand’s broadcasting oversight system in decades and raises fresh questions about public trust, political influence, and protections against harmful or misleading content.

Media Minister officials say the current system is outdated and no longer reflects the modern media environment, where digital platforms, streaming services and social media now dominate how audiences consume news and entertainment. The Government argues self-regulation would reduce bureaucracy and allow media organisations to respond more quickly and flexibly to complaints and standards issues.

Critics, however, warn removing an independent watchdog risks weakening accountability and reducing public confidence in journalism and broadcasting standards.

Veteran journalist and Māori media leader Roihana Nuri Roihana says the decision could have serious implications for public trust, particularly at a time when misinformation and online disinformation are already growing concerns globally.

The founder of Aukaha News and former Executive Producer of Te Karere and Q+A says independent oversight has historically played an important role in ensuring broadcasters remain accountable to audiences and communities.

Debate is also intensifying around whether the timing of the announcement is politically motivated, with concerns the move could be seen as part of wider tensions between politicians and media organisations.

Questions are also being raised about what the changes could mean for Māori media, including protections around cultural representation, fairness, and the handling of inaccurate or harmful reporting involving Māori communities and kaupapa Māori content.

Supporters of self-regulation argue the media industry is mature enough to manage its own standards without direct state oversight, and say freedom of expression could benefit from a less restrictive regulatory system.

The Government is expected to begin consultation on replacement models later this year, with broadcasters, journalists, Māori media organisations and legal experts likely to play a key role in shaping the next phase of media regulation in Aotearoa.

#Broadcasting #MediaNZ #BSA #NZPolitics #MediaFreedom #Journalism #MāoriMedia #Aotearoa #RadioWaatea #PublicTrust #NZNews #FreedomOfSpeech

The post #news: Media Watchdog Axed: Government Moves to Scrap Broadcasting Standards Authority appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.