Waatea News: Māori Radio Station

It’s been a packed weekend across Aotearoa, with major developments spanning the economy, cost of living, sport, culture and community.

Economic pressure building across Aotearoa
Warning signs are mounting for the New Zealand economy, with growing concern about slowing growth, rising costs and increasing pressure on households and businesses.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/22/economy-warning-signs-mount-as-new-zealand-economy-faces-growing-pressure/

That pressure is being felt at the checkout and the pump, with food prices continuing to rise and petrol costs surging again — adding further strain to whānau already struggling with the cost of living.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/21/national-food-prices-on-the-rise-again-as-global-tensions-begin-to-bite/
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/21/national-petrol-prices-rise-again-as-pressure-builds-on-whanau-and-businesses/

Global tensions are also feeding into local realities, with the Iran conflict raising questions about New Zealand’s role and the wider economic fallout, particularly around fuel and supply chains.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/21/tekaupapa-iran-war-raises-questions-over-new-zealands-role-and-priorities/
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/21/tekaupapa-fuel-war-and-the-rising-cost-of-living/

Social issues and policy in focus
Iwi leaders are calling for urgent action on child hardship and food insecurity, highlighting the ongoing struggle facing many Māori whānau.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/21/national-iwi-leaders-call-for-urgent-action-as-child-hardship-and-food-insecurity-persist/

At the same time, the Government has ordered a review of the Dog Control Act following rising attacks and growing public safety concerns.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/22/national-government-orders-review-of-dog-control-act-following-rising-attacks-and-safety-concerns/

Concerns are also being raised about proposed alcohol law changes and their potential to increase harm across communities.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/21/hauora-alcohol-law-changes-raise-concerns-over-growing-harm-in-everyday-life/

In health, Ngāti Kahungunu is moving toward establishing an independent iwi health authority, signalling a continued push for Māori-led solutions.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/21/hauora-ngati-kahungunu-moves-to-establish-independent-iwi-health-authority/

Education and opportunity for tauira
Scholarships and support for tauira featured strongly, with Sir Apirana Ngata scholarships continuing to back students across Aotearoa.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/22/regional-sir-apirana-scholarships-support-tauira-across-aotearoa/

Meanwhile, UCOL tauira are sharing in a $35,000 boost aimed at building careers in trades and construction — sectors critical to the country’s future.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/22/tauira-ucol-akonga-share-in-35000-scholarship-boost-for-trades-and-construction-careers/

Regional developments and community response
In Northland, aerial images have revealed the sheer scale of landslide recovery efforts following recent severe weather events.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/21/regional-aerial-images-reveal-massive-scale-of-northland-landslide-recovery/

A rāhui has also been placed over the Pouakai Range following a fatality, reflecting both safety concerns and cultural response.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/21/regional-rahui-placed-over-pouakai-range-following-fatality/

Culture and identity front and centre
Thousands gathered at Tūrangawaewae Marae for the annual regatta, delivering a strong show of unity, aroha and community support.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/21/culture-thousands-gather-at-turangawaewae-as-regatta-delivers-on-promise-of-aroha-and-support/

Polyfest continued to showcase the strength of rangatahi, with powerful performances and high-profile backing across day three of the event.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/21/culture-polyfest-day-3-delivers-powerful-performances-and-high-profile-support/

In the arts, Te Tiriti-based duo Aro have released a new concept album, blending music with kaupapa Māori storytelling.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/22/liestyle-te-tiriti-based-duo-aro-release-new-concept-album-tawauwau/

Sport delivers highs and heartbreak
It was a big weekend in hākinakina, with the Warriors delivering a dominant performance over the Knights as Barnett made his return.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/22/hakinakina-warriors-dominate-knights-in-emphatic-win-as-barnett-returns/

The Hurricanes ran riot over the Highlanders in Dunedin, while the Reds proved too strong for the Drua in Lautoka.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/22/hakinakina-hurricanes-run-riot-over-highlanders-in-dunedin-blowout/
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/22/hakinakina-reds-overpower-drua-in-lautoka-as-home-side-struggles-to-capitalise/

