Waatea News: Māori Radio Station

A kaupapa Māori health initiative in Tairāwhiti is reshaping how oral health is understood and delivered, placing whakapapa, wellbeing, and whānau at the heart of care.

Dr Wiremu Reihana, leading the ONIHO35 kaupapa, says the focus goes far beyond teeth – restoring the mouth as a vital part of identity, nourishment, and voice. The approach centres te mana o te waha, recognising oral health as inseparable from overall hauora.

On the ground in Tairāwhiti, ONIHO35 operates with a whānau-first model, embedding care directly into communities rather than expecting people to navigate fragmented systems. Its day-to-day work spans prevention, treatment, education, and advocacy, all guided by mātauranga Māori and shaped by local hapū priorities.

This kaupapa Māori approach is defined by its emphasis on relationships, trust, and collective wellbeing. Services are designed alongside whānau, ensuring interventions are culturally grounded and responsive to real needs, rather than imposed through top-down systems.

The initiative is delivering a wide range of support, including oral health care, wider health assessments, and community-led education. Demand is growing rapidly, particularly in areas where access has historically been limited. Preventative care and early intervention are key focus areas, as many whānau continue to present with advanced and avoidable conditions.

From a frontline perspective, significant barriers remain. Cost, access, workforce shortages, and a lack of culturally appropriate services continue to limit equitable outcomes for Māori in the region. Many whānau face long wait times or go without care entirely, reinforcing cycles of poor health.

There are also systemic challenges, including fragmented services and funding models that do not reflect the realities of Māori communities. These gaps highlight a disconnect between policy settings and lived experience on the ground.

The work of ONIHO35 is contributing to a broader call for structural reform. There is growing recognition that improving outcomes will require more than incremental change — it will demand a system that redistributes power, resources, and decision-making to communities themselves.

Key priorities include expanding kaupapa Māori services, investing in workforce development within regions like Tairāwhiti, and embedding whānau and hapū leadership into the design and delivery of health systems.

As pressure builds across both general and oral health, initiatives like ONIHO35 are demonstrating what a community-led, culturally grounded model can achieve – and why many believe it offers a pathway toward more equitable health outcomes for Māori across Aotearoa.

#ONIHO35 #WiremuReihana #MāoriHealth #OralHealth #TeManaOTeWaha #Hauora #Tairāwhiti #WhānauFirst #HealthEquity #KaupapaMāori

The post #regional: Reclaiming the Waha: Tairāwhiti Initiative Puts Māori Oral Health Back at the Centre appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

A tērā wiki ka tū te Huinga Mana Wāhine Kaupapa Inquiry ki Otiria Marae i Te Taitokerau, he kaupapa hei whakamiramira i ngā pānga o te Karauna ki ngā wāhine Māori puta noa i te motu.

Ka tū a Huhana Lyndon, Mema Pāremata o te Pāti Kākāriki, hei kaiwhāngai

i ngā wheako o ngā wāhine e noho ana hei mema i ngā tari kaunihera me ngā tari kāwanatanga.

Kei te rīkoatatanga nei te whānuitanga o āna kōrero.

The post Huhana Lyndon | Mana Wāhine Kaupapa Inquiry ki Ōtiria marae. appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

Kua pā te mate kauri dieback ki tētahi o ngā ngahere kauri i Whangārei.

E ai ki te tohunga rongoā, kua roa nei e oke ana kia kauri ora o tātau rākau taketake o te wao e ai ki Tohe Ashby,  me tīni ngā wai i ngā teihana horoi.

E kī ana ia me whakamahi kē ngā rongoā taiao pērā i te mānuka me te tohorā hai ārai i ngā mate urutā e whakahingahinga nei i te kauri.

E tono ana ia kia whakamahia te wai mānuka i ngā teihana horoi, ā, kia tuku hoki i tana rōpū ki te mahi i te mahi rongoā i ngā rākau kua pāngia.

Ahakoa tana tono, e ai ki a ia kāore anō ia kia rongo kōrero mai i te kaunihera.

