Waatea News: Māori Radio Station

E kainamu mai nei ko ngā pōtitanga ā-motu, ā, e akiaki ana te katoa kia tirohia, kia whakahoungia ngā pitopito kōrero i mua i ngā pōtitanga.

Kua tirohia e ētahi whānau ā rātou kōrero, ā, kua kite kāore ō rātou ingoa i runga i te rārangi ingoa pōti, ahakoa kua pōti rātou i ngā tau ki muri.

E ai ki a Hone Matthews, te Pouwhakahaere Māori o Te Kaitiaki Take Kōwhiri, ko te take kāore ētahi whānau i te kitea ō rātou taipitopito, nā te kore whakahou i ētahi wāhanga o te rehitatanga, nā reira ka noho rātou ki te rārangi “dormant”.

Kia mōhio pū koe inā tika rānei ōu pitopito kōrero, toro atu ki vote.nz.

The post Hone Matthews | Tirohia ōu taipitopito rēhita i mua i te pōtitanga. appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

Kei te hiahia ngā iwi o Te Tai Tokerau ki te whakapai ake i te pūnaha whawhati tata.

I tuku tono a Te Kahu o Taonui ki te Pirimia a Christopher Luxon kia whakatūria he pokapū ohotata motuhake hei tiaki i ō rātou hapori i ngā wā ka pāngia te rohe e ngā āwhā, e parawhenua.

E ai ki a rātou, kāore te pūnaha o nāianei i te tino rite, ā, e tika ana kia tū ngā iwi hei kaikōkiri i tētahi ratonga hou.

E ai ki a Tama Potaka, kei te haere tonu ngā wānanga a te Kāwanatanga mō te whakarato tautoko pūmau mō ngā marae me ngā hapori puta noa i te motu.

The post Tama Potaka |Te whakatūnga o tētahi pokapū ohotata motuhake mō Te Taitokerau. appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

Te Pāti Māori President John Tamihere says the way te Tiriti o Waitangi is being reframed by the Government signals a dangerous shift away from meaningful recognition of Māori rights.

Tamihere has raised concerns about moves to reduce Treaty obligations across legislation to a standard where it only needs to be taken into account, rather than actively upheld or given effect.

He says this change risks sidelining te Tiriti from its rightful place as a foundational document, weakening its influence on decision-making and policy.

According to Tamihere, the shift reflects a broader pattern in how the Government is approaching Māori issues, with less emphasis on partnership and shared authority, and more on limiting the scope of Treaty considerations.

He argues that reducing the Treaty to a minimal legal requirement undermines decades of progress, where stronger clauses have helped ensure Māori interests are recognised in areas such as resource management, health, and education.

Tamihere says the concern is not just legal, but constitutional, with the reinterpretation of te Tiriti potentially reshaping the relationship between Māori and the Crown.

He is urging Māori communities to remain vigilant and engaged, warning that changes to how the Treaty is applied could have long-term consequences for tino rangatiratanga and Māori development.

The debate comes as discussions intensify around the Government’s broader review of Treaty clauses, with critics arguing the reforms risk eroding protections rather than strengthening clarity.

Tamihere says maintaining the mana of te Tiriti is critical, and any move to diminish its role must be challenged.

#TeTiriti #JohnTamihere #MāoriRights #NZPolitics #TreatyOfWaitangi #TinoRangatiratanga #Aotearoa #IndigenousRights #TeAoMāori #RadioWaatea

The post #tetiriti: TAMIHERE WARNS OF TREATY DILUTION BY GOVERNMENT appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

Talk of a possible snap election is gaining momentum, with Te Pāti Māori President John Tamihere signalling the party is already preparing for an early return to the polls.

Tamihere says the party has selected the majority of its candidates, positioning itself to move quickly if political instability forces an earlier-than-expected election.

His comments come amid signs of strain within the current coalition government, with ongoing tensions between governing partners raising questions about how long the arrangement can hold. Political observers have pointed to increasingly fractured relationships, echoing concerns that smaller parties are exerting outsized influence over the direction of government.

