Waatea News: Māori Radio Station

Kei raro tonu a Hokianga i te kapua pōuri nā ngā kōhurutanga i te rohe i ngā marama tata nei.

E ai ki a Moko Tepania, uri nō Te Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe, kei te tautoko te kaunihera i ngā whānau me ngā pakihi ki te whakapai ake i te haumaru mā te whakahou ake i ngā kāmera mātaitai, ā, kei te karanga hoki ki te Kāwanatanga kia tuku āwhina hei whakapakari ake i te haumarutanga o te Hokianga whānui.

E whai ake nei ko te whānuitanga o āna kōrero.

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I te whiore o te wiki ka hipa, whakapūmautia te putanga tuatahi o te huaketo rewharewha manu ki Aotearoa, whai muri i te kitenga o tētahi manu i pangia ki te takutai o Petone i Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

E ai ki te Minita Whāomoomo, arā, ki a Tama Potaka, i tēnei wā nei e rua anake ngā manu kua pāngia, koia ko ngā raraunga a ngā āpiha o te Karauna. Heoi, kua tīmata kē ngā mahi wero i ngā manu ki ngā rongoā ārai i te mate rā.

E whai ake nei ko te whānuitanga o āna kōrero.

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A new generation of te reo Māori sports commentators is stepping up to the microphone through Tākaro Pāpāho, an initiative designed to strengthen Māori language broadcasting while inspiring tamariki and rangatahi to see sports media as a career where their language, culture and identity can flourish.

The programme brings together Te Mātāwai, Whakaata Māori, Sky, TVNZ and a range of industry partners, creating opportunities for young people to develop practical broadcasting skills while helping secure the future of Māori sports commentary across Aotearoa.

For programme leaders, the initiative is about much more than calling a game—it is about ensuring te reo Māori remains visible, vibrant and valued on some of the country’s biggest sporting stages.

Nevak Rogers says the vision behind Tākaro Pāpāho is to build a strong pipeline of fluent te reo Māori commentators capable of covering sport at every level, from grassroots competitions through to national and international events.

As demand continues to grow for Māori language sports coverage across television, digital platforms and radio, the programme is helping prepare the next generation with the confidence, technical skills and cultural knowledge needed to succeed in an evolving media landscape.

It also reinforces the importance of hearing sport through a Māori lens, where language, tikanga and storytelling enrich the viewing and listening experience.

The collaboration between Te Mātāwai, Whakaata Māori, Sky and TVNZ reflects a shared commitment to investing in Māori language broadcasting.

By combining expertise, resources and industry pathways, the programme provides participants with direct access to experienced broadcasters and production professionals while demonstrating that te reo Māori has a growing place across mainstream and Māori media.

The partnership also signals increasing recognition that bilingual broadcasting is becoming an important part of New Zealand’s sporting future.

A key focus of Tākaro Pāpāho has been giving tamariki and rangatahi practical experience in real broadcasting environments.

Participants have had opportunities to commentate sporting events, learn production techniques and receive mentoring from established professionals, building confidence both in public speaking and in using te reo Māori in fast-paced live environments.

Beyond technical skills, the programme encourages young people to see broadcasting as a career where they can proudly express their identity while contributing to the revitalisation of te reo Māori.

Looking ahead, organisers hope Tākaro Pāpāho will help normalise hearing fluent te reo Māori across all levels of sports broadcasting.

Success will be measured not only by the number of commentators entering the industry but also by the increasing presence of Māori language coverage across mainstream sport, digital platforms and community events.

The long-term ambition is to ensure future generations grow up hearing te reo Māori as a natural part of sporting life—whether following local competitions, national championships or international tournaments.

By investing in young broadcasters today, Tākaro Pāpāho is helping create a future where Māori language, culture and storytelling continue to thrive both on and off the field.

#TākaroPāpāho #TeReoMāori #WhakaataMāori #TeMātāwai #SkySport #TVNZ #MāoriBroadcasting #SportsCommentary #Rangatahi #Tamariki #ReoRevitalisation #MāoriMedia #Hākinakina #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

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Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson joined Radio Waatea to discuss the party’s newly announced energy policy, which aims to lower power bills, expand renewable energy and place greater control of electricity generation into the hands of communities.

The Greens say their policy is designed to reduce energy hardship while ensuring the transition to renewable energy delivers lasting benefits for households, iwi and local communities rather than large electricity companies.

A key feature of the policy is a proposed multi-million investment in community-owned renewable energy projects.

The interview explored how local ownership of electricity generation could transform regional communities by keeping profits within local economies, improving energy resilience and reducing household power costs.

The discussion will also consider whether community-owned energy projects could provide new opportunities for regional development, local employment and long-term economic sustainability.

Another major component of the policy is the installation of solar panels on more than half of New Zealand’s public housing stock within four years, alongside a multi-million investment in renewable energy for Māori housing.