The post Tohe Ashby | Tukua mātou ko taku tira ki te whakaora anō i ngā kauri i pāngia! appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

A major push to restore the health and mauri of Tarawera Awa and Te Awa o Te Atua is now underway, with the chair of the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group urging communities to have their say on a long-term plan aimed at healing generations of environmental damage.

Leith Comer says the strategy sets out a vision to reverse decades of degradation across the catchment, focusing on improving water quality, restoring biodiversity, and reconnecting people to the awa. The plan is grounded in the idea of transforming generations of harm into generations of healing, acknowledging the historical impacts on both the environment and local iwi, while laying out a pathway for sustainable recovery.

At the centre of the strategy is a long-term framework designed to guide restoration efforts over the next decade and beyond. The approach brings together mātauranga Māori and scientific knowledge, aiming to ensure that practical actions on the ground are both culturally informed and environmentally effective. It prioritises coordinated efforts across agencies and communities, with clear goals and staged progress to rebuild the health of the river system.

Public submissions are seen as critical to shaping the final strategy. The group is seeking a wide range of perspectives, including local knowledge, lived experiences, and concerns about land use, water quality, and access. Feedback from whānau, landowners, and community groups will help refine priorities and ensure the plan reflects the realities of those most closely connected to the awa.

Partnership is a key focus, with iwi, local councils, industry, and residents all expected to play a role in delivering the strategy. In practice, that means shared decision-making, transparent communication, and a commitment to collective responsibility for the future of the catchment. Restoring the awa is not only about environmental repair, but also about strengthening cultural connections and ensuring the wellbeing of communities for generations to come.

Submissions are now open, marking an important step in what is being described as one of the most significant restoration efforts in the region’s history.

#TaraweraAwa #WaateaNews #MāoriHealth #Environment #Freshwater #Restoration #Aotearoa #Iwi #Whānau #Biodiversity #MātaurangaMāori

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Conservation and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka is under growing pressure across multiple fronts, from marine protection failures to cost of living concerns and the future of Māori education.

The deaths of 146 marine mammals within protected sanctuaries have sparked urgent questions about the effectiveness of current safeguards. The scale of the losses has raised concerns about enforcement, monitoring, and the resilience of biodiversity protections in areas specifically set aside for conservation. Attention is now turning to what immediate actions will be taken to prevent further deaths, and how upcoming biodiversity reforms will strengthen protections for vulnerable species and ecosystems.

At the same time, ANZAC Day has brought renewed focus on how Aotearoa supports its service personnel and veterans. Ensuring access to healthcare, housing, and long-term wellbeing support remains a key priority, alongside recognition of service and sacrifice. The challenge for Government is maintaining that commitment not just symbolically, but through sustained and practical support systems.

Economic pressures are also intensifying scrutiny, particularly as May Day highlights the realities facing low-paid workers. With the cost of living continuing to climb, concerns are growing about the widening gap between minimum wage levels and what is required for a basic standard of living. The issue is fuelling debate about wage policy, worker protections, and broader measures needed to ensure dignity and fairness in the workforce.

In education, the release of the documentary Tipene is drawing attention to the role of kura kaupapa Māori in shaping future generations. These schools are being recognised for their contribution to strengthening identity, language, and cultural grounding, while also supporting academic achievement. Their impact is increasingly seen as central to improving outcomes for Māori learners and advancing a more inclusive education system.

Across environment, social policy, and education, the issues confronting the Government reflect a broader challenge of balancing immediate responses with long-term reform, as expectations grow for meaningful action.

#TamaPotaka #WaateaNews #NZPolitics #MarineProtection #Biodiversity #ANZACDay #WorkersRights #CostOfLiving #KuraKaupapa #MāoriEducation

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A grassroots charity is making a powerful difference for whānau escaping domestic abuse, turning empty houses into warm, fully furnished homes where families can begin again.

Led by Kerryn Thrupp, Woven Earth has now furnished more than 1000 homes across Aotearoa, providing practical support at one of the most critical moments in a survivor’s journey – the transition to safety and independence.