That dynamic has been reinforced by criticism suggesting the balance of power within the coalition is uneven, with claims that minor parties are effectively steering decision-making at the top table.

Tamihere has also questioned the government’s clarity on major international issues, highlighting what he sees as a lack of a coherent position on escalating tensions involving the United States and Iran.

He says that uncertainty raises further questions about what the coalition will campaign on if the country heads back to the ballot box.

The discussion comes against a backdrop of broader political volatility, with Te Pāti Māori itself having faced internal challenges in recent months, including leadership disputes and legal battles that have exposed divisions within the party.

Despite that, Tamihere remains focused on strengthening the party’s position and encouraging Māori voters to back themselves in the face of economic pressures.

He points to the ongoing economic strain on whānau, warning that Māori communities are often hit hardest during downturns, and says there is a need for greater confidence and self-determination.

As speculation grows around the timing of the next election, Te Pāti Māori appears to be gearing up for a campaign centred on Māori empowerment, political independence, and holding the government to account.

#TePātiMāori #JohnTamihere #NZPolitics #Election2026 #MāoriPolitics #Aotearoa #CoalitionGovernment #PoliticalNews #Whānau #RadioWaatea

The post #election2026: EARLY ELECTION TALK HEATS UP AS TAMIHERE SIGNALS TE PĀTI MĀORI READINESS appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

The fallout from the Maiki Sherman suspension is continuing to spark wider debate, with Waatea Editor Matthew Tukaki weighing in on the state of media, public trust, and the political climate heading toward a potential election.

Speaking on air, Tukaki says the situation highlights a growing problem with where people are getting their news, warning against the rise of so-called influencers shaping public narratives without accountability or journalistic standards.

He says the shift away from credible news sources is contributing to misinformation and distorting public understanding of key national issues, particularly in high-profile cases involving politics and media access.

Tukaki also points to a broader sense of uncertainty in the business and investment community, especially around the Government’s fast-track processes. He says there are signs that investors are becoming increasingly cautious, with some appearing to pull back as the political landscape becomes less predictable.

With talk of an early election intensifying, concerns are growing that policy direction could shift, creating hesitation among those considering major projects or commitments.

The combination of media fragmentation and economic uncertainty is adding pressure to an already tense environment, where political decisions, public perception, and financial confidence are closely intertwined.

Tukaki says maintaining trust in credible journalism and ensuring stability in policy settings will be key as the country heads toward what could be a pivotal election period.

#MediaTrust #MatthewTukaki #NZPolitics #MaikiSherman #Journalism #Aotearoa #Election2026 #BusinessConfidence #FastTrack #RadioWaatea

The post #politics: MEDIA TRUST AND INVESTOR NERVES IN SPOTLIGHT AFTER SHERMAN INCIDENT appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

Peace advocates are calling on Aotearoa to reject a United States-led push to join a multinational maritime force in the Strait of Hormuz, warning it risks dragging New Zealand into an escalating Middle East conflict.

Peace Action Wellington spokesperson Valerie Morse has raised concerns about the implications of joining what is being framed as a Maritime Freedom Construct, saying the move signals a widening of tensions rather than a pathway to stability.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global shipping route, but involvement in a military coalition there is being viewed by critics as aligning with strategic interests tied to ongoing hostilities involving the United States and Israel.

Morse argues that any New Zealand participation would effectively signal support for military actions in the region, undermining the country’s long-standing commitment to an independent foreign policy and international law.

She says Aotearoa should instead maintain a neutral and principled stance, avoiding entanglement in operations that could escalate conflict or compromise its reputation as a peace-focused nation.

There are calls for the government to prioritise diplomacy over deployment, with a focus on de-escalation and multilateral dialogue through international institutions.

Lessons from past conflicts, including Iraq, are being highlighted as a reminder of the long-term consequences of aligning too closely with military coalitions led by major powers.

Peace groups say New Zealand’s role should centre on advocating for restraint, supporting humanitarian efforts, and strengthening diplomatic channels to reduce tensions in the region.