There was heartbreak for the Chiefs, stunned by a dramatic Brumbies comeback in Canberra.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/22/hakinakina-chiefs-stunned-as-brumbies-stage-dramatic-comeback-in-canberra/

On the cricket pitch, the Black Caps dominated South Africa to take the series lead, continuing strong international form.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/22/hakinakina-black-caps-dominate-south-africa-to-take-series-lead/

And in Super Rugby, the Blues have locked in rising forward talent Torian Barnes through to 2028, signalling investment in the future.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/21/hakinakina-blues-lock-in-rising-forward-talent-torian-barnes-through-2028/

Political and public debate continues
Debate continues around leadership and public life, with scrutiny intensifying over the balance between personal and political boundaries.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/21/tekaupapa-chris-hipkins-and-the-blurred-line-between-public-leadership-and-private-life/

Additional coverage across the weekend also included:
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/21/664961/
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/21/664915/

The bottom line
Across the Waatea network this weekend, a clear picture has emerged — economic pressure is rising, communities are responding with resilience, and across sport, culture and kaupapa Māori, there remains strong momentum and identity shaping the national conversation.

It has been a busy weekend across the Waatea News platforms with major developments spanning regional issues, global conflict, health warnings and economic updates. Here is your First@Five summary of the stories making headlines.

Environmental restoration in South Auckland received a boost with the launch of a new native plant nursery designed to support the recovery of the Papakura Stream and surrounding ecosystem.
Read more:
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/15/regional-new-native-plant-nursery-to-help-restore-papakura-stream/

In Franklin, a tragic incident has left a community grieving after a pedestrian died following a collision with a truck in Mauku.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/15/regional-pedestrian-dies-after-truck-collision-in-mauku/

In Northland, opposition continues to grow over a proposal to mine sand from the seabed in Bream Bay, with environmental concerns and community resistance building.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/15/regional-opposition-grows-to-proposed-sand-mining-project-in-bream-bay/

Public submissions have also opened on the Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana Treaty settlement legislation, giving the public an opportunity to engage with the settlement process.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/15/regional-public-submissions-open-on-ngati-ruapani-mai-waikaremoana-treaty-settlement-bill/

Elsewhere, funding progress has moved the rebuild of the Tukituki Tarewa swing bridge closer to reality, while work continues on regional infrastructure projects including the Taruheru River pathway.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/15/regional-funding-boost-moves-tukituki-tarewa-swing-bridge-rebuild-closer/
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/14/regional-major-milestone-reached-for-taruheru-river-pathway-project/

Porirua has also reaffirmed its focus on supporting tamariki and rangatahi through community initiatives and youth development programmes.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/14/regional-porirua-reaffirms-commitment-to-tamariki-and-rangatahi/

Health authorities have issued warnings in several regions after environmental hazards were detected. In Canterbury, shellfish have been deemed unsafe to gather due to the presence of biotoxins.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/15/hauora-regional-public-health-warning-issued-over-shellfish-in-canterbury/

Another warning has been issued in Port Levy after a toxin-producing algal bloom was discovered.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/15/hauora-health-warning-issued-after-toxic-algal-bloom-detected-at-port-levy/

Meanwhile, a previous algal bloom warning at Te Roto o Wairewa has now been lifted following improved water conditions.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/14/regional-health-warning-lifted-after-algal-bloom-at-te-roto-o-wairewa/

A separate report warns cuts to health IT systems could create increased risks for patient care if not managed carefully.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/15/hauora-report-warns-health-it-cuts-could-increase-risks-to-patient-care/

Health advocates are also raising concerns that Aotearoa is failing to properly track the growing number of long-COVID cases.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/14/hauora-advocates-warn-new-zealand-failing-to-track-long-covid-as-cases-rise/