Davidson will be asked why the Greens believe the transition to clean energy must also address social equity and energy affordability, particularly for low-income households, Māori communities and those experiencing energy hardship.

The conversation examined how renewable energy can reduce household living costs while improving housing resilience and wellbeing.

The Greens have described the policy as advancing rangatiratanga over energy, giving Māori communities greater control over how electricity is generated, stored and used.

The interview explored what energy sovereignty could mean in practical terms for iwi, hapū, marae and papakāinga, including opportunities for locally owned solar generation, battery storage and community energy networks that reduce reliance on large commercial electricity providers.

The discussion also considered how Māori leadership in renewable energy could contribute to economic development while supporting environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

The policy also includes the establishment of Kiwipower, a publicly owned electricity retailer intended to increase competition within the electricity market.

Davidson was asked how the Greens respond to concerns about the cost of expanding public investment in the energy sector and why they believe the long-term benefits—including lower household power bills, improved energy security and stronger community resilience—justify the investment.

The discussion looked at how public ownership could reshape New Zealand’s electricity market and provide greater certainty as demand for renewable energy continues to grow.

#MaramaDavidson #GreenParty #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #EnergySovereignty #Rangatiratanga #MāoriHousing #Papakāinga #CommunityEnergy #ClimateAction #PublicHealth #HealthEquity #Election2026 #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

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New Zealand’s response to the recent detection of H5 bird flu remains in full swing, with Biosecurity New Zealand continuing extensive surveillance despite no further confirmed cases and no evidence of widespread illness among wild birds.

Dr Mary van Andel, the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Chief Veterinary Officer, is leading the national response, overseeing surveillance, public reporting and efforts to protect both native wildlife and the country’s poultry industry.

Since the initial detection, Biosecurity New Zealand has reported no additional confirmed cases of H5 avian influenza and no signs of mass mortality among wild bird populations.

While officials say this is an encouraging development, surveillance remains at a heightened level as experts work to determine whether the virus was an isolated event or whether further cases could emerge through migratory birds or local wildlife.

The absence of widespread bird deaths suggests there is currently no evidence of extensive transmission within New Zealand’s wild bird populations, although authorities stress the situation continues to be monitored closely.

Biosecurity teams remain active across Wellington and the Wairarapa, where the initial response has been concentrated.

Field teams are carrying out inspections of wild bird populations, collecting samples from sick or dead birds, undertaking laboratory testing and working alongside wildlife experts, veterinarians and conservation agencies to monitor any changes in disease activity.

Officials are paying particular attention to unusual bird deaths, neurological symptoms in wild birds and any signs that the virus may be spreading to additional species or locations.

The poultry industry also remains under increased surveillance to ensure commercial flocks remain free of infection.

Biosecurity New Zealand says public reporting has been one of the most valuable tools in responding to the detection.

Members of the public are being encouraged to report sick, injured or dead wild birds, particularly where several birds are found together or where unusual behaviour is observed.

Authorities advise people not to handle sick or dead birds unless necessary and to follow biosecurity guidance when reporting suspected cases.

Prompt reporting allows veterinarians to investigate quickly, collect samples where appropriate and determine whether further action is required.

Although the current risk remains low, Biosecurity New Zealand says comprehensive plans are already in place should H5 bird flu be detected in poultry or spread more widely among wild birds.

Preparedness measures include ongoing surveillance, laboratory testing capacity, movement controls where required, disease tracing, close engagement with the poultry industry and coordination across multiple government agencies.

The response also includes contingency planning to minimise impacts on commercial poultry production, protect native bird species and reduce the risk of transmission between wildlife and domestic flocks.

For Māori, protecting indigenous bird species holds particular cultural significance. Many native birds are regarded as taonga species with deep whakapapa connections, making biosecurity an important part of wider kaitiakitanga responsibilities.

Officials say continued vigilance, strong public reporting and robust surveillance remain the best defence against any future spread of H5 avian influenza as New Zealand works to protect both its unique wildlife and food production systems.

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New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones has defended controversial comments made during the party’s election campaign launch, telling Radio Waatea’s Dale Husband that the widely reported “knee bending” remark represented only a single line in a much broader speech focused on New Zealand’s future.

The interview ranged across immigration, changing demographics, regional economic development, offshore energy exploration and the Bay of Plenty’s emerging aquaculture sector, highlighting the themes likely to define New Zealand First’s campaign heading into the 2026 General Election.

Jones rejected suggestions that the “knee bending” comment should define the party’s message, arguing it had been taken out of the broader context of his address.

The campaign launch focused heavily on nationalism, economic self-reliance, regional investment and immigration policy, while also reaffirming New Zealand First’s emphasis on national identity and sovereignty. The speech drew significant political attention following comments directed at migration and the Prime Minister’s visit to India.