#NZPolitics #ForeignPolicy #Peace #MiddleEast #Hormuz #Aotearoa #Diplomacy #InternationalLaw #Geopolitics #RadioWaatea

The post #international: NZ URGED TO STAY OUT OF HORMUZ MILITARY MOVE appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

New Zealand’s proposed overhaul of Treaty of Waitangi clauses has come under international scrutiny, with criticism emerging at a United Nations forum in New York over the direction of the government’s review.

Legal scholar Professor Claire Charters has warned the move to weaken and standardise Treaty clauses risks undermining Māori rights and eroding the status of te Tiriti o Waitangi within New Zealand’s legal framework.

The concerns raised at the UN signal growing unease about the government’s approach, with critics suggesting the review points to a shift away from stronger Treaty protections toward a more limited and uniform standard across legislation.

At the centre of the debate is the proposal to reduce Treaty obligations to a minimal requirement for decision-makers to take the Treaty into account, rather than actively uphold its principles. Observers say such a change could significantly narrow the legal weight of Treaty clauses, weakening safeguards that have been used to protect Māori interests in areas such as land, resources, and governance.

There are also warnings that the reinterpretation of te Tiriti could have broader implications for Māori self-determination, potentially constraining the Crown’s obligations to actively partner with iwi and hapū. The move is being seen by some as a step back from commitments to shared decision-making and recognition of tino rangatiratanga.

The criticism carries implications beyond New Zealand, with questions being raised about the country’s credibility on the international stage. Aotearoa has long positioned itself as a supporter of Indigenous rights, but changes to Treaty protections may place it at odds with global human rights standards and expectations.

Attention is now turning to the future, with two United Nations Indigenous rights bodies expected to visit New Zealand in 2027. Advocates say the government will need to demonstrate meaningful safeguards, including maintaining strong Treaty clauses, ensuring Māori participation in decision-making, and reaffirming commitments to te Tiriti in both law and practice.

The debate over Treaty clauses is likely to remain a defining issue, as scrutiny intensifies both at home and abroad over how New Zealand balances legislative reform with its foundational obligations to Māori.

#TeTiriti #MāoriRights #NZPolitics #UN #IndigenousRights #Aotearoa #HumanRights #TreatyOfWaitangi #TinoRangatiratanga #RadioWaatea

The post #indigenous: UN FLAGS CONCERNS OVER NZ TREATY RESET appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

The decision to stand down TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman from Parliament for five days is fuelling debate over the treatment of women journalists, particularly Māori women, in political and media spaces.

The move has drawn attention amid growing concern globally about the rise in abuse directed at women in journalism, with recent United Nations reporting highlighting increasing levels of harassment both online and in the workplace.

Observers say Sherman’s suspension cannot be viewed in isolation, but instead reflects a broader climate where female journalists face heightened scrutiny and hostility, often amplified through social media and public commentary.

There is also concern about the disproportionate pressure placed on Māori women in public-facing roles, where issues of race, gender, and visibility intersect. Critics argue these dynamics may influence how actions are perceived and responded to, raising questions about implicit bias within high-profile institutions like Parliament.

The situation has prompted discussion around whether similar disciplinary measures would be applied consistently across journalists, particularly when comparing Māori and Pākehā reporters. The debate is sharpening focus on fairness, transparency, and accountability in parliamentary processes.

Advocates say the incident underscores the need for stronger protections and cultural change to ensure journalists can operate safely and without discrimination. This includes addressing online abuse, improving institutional responses, and recognising the unique challenges faced by Māori women in the media.

Calls are growing for Parliament and media organisations to take a more proactive role in fostering respectful environments, while upholding press freedom and ensuring equitable treatment for all journalists.

The fallout from the suspension is expected to continue shaping conversations around media access, workplace safety, and the broader role of diversity and inclusion within New Zealand’s political landscape.