In positive economic news, a record kiwifruit harvest is expected to create thousands of seasonal jobs across the Bay of Plenty and beyond.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/15/economy-record-kiwifruit-harvest-expected-to-create-thousands-of-seasonal-jobs/

Migration figures released over the weekend show New Zealand continuing to record a net population gain as arrivals and departures begin to stabilise.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/15/national-migration-numbers-show-net-gain-as-arrivals-and-departures-ease/

However, thousands of incorporated societies across the country are at risk of deregistration if they fail to re-register before the Easter deadline under new legislation.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/15/national-thousands-of-incorporated-societies-risk-deregistration-if-easter-deadline-missed/

A new international framework adopted by the United Nations aims to improve how disaster risk and impacts are measured worldwide.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/15/national-united-nations-adopts-global-framework-to-measure-disaster-risk-and-impacts/

Meanwhile, escalating conflict in the Middle East could soon push up the cost of travel in Aotearoa, with airlines warning that airfares may rise as fuel markets tighten.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/15/national-airfares-could-soar-as-iran-war-disrupts-global-fuel-supply/

International tensions remain high after North Korea launched a series of ballistic missiles during joint military drills by the United States and South Korea.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/15/global-north-korea-launches-ballistic-missiles-during-us-south-korea-military-drills/

The war involving Iran continues to intensify, with rising casualties and escalating financial costs as the conflict spreads across the region.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/15/global-rising-death-toll-and-soaring-costs-as-iran-war-intensifies/

The growing Middle East conflict is also affecting millions of children, with education disrupted for large numbers across the region.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/14/global-millions-of-children-face-disrupted-schooling-as-middle-east-conflict-escalates/

A special Waatea kōrero also featured the experience of an Iranian refugee describing life under the regime as tensions escalate.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/14/weekend-korero-iranian-refugee-shares-first-hand-account-of-life-under-regime-as-conflict-escalates/

Waatea’s Question of the Day sparked a nationwide conversation about whether scattering ashes in waterways should be restricted, drawing strong public engagement across platforms.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/14/weekend-kaupapa-waatea-question-of-the-day-sparks-national-debate-on-scattering-ashes-in-waterways/

In education news, unions say attacks on teachers reflect wider pressure facing workers across the sector.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/14/education-union-says-attacks-on-teachers-reflect-wider-pressure-on-workers/

New classroom resources have also been released to help schools deliver financial education to students across the country.
https://waateanews.com/2026/03/14/education-new-guides-help-schools-deliver-financial-education-in-classrooms/

That’s your First@Five — the key stories from across Waatea News over the weekend. Stay with Radio Waatea and waateanews.com for the latest updates throughout the day.

Radio Waatea can reveal that serious questions are emerging around the credibility, claims and conduct of Martel Wikeepa – also known online as “Shubz” – following his recent nationwide “Healing the Nation” hikoi. Do you know more? email Mataki Investigates @ [email protected] – this ia a four part investigation where we look at a range of claims from hits made by a major political party, claims over multi million dollar windfalls, firarms being pulled at Ratana Pa and more.

Wikeepa has spent recent weeks travelling across Aotearoa, positioning himself as a challenger to established Māori leadership and calling for financial transparency from others. At the same time, he has been actively fundraising and encouraging supporters to donate to his campaign.

But a series of unresolved issues now raises concerns about accountability and consistency.

Australian Legal Matters

Radio Waatea understands that Wikeepa is facing legal proceedings in Australia that have been adjourned pending his return to that jurisdiction.

Waatea has sought confirmation from Australian authorities regarding the status of those matters. As of publication, those proceedings remain unresolved and are matters before the court.

It is important to state that any charges have not been tested in a New Zealand court and no findings have been made here.

However, the existence of ongoing legal proceedings overseas sits uncomfortably alongside a public campaign framed around integrity and accountability.

The Ratana Firearm Claim

During Ratana celebrations earlier this year, Wikeepa publicly alleged that a firearm had been brandished at him.