During the interview, Dale Husband challenged Jones on whether such rhetoric risked overshadowing the party’s wider economic and regional development agenda.

Jones also reflected on New Zealand’s changing population, describing demographic change as one of the defining issues facing the country.

The discussion explored how migration continues to reshape communities and what New Zealand First believes is an appropriate balance between attracting skilled workers and maintaining social cohesion and national identity.

Husband questioned whether the party’s messaging resonated with communities experiencing rapid demographic change while also probing how Māori fit within that broader national conversation.

The interview also touched on the growing number of former Labour supporters and senior figures who have aligned themselves with New Zealand First during the current election cycle.

Among the most notable recent defections is former Labour Minister Rino Tirikatene, whose decision to stand with New Zealand First has fuelled debate about changing political loyalties within Māori politics.

Husband asked whether the party’s appeal was broadening beyond its traditional voter base as disillusionment grows among some voters seeking an alternative political home.

Energy policy formed another major part of the discussion.

Over the weekend, New Zealand First unveiled plans to campaign on a $1 billion National Subsurface Development Survey, aimed at mapping New Zealand’s offshore energy resources and expanding future oil and gas exploration. The party argues the proposal is central to improving energy security, strengthening economic resilience and supporting future export growth.

Jones defended renewed investment in petroleum exploration as a pragmatic response to New Zealand’s long-term energy needs, while acknowledging that the proposal has generated criticism from environmental groups concerned about climate change and fossil fuel development.

The conversation highlighted the contrasting visions emerging ahead of the election, with New Zealand First arguing domestic energy production remains essential for economic growth, while opponents advocate accelerating investment in renewable energy.

Despite the political debate, Jones returned repeatedly to regional development, particularly the economic opportunities emerging through aquaculture.

He pointed to the recent aquaculture settlement with Te Moana-a-Toi iwi, describing it as a transformational opportunity for the Bay of Plenty. The agreement provides for significant new aquaculture space and is intended to support Māori economic development, workforce growth and regional prosperity over the coming decade.

Jones said aquaculture has the potential to generate long-term employment, strengthen regional industries and expand Māori participation in one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing primary sectors.

The interview reflected the increasingly sharp contrasts emerging as political parties position themselves for the election campaign.

Immigration, energy security, regional investment and economic development remain central themes for New Zealand First, while debate continues over how those priorities intersect with climate policy, demographic change and New Zealand’s place in an increasingly interconnected world.

For voters, the conversation underscored the broader questions likely to dominate the months ahead: how to grow the economy, manage population change, develop regional New Zealand and balance prosperity with environmental responsibility.

#ShaneJones #DaleHusband #NZFirst #Election2026 #RegionalDevelopment #Aquaculture #BayOfPlenty #OilAndGas #EnergyPolicy #Migration #MāoriPolitics #RinoTirikatene #Economy #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

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Health Coalition Aotearoa is calling on political parties to put prevention at the centre of health policy, arguing that stronger action on tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food could save thousands of lives while reducing the growing strain on hospitals and primary healthcare.

The coalition’s Prevention Brief 2026 sets out a series of recommendations for the next Government, saying New Zealand’s health system will remain under pressure unless greater emphasis is placed on preventing disease rather than treating illness after it occurs.

The briefing argues that many of the country’s biggest health challenges—including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, respiratory illness and obesity—are largely preventable through stronger public health measures and healthier environments.

Among its key recommendations are stronger tobacco control policies, tighter regulation of alcohol marketing and availability, restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, improved nutrition standards, expanded investment in physical activity initiatives and greater support for community-based prevention programmes. The coalition also calls for health considerations to be embedded across all areas of government decision-making, recognising that housing, transport, education and employment all influence health outcomes.

The report highlights several public health initiatives that have either been reversed or placed on hold in recent years. These include the repeal of world-leading smokefree legislation, changes to tobacco control measures and delays to a range of prevention-focused policies aimed at reducing chronic disease. Health Coalition Aotearoa argues these decisions risk widening health inequities and slowing progress in reducing preventable illness, particularly among Māori and Pacific communities.

A major focus of the Prevention Brief is the influence of commercial interests on public policy. The coalition is urging greater transparency around lobbying and stronger safeguards to ensure health policy is developed independently of industries that profit from tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food products.

It argues that public health decisions should be guided by scientific evidence and long-term health outcomes rather than commercial interests, particularly where products are linked to significant levels of preventable disease.

The coalition says international evidence consistently shows that investment in prevention delivers substantial long-term benefits for both population health and healthcare spending. Reducing smoking rates, harmful alcohol consumption and obesity would lower demand for emergency departments, general practice, specialist services and hospital admissions while improving quality of life and increasing workforce participation.