What began as a small effort to help a handful of families has grown into a nationwide operation, driven by a simple but urgent need. Many survivors leave unsafe situations with little more than the clothes they are wearing, often moving into bare homes without the essentials needed to live with dignity. Woven Earth was established to bridge that gap, ensuring no whānau has to start over without the basics.

The process involves sourcing, storing, and delivering furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and household essentials, transforming empty properties into fully liveable spaces. For families, walking into a home that is already set up can be life-changing – offering not just physical comfort, but a sense of stability, care, and hope after trauma.

Demand for the service continues to grow, placing pressure on the organisation’s resources. Securing enough donations, managing logistics, and coordinating volunteers are ongoing challenges as the need outpaces supply. Sustaining the work requires strong community backing, as well as partnerships with organisations willing to contribute goods, funding, or time.

Support from the public remains crucial to keeping the kaupapa alive. Donations of quality household items, financial contributions, and volunteer support all play a role in helping Woven Earth reach more families in need. Each contribution directly impacts the ability to provide safe, welcoming homes for those rebuilding their lives.

As the organisation marks the milestone of 1000 homes furnished, the focus remains firmly on the future – ensuring every whānau leaving violence has access to a place they can truly call home.

#WovenEarth #WaateaNews #DomesticViolence #Whānau #Aotearoa #CommunitySupport #SafeHomes #CharityNZ #GiveBack #Hope

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A powerful new documentary is shining a light on the reopening of one of Aotearoa’s most influential Māori institutions, with Tīpene: A Legacy Reborn capturing a story of renewal, identity, and enduring legacy.

Produced by Kimiora Kaire-Melbourne, the film follows the return of St Stephen’s School, known as Tīpene, after a 25-year closure. The project was driven by a desire to tell a story deeply rooted in whakapapa and collective memory, and to document a moment that carries significant meaning for generations connected to the kura.

The documentary explores the long-standing legacy of Tīpene as a place that helped shape Māori leadership across decades. Through its history, the school has been associated with producing influential figures who have gone on to contribute across politics, education, and community leadership. The film highlights how that legacy continues to resonate, even after years of closure, through the strong connections maintained by former students and their whānau.

Capturing both the history and the emotional weight of the reopening presented unique challenges. The production required balancing archival storytelling with present-day narratives, while also reflecting the deep sense of loss, pride, and hope tied to the kura’s return. The reopening is portrayed not just as a physical restoration, but as a revival of identity, purpose, and cultural continuity.

At its core, Tīpene: A Legacy Reborn is a story about reconnection – to place, to people, and to shared history. The film aims to resonate strongly with former students and their whānau, many of whom have carried the legacy of the kura through generations. It also offers wider audiences a window into the significance of Māori-led education spaces and their role in shaping futures grounded in culture and community.

As the documentary reaches audiences during a time of renewed focus on Māori education, it stands as a reminder of the enduring strength of institutions built on whakapapa and the importance of preserving and revitalising them for the generations to come.

#Tīpene #LegacyReborn #WaateaNews #MāoriEducation #Whakapapa #Aotearoa #Documentary #Kura #MāoriLeadership #NZFilm

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Pressure is mounting on the New Zealand Government to take a stronger stance following the confirmed bulldozing of ANZAC graves in Gaza, with advocacy groups calling for clear and decisive action.

John Minto of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa says the issue has been raised repeatedly since the destruction was first confirmed, but the Government’s response to date has been viewed as limited and lacking urgency. The situation has sparked concern among those who believe New Zealand has a responsibility to uphold respect for its war dead, regardless of where they are buried.

The issue has drawn sharper focus as Australia has publicly condemned the destruction, raising questions about why New Zealand has yet to issue a similarly direct response. The absence of a strong statement has led to speculation about diplomatic sensitivities and the balancing of international relationships, but critics argue that respect for fallen soldiers should remain a clear and consistent principle.

There are growing calls for concrete steps, including a formal condemnation, diplomatic engagement with relevant authorities, and efforts to ensure the protection and restoration of the graves. Advocates say honouring those buried overseas requires more than symbolic recognition, particularly when sites of historical and cultural importance are at risk.