Radio Waatea contacted New Zealand Police to confirm whether a complaint had been lodged.

Police advised that no formal complaint had been received in relation to the alleged incident.

That confirmation has fuelled online debate, with critics questioning why such a serious allegation was not reported to authorities, and supporters maintaining their trust in Wikeepa’s account.

Waatea has sought comment from Wikeepa regarding the discrepancy.

Fundraising and “Receipts”

Central to Wikeepa’s messaging has been a demand that Māori leaders provide “receipts” – proof that they are not misusing funds. The slogan later appeared on merchandise associated with his campaign.

Yet questions are now being asked about the governance and financial transparency of the “Healing the Nation” initiative itself.

Radio Waatea has requested clarification on:

The legal structure of the fundraising entity

Oversight and financial controls

Where and how donations are held

Whether accounts will be publicly reported

At the time of publication, those details have not been provided.

Financial Claims Under Scrutiny

Waatea has also been made aware of claims that Wikeepa told an individual in Australia that he was due a substantial financial settlement linked to inherited land interests.

Radio Waatea conducted a search of publicly accessible records via the Māori Land Court database.

No publicly recorded transaction or charge reflecting the scale of the amount referenced was located in that search.

Waatea has sought direct comment from Wikeepa to clarify the basis of those claims.

Platforming and Responsibility

Wikeepa has been platformed by media personalities including Duncan Garner via a podcast broadcast on the MediaWorks network.

The wider issue now extends beyond one individual.

When social media influencers mobilise large audiences, fundraise publicly, and make allegations against established leaders – what due diligence should platforms undertake before amplification?

A Question of Credibility

The “Healing the Nation” hikoi has tapped into genuine frustration among some whānau about accountability, leadership and economic fairness.

But movements built on demands for transparency must withstand scrutiny themselves.

Radio Waatea has put a series of questions to Mr Wikeepa and will publish his responses in full should they be provided. The Question we posed (and were unanswered) were:

This is an evolving story. Waatea will continue to seek verified information and official documentation as part of its ongoing coverage. Three of the people that Mr Wikeepa has made allegations about – include several Maori leaders with ties to Radio Waatea as well as the Station GM – all of whom have rejected them.

Image: Martel Wikeepa and Corina Sheilds

Waitangi Day 2026 wasn’t just about pōwhiri, haka and shared celebration – it also brought us one of the most delightful visitors of the year: Bosco, the surfing dog, who charmed crowds and reminded everyone of the joy, aroha and pure fun that come with Aotearoa’s coastal culture.

Bosco, a spirited canine known for riding waves with confidence and grace, arrived at Waitangi wearing his signature smile and wagging tail, instantly drawing crowds at the waterfront. Families, rangatahi, kaumātua and visitors all paused during the day’s commemorations to share a moment with him – whether for a pat, a photo, or simply to watch him strut around with that unmistakable dog-gone swagger.

Bosco isn’t your average beach dog. He’s a celebrated surfer whose talents have made him a beloved figure both on the sand and online. At Waitangi, he didn’t just ride waves – he rode into the hearts of everyone he met.

His presence reminded people that moments of joy and connection are just as much a part of Waitangi Day as reflection and remembrance. In a year when so many came together to honour heritage, culture and community, Bosco offered a lighter, heart-warming dimension: reminding us of the simple happiness that comes from shared smiles, sunshine, and the rhythm of the moana.

Whether he was greeting whānau with a friendly “hello” or strutting around with his signature confidence, Bosco’s infectious energy united both locals and visitors from near and far.

If Bosco stole your heart at Waitangi, you can keep up with his waves, adventures and daily antics online. Follow him on Instagram at @boscospiratelife – where his seaside stories, surfing snapshots, and playful personality shine as brightly as the sun on a summer’s day.

Follow Bosco: https://www.instagram.com/boscospiratelife/

Radio Waatea celebrates the moments – big and small – that bring communities together. From cultural ceremonies to the pure joy of a surfing dog enjoying the moana, Bosco embodied the spirit of connection, love and shared laughter that made Waitangi Day 2026 truly unforgettable.