#MaikiSherman #MediaFreedom #MāoriWomen #NZPolitics #Journalism #PressFreedom #Aotearoa #GenderEquity #IndigenousVoices #RadioWaatea

The post #news: SUSPENSION SPARKS DEBATE OVER TREATMENT OF MĀORI WOMEN IN MEDIA appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

Respected Māori leader Kingi Kiriona has been confirmed as Labour’s candidate for the Hauraki-Waikato electorate, bringing decades of experience in cultural leadership, education, and community development to his bid for Parliament.

Kiriona’s decision to stand marks a significant step in a long career of service across the rohe, where he has been deeply involved in initiatives supporting Māori development, language revitalisation, and the growth of rangatahi.

His candidacy carries added weight following the blessing of Te Arikinui, an endorsement that signals strong cultural backing and reinforces the responsibility he carries to represent the aspirations of the people of Hauraki-Waikato.

Kiriona is widely recognised for his work across multiple fields, including education, broadcasting, kapa haka, and cultural advocacy. Those experiences are expected to shape his political priorities, with a focus on strengthening identity, improving access to opportunities, and advancing kaupapa Māori solutions at a national level.

Supporters say his leadership reflects a commitment to uplifting whānau and communities through practical and culturally grounded approaches, particularly in areas such as education and youth development.

A strong emphasis is also being placed on empowering rangatahi, with Kiriona seen as an advocate for nurturing future leaders and ensuring young people are equipped with the tools and confidence to succeed.

His entry into the race adds momentum to the contest for Hauraki-Waikato, a key Māori electorate where issues of representation, identity, and community wellbeing remain central.

Kiriona’s campaign is expected to focus on building pathways for whānau, strengthening cultural foundations, and ensuring the voices of Hauraki-Waikato are heard clearly in Parliament.

#HaurakiWaikato #KingiKiriona #NZPolitics #MāoriLeadership #LabourParty #Rangatahi #TeAoMāori #Aotearoa #Whānau #RadioWaatea

The post #election2026: KIRIONA STEPS FORWARD FOR HAURAKI-WAIKATO appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

It was a packed weekend of sport across Aotearoa and the Pacific, with standout performances in netball, league, and rugby headlining Waatea’s latest coverage.

In netball, the Northern Mystics delivered a statement performance to mark a milestone occasion, rising to the challenge in a dominant win over the Tactix as Peta Toeava celebrated her 150th game. The result underscored the Mystics’ growing momentum and ability to perform on big occasions.
Read more: Mystics rise for Toeava’s 150th

In the NRL, the Warriors surged late to overcome the Parramatta Eels, continuing their strong run and climbing the competition ladder. The comeback highlighted the side’s attacking power and resilience, with the team building on a winning streak that has pushed them toward the top of the table.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/05/03/warriors-surge-late-to-sink-eels-and-climb-nrl-ladder/

Southern Steel also impressed in netball, securing a third straight victory and reclaiming the legacy trophy in a confident display that reinforces their status as serious contenders this season.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/05/03/steel-stand-tall-to-secure-third-straight-win-and-reclaim-legacy-trophy/

Across the Tasman and into the Pacific, the Fijian Drua defended their home turf with authority, handing the Highlanders a tough loss in Fiji. The Drua’s fortress mentality continues to challenge visiting teams, with recent results showing their strength at home.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/05/03/drua-deliver-fortress-blow-as-highlanders-fall-in-fiji/

Meanwhile, in hākinakina development, emerging Māori athletes are gaining valuable international exposure, with a group of stars bolstering their skills through Australian experience — a move expected to strengthen depth and performance pathways in the code.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/05/04/hakinakina-stars-boost-defence-with-aussie-experience-injection/

From milestone matches to ladder-climbing wins and international development, it’s been a weekend that highlights the strength and diversity of sport across Waatea’s platforms.

#WaateaSports #NRL #NetballNZ #SuperRugby #Warriors #Mystics #MāoriSport #Hākinakina #AotearoaSport #RadioWaatea

The post #hakinakina: WEEKEND SPORTS WRAP: BIG WINS, BIG MOMENTS ACROSS WAATEA appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.