Beyond the graves themselves, the situation is also being linked to the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Calls are increasing for New Zealand to take a more active role in responding to the ongoing destruction and its impact on civilians, with expectations that the Government’s actions reflect both its international obligations and its stated values.

As the issue continues to gain attention, the Government is facing renewed scrutiny over how it responds – not only in defence of its history, but in relation to the wider crisis unfolding in the region.

#ANZAC #Gaza #WaateaNews #NZPolitics #JohnMinto #Palestine #HumanRights #Aotearoa #WarGraves #InternationalRelations

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Te Whanganui-a-Tara trio Shivers are making waves this NZ Music Month with the release of their new single Ready, a track grounded in healing, identity and resilience.

Represented by spokesperson Adrian Win, the group says the song reflects a deeply personal journey, particularly the path back to music for band member Timmy following a serious brain injury. The single carries themes of recovery and forward movement, capturing the determination to rebuild, reconnect and move ahead with purpose. It marks not just a creative milestone, but a statement of perseverance and growth.

Shivers’ sound is shaped by strong connections to whakapapa and identity, which underpin their entire creative process. From songwriting through to live performance, the group weaves lived experience and cultural grounding into their music, creating something that resonates beyond sound alone. Collaboration within the band is guided by shared values, with each member bringing their own story while staying anchored in collective kaupapa.

The trio are also part of a wider resurgence in Wellington’s roots and reggae-inspired scene. Influences from iconic acts such as Fat Freddy’s Drop, TrinityRoots and The Black Seeds can be heard in their sound, not only musically but in the way they approach storytelling and connection with audiences. That legacy continues to shape a new generation of artists who blend groove with meaning.

With Ready dropping during NZ Music Month, Shivers say their hope is that listeners across Aotearoa connect with both the message and the journey behind it. The band’s kaupapa centres on uplifting whānau, sharing stories of resilience, and creating music that speaks to healing and identity in a real and relatable way.

As their profile continues to grow, Shivers are positioning themselves as part of a new wave of artists carrying forward the rich legacy of Aotearoa’s roots music scene while adding their own voice and experience.

#Shivers #NZMusicMonth #WaateaNews #AotearoaMusic #RootsReggae #Whakapapa #MāoriMusic #WellingtonMusic #NewMusicNZ #Ready

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Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust has opened its gates to host a prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy field day, highlighting the strength and innovation of Māori horticulture while reinforcing a commitment to kaitiakitanga and long-term prosperity.

Chair Pita Tipene says the Trust’s journey into horticulture reflects a strategic evolution, transforming from its forestry roots into a significant player in high-value kiwifruit production. The move has created new opportunities for whānau, generating sustainable income while strengthening connections to whenua. The shift is seen as a way to future-proof the land, ensuring it continues to provide both economic and cultural returns for generations.

Hosting the Ahuwhenua Trophy field day is being viewed as a major milestone, signalling recognition of the Trust’s achievements and its leadership within the sector. The kaupapa of he whenua hua, he tangata ora sits at the centre of the vision, emphasising that healthy, productive land leads directly to the wellbeing of the people. The event has drawn growers, industry leaders, and communities together to share knowledge and celebrate success.

The Ahuwhenua Trophy remains one of the most respected awards in Māori agriculture and horticulture, recognising excellence, innovation, and strong governance. It provides a platform to showcase the diversity and capability of Māori landowners, while encouraging continued growth and development across the sector.

As demand for Māori-led horticulture increases, the Trust is focused on maintaining a careful balance between commercial expansion and its responsibilities as kaitiaki. This includes protecting environmental values, investing in sustainable practices, and ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of cultural integrity.

The field day has reinforced the growing influence of Māori in the horticulture space, with Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust positioning itself as a model for how economic success and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

#AhuwhenuaTrophy #NgātiHine #WaateaNews #MāoriHorticulture #Kaitiakitanga #Aotearoa #Whenua #Kiwifruit #MāoriEconomy #HeWhenuaHuaHeTangataOra

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