New Zealand Police say they were not aware of any reported threat involving a firearm near Rātana, following claims made on TikTok last night by social media personality Martel Wikeepa, who is also known online as “Shubz.”

In a video posted to TikTok, Wikeepa claimed his life had been threatened by an individual allegedly carrying a gun near the Rātana area. The video was shared widely on social media, prompting concern among viewers.

However, Police have confirmed they received no report of such an incident, and say they were not alerted to any firearms-related threat in the area at the time the claims were made:

“At this time, Police has not received a report relating to this. If you or anybody else is in immediate danger, please call 111.

Information can also be provided to Police via our 105 service either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz. To provide anonymous information, contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 1. 

One whanau member has told Waatea “this is just a lie for clicks, how dare he just rock up to oue celebration telling lies like this that harm the wairua of such a wonderful occassion”

Another whanau member, when shown the video said; “get out of town, we dont want this sort of crazy here”

Several Iwi leaders told Waatea that this is why people such as Wikeepa should be ignored with one saying “his whanau should come and get him for a korero … ”

Everyone Waatea spoke with indicated they were not aware of any such incident, and no disruption or emergency response was recorded.

Authorities are reminding the public that social media is not a substitute for emergency reporting, and that unverified claims can cause unnecessary fear – particularly in communities where safety and tikanga are paramount.

At this stage, there is no independent verification of the claims made in the TikTok video. Police say they encourage anyone who genuinely feels threatened to contact Police immediately via 111, or make a report through official channels.

Te Pāti Māori President John Tamihere says the party will respond to allegations made by former Vice-President and Toitū te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi “in our time and in our way.”

Speaking to Radio Waatea’s Dale Husband on Monday, Tamihere said the matter was “a separate family issue” and not a Te Tai Tokerau issue nor is it one for the wider movement.

“We purposely want to focus on our positives,” he said. “It’s not a Taitokerau issue, it’s a separate family issue, it’s a Kapa Kingi issue,  and we’re working through that.”

He said the party would not be drawn into public confrontation. “What we don’t do is what Pākehā parties do. What we don’t do is go to Pākehā media to have our kōrero,” he told Waatea. “We had an outstanding national executive hui in the weekend – across all our electorates, and I’m pleased to say we’re in a good space heading into Election 2026.”

Tamihere emphasised that Te Pāti Māori is a tikanga-based movement guided by ancestral wisdom. “There is a tikanga-based solution to every problem in the Māori world,” he said. “Our ancestral intelligence gives us the opportunity to work through issues in a way that doesn’t look for heads on platters – that’s Pākehātanga.”

Eru Kapa-Kingi resigned from Te Pāti Māori in March 2025 without raising concerns at the time, and that his later comments were his personal views only.

Tamihere says the party is united and forward-looking: “What matters is what our people believe, not what the white media says. We’re fully moving forward.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the outcome of the Māori ward referenda reflects “local democracy in action”.

Speaking at his post-Cabinet media stand-up on Monday, the Prime Minister congratulated communities that voted to keep their Māori wards but said those who chose to remove them were equally entitled to do so.

“For those areas that have wanted to positively affirm that they want to keep their Māori wards, fantastic. For those that have decided they don’t want to, our whole thing was it shouldn’t be mandated from Wellington. It should be a decision made by local communities,” Luxon said.

“Our view has been that’s a decision for local communities. That’s what we’ve always argued – localism and devolution. If they’ve made a decision to keep it, fantastic. If they’ve made a decision to remove it, that’s their call and their choice as well.”

The comments come after 42 councils held binding referenda on Māori wards during the 2025 local elections. Nationally, 52.25 percent of voters supported keeping Māori wards, while 48.34 percent voted to remove them. However, under the council-by-council system, 25 councils voted to abolish Māori wards and 17 chose to retain them; meaning Māori representation will be lost in many districts despite a national majority of support.