For Māori, the report says prevention remains a critical equity issue. Māori continue to experience higher rates of many preventable illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers, contributing to persistent disparities in life expectancy and health outcomes. The coalition argues that prevention strategies designed in partnership with Māori and grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi offer the greatest opportunity to close those gaps.

With health expected to be a major issue in the lead-up to the General Election, the Prevention Brief 2026 challenges political leaders to place long-term public wellbeing ahead of short-term commercial interests and make prevention the foundation of New Zealand’s future health system.

#Health #PublicHealth #Prevention #HealthCoalitionAotearoa #Smokefree #AlcoholHarm #HealthyFood #MāoriHealth #HealthEquity #PrimaryCare #EmergencyDepartments #Election2026 #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

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Strong governance, environmental stewardship and long-term resilience are at the heart of the work being undertaken by the Tairāwhiti Whenua Charitable Trust, as it continues to support Māori landowners and farming businesses across the East Coast.

Chief Executive Hilton Collier says the Trust’s role extends well beyond helping farmers navigate seasonal challenges. Instead, it is focused on ensuring Māori-owned farming enterprises remain sustainable, profitable and resilient for generations of whenua owners yet to come.

Representing more than 143,000 beneficial owners connected to Māori land interests throughout Tairāwhiti, the Trust works alongside incorporations, ahu whenua trusts and other Māori farming entities to strengthen governance, improve commercial performance and encourage collaboration across the sector.

A key theme of the Trust’s work is long-term governance.

Rather than making decisions based solely on annual production cycles or short-term economic pressures, the organisation encourages governance models that balance today’s financial realities with the responsibility to protect and enhance whenua for future generations.

That approach recognises Māori land as both an economic asset and a cultural taonga, requiring decisions that support profitability while preserving whakapapa connections and intergenerational ownership.

Environmental stewardship is another cornerstone of the Trust’s work.

Across Tairāwhiti, farmers continue to face challenges including erosion, changing weather patterns and increasing pressure to improve environmental outcomes while maintaining productive farming operations.

The Trust promotes farming systems that integrate kaitiakitanga with commercial success, recognising that healthy waterways, resilient soils and sustainable land use are fundamental to the long-term viability of Māori farming businesses.

Rather than viewing environmental responsibility as separate from economic performance, the Trust sees both objectives as complementary and essential to enduring success.

Commercial resilience remains a major priority.

Many Māori farming enterprises manage large landholdings with multiple owners and complex governance arrangements. Building capability across governance boards, supporting investment decisions and strengthening business performance are all central to ensuring these assets continue to generate benefits for whānau and communities.

The Trust also places significant emphasis on succession planning and leadership development, recognising that future governors and farm managers will need the skills to navigate increasingly complex economic, environmental and regulatory environments.

The challenges facing Māori farming are not unique.

Climate resilience, workforce shortages, land use change and infrastructure pressures affect the wider rural sector throughout Tairāwhiti.

The Trust believes collaboration between Māori organisations, industry groups, government agencies, researchers and local communities will be essential to building a stronger and more resilient regional economy.

By sharing knowledge, investing in innovation and supporting collective solutions, Māori agribusinesses are increasingly positioning themselves as leaders in sustainable land management while contributing significantly to regional economic growth.

As Tairāwhiti continues to adapt to changing environmental and economic conditions, the Trust says strong governance, collaboration and a long-term commitment to kaitiakitanga will remain central to securing prosperous futures for both the whenua and the many thousands of Māori connected to it.

#Tairāwhiti #MāoriFarming #Whenua #Kaitiakitanga #MāoriEconomy #Agribusiness #Governance #Sustainability #ClimateResilience #WhenuaMāori #TeAoMāori #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

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Mā te aha e ū tonu ai ā tātau rangatahi ki ō rātou anō kāinga tupu?

E ai ki te Manukura o Te Hiku o te ika, e ai ki a Moko Tepania, e mōhio ana ā tātou rangatahi ki tā rātou e hiahia ana, ko te wāhi ki ngā pakeke ko te whakarongo ki a rātou.

E kī ana ia, ko te whakapapa ko te hononga a nga uri ki te whenua te kaitō i ngā rangatahi ki te kāinga, engari ki te kore he mahi, ki te kore he whare rānei ka kore rātou e tino tau ki te kāinga hai wāhi whakatupu i ō rātou ake whānau.

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E kī ana a NZEI Te Riu Roa kua mahue ngā kaiako e mahi ana i ngā akomanga ki waho i te Rōpū Tohutohu Mātanga mō ngā Paerewa Whakaako hou a te Kāwanatanga.

E ai ki te Perehitini o NZEI Te Riu Roa, a Ripeka Lessels, ki te kore ngā reo o ngā kaiako e noho ki te tēpu, ka kāpō ngā whakataunga i ngā paerewa whakaako me te kore mōhio ki ngā āhuatanga kei roto i ngā akomanga o tēnei wā.

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