Turnout Remains a Worry

Luxon also expressed concern about low voter turnout, saying the health of local democracy depends on engaged voters and strong leadership from candidates.

“You’ve got to have candidates that have a compelling vision of what they want to do and get voters to come out and actually positively affirm that vision,” he said.

Nationwide, turnout in this year’s local elections averaged between 35 and 40 percent, with many councils reporting participation below half of those enrolled.

In Ōtorohanga, only 43 percent of eligible voters took part in the Māori ward poll, while South Taranaki recorded just 39.7 percent turnout. Both councils voted to remove Māori wards despite having established them for the first time in the previous term.

Luxon said improving civic participation would require communities to “step up” by fielding candidates with clear ideas for their cities and districts, and by voters valuing their right to vote.

“We’ve got to make sure we’ve got candidates that have got vision for where they want to take a city. We want empowered local government to get on with it — but we’ve also got responsibilities for voters to show up and vote.”

Māori Impact and Ongoing Review

Māori observers note that while the Prime Minister praised local decision-making, the council-by-council approach produced uneven outcomes, with Māori wards retained mainly in urban centres such as Wellington, Hamilton, Rotorua and Hutt City, but removed from much of regional and rural Aotearoa.

Luxon confirmed that Ministers Paul Goldsmith and Simeon Watts are working with Local Government New Zealand to review how future local elections are run, including whether the Electoral Commission should oversee them. He said improving consistency and accessibility would be part of that discussion.

“I’m very open to that,” Luxon said. “Those are conversations that have already started. I think we do need to look at the actual mechanism by which we run the elections and the involvement of the Electoral Commission.”

Key Figures

Councils holding referenda | 42 |

Councils voting to retain Māori wards | 17 |

Councils voting to remove Māori wards | 25 |

At a national level, more voters backed Māori wards than opposed them.

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says he hasn’t been briefed on reports that funding for flagship Māori news shows Te Karere and The Hui is being cut.

When approached by media at Parliament he said,“You seem to be more aware of these issues,  maybe you can come to my office and tell me about them.”

Te Māngai Pāho, the Crown’s Māori media funding agency, has yet to confirm its decisions but according to Stuff reports The Hui will lose its Te Māngai Pāho funding, while the future of Te Karere remains uncertain.

Potaka called the matter “operational” and said no cancellations had been confirmed.

While the Minister expressed fondness for Te Karere, he declined to confirm any job loss forecasts in the Māori media sector.

While Māori unemployment is rising and jobs for rangatahi are vanishing across hospitality, retail and construction, the government is shifting the cost burden from the state onto struggling parents.

Community groups say rangatahi Māori joblessness could hit 25% this year, yet the government is cutting access to Jobseeker Support for 18 and 19 year olds whose parents earn more than $65,000 combined.

Economist Susan St John from the Child Poverty Action Group told Dale Husband on Radio Waatea, the policy is not only reckless – it’s unexamined.

“It’s a very ill-conceived, ill-presented policy and there’s no impact analysis to show who it harms.”

Critics warn the changes will hit sole parents, whānau Māori, and youth already locked out of jobs, training, or housing especially in the regions.

The Prime Minister calls it “tough love.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says it’s time to ‘reset the culture’, and that starts with telling parents to support their adult children if they can’t find work.

But while national unemployment sits at 5.1%, the outlook for rangatahi Māori is far worse. Community providers estimate Māori youth unemployment is already in the high teens and could reach 25% by the end of 2025.

From November 2026, 18 and 19 year olds whose parents earn more than $65,000 combined will be cut off from Jobseeker Support.

Luxon says the goal isn’t to save money, but to get rangatahi working.

“Nobody owes you a living,” he told TVNZ. “We love our young people, but they need to take responsibility.”

About 4,300 young people will be impacted – mostly Māori and Pasifika rangatahi. The government says that’s a fair call. Critics say it’s anything but.