Waatea News: Māori Radio Station

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

The post 20 o Hurae 2026 Ngā Kawepūrongo a Waatea | 12pm appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

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

The post 20 o Hurae 2026 Ngā Kawepūrongo a Waatea | 11am appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

The future of Māori health has again been thrust into the political spotlight, with Te Pāti Māori President John Tamihere arguing the current health system continues to fail Māori despite decades of reform and billions of dollars in public spending.

Speaking with Radio Waatea’s Dale Husband, Tamihere said persistent inequities in health outcomes demonstrate that structural change is still needed if Māori are to receive equitable healthcare.

The discussion examined the gap between the resources flowing through New Zealand’s health system and the outcomes experienced by Māori communities. Tamihere questioned whether the current model is delivering value for money, pointing to the significant funding absorbed across the wider health sector while Māori continue to experience poorer health outcomes, shorter life expectancy and barriers to accessing timely care.

He also highlighted the work of Māori health providers, saying many continue to deliver high-quality, culturally responsive services despite operating with comparatively modest resources. Across the country, iwi and Māori organisations are providing primary healthcare, mental health services, addiction support, whānau wellbeing programmes and preventative care, often working closely with the communities they serve.

The conversation explored the role these providers play in improving trust and engagement with whānau, with Tamihere arguing they consistently demonstrate strong outcomes despite receiving only a fraction of the funding available to larger parts of the health system.

During the interview, Dale Husband also raised questions about the Opposition’s health policy heading into the General Election, noting that while Labour has spoken broadly about improving health outcomes, it has yet to outline a detailed Māori health policy or clearly articulate how it would address longstanding inequities affecting Māori.

The exchange reflected the growing focus on health as a key election issue, particularly following recent changes to the health system and ongoing debate over the future of Māori-led healthcare.

For many Māori communities, access to culturally appropriate services, investment in kaupapa Māori providers and improving health equity remain central concerns ahead of the election.

As political parties continue to develop and release policy in the lead-up to polling day, Māori health is expected to remain a significant area of debate, with voters looking for clear commitments on how future governments intend to improve outcomes for whānau and support the providers working on the frontline.

#JohnTamihere #MāoriHealth #HealthEquity #KaupapaMāori #Health #Election2026 #TePātiMāori #Labour #WhānauOra #MāoriProviders #TeAoMāori #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

The post #hauora: John Tamihere Calls for Māori-Led Health Reform as Election Debate Intensifies appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

Wildlife experts are urging New Zealanders to remain vigilant following the country’s first confirmed detection of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus in a wild seabird, warning that the greatest concern now is understanding how the disease could affect the country’s unique native wildlife.

Professor Brett Gartrell, Director of Massey University’s Wildbase Research Centre and one of New Zealand’s leading wildlife health experts, says the detection marks an important moment in the country’s biosecurity response and signals the need for continued monitoring of wild bird populations.

While overseas outbreaks have demonstrated the devastating impact H5N1 can have on seabirds and other wildlife, New Zealand’s endemic species present a unique challenge because little is known about how vulnerable many taonga species may be to the virus.

Researchers are particularly focused on understanding whether native birds, many of which are already under pressure from habitat loss and introduced predators, could face additional threats if the virus becomes established in wild populations.

The discovery has prompted increased surveillance by Biosecurity New Zealand, wildlife agencies and conservation groups, with monitoring taking place along coastlines and areas where seabirds congregate.

Members of the public are also being asked to play an important role in the national response. Anyone who comes across three or more sick or dead wild birds in the same location is encouraged to report the sighting immediately to Biosecurity New Zealand through the Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline rather than handling the birds themselves.

Wildlife experts say avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds is essential, both to reduce any potential risk of spreading the virus and to ensure trained personnel can safely investigate suspected cases.

The coming weeks and months are expected to be critical as scientists gather more information about whether the virus remains confined to isolated cases or spreads more widely among wild bird populations.

Authorities say continued surveillance, rapid reporting and close cooperation between researchers, conservation organisations, iwi, kaitiaki and government agencies will be key to protecting New Zealand’s internationally significant wildlife.

Although the current risk to the wider public remains low, experts say protecting the country’s native birdlife will require a coordinated national effort as officials continue to monitor the evolving situation.

#BirdFlu #H5N1 #BiosecurityNZ #Wildlife #Conservation #TaongaSpecies #MasseyUniversity #Wildbase #MPI #Kaitiaki #Aotearoa #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

The post #birdflu: Experts Warn Vigilance Is Critical After New Zealand’s First H5N1 Bird Flu Detection appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

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

The post 20 o Hurae 2026 Ngā Kawepūrongo a Waatea | 11am appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

The future of Indigenous languages takes centre stage in this week’s episode of Te Ao with Moana, as veteran broadcaster and journalist Moana Maniapoto travels to Ireland and Wales to explore how two Celtic nations are working to reclaim and revitalise their ancestral languages.

Tonights programme examines the striking parallels between the journeys of Te Reo Māori, Gaeilge (Irish) and Cymraeg (Welsh), highlighting both the shared experiences of colonisation and the different paths each language has taken towards recovery.

Moana also reflects with Dale on her own connection and longstanding connections with Ireland, adding a deeply personal dimension to the korero with Dale; as she explores the cultural ties that continue to resonate across Indigenous communities.

During filming, the Te Ao with Moana crew was hosted by New Zealand’s (now former) Ambassador to Ireland, Trevor Mallard.

The programme explores how both Irish and Welsh slanguage revitalisation, with the use of native languages discouraged or actively punished in schools and public life. Yet despite sharing similar histories, their modern revival stories have unfolded very differently.

Wales is widely regarded as one of the world’s great language revitalisation success stories. More than half a million people now use Welsh every day, supported by strong community movements, Welsh-medium education and legislation that protects the language in public life.

Rather than relying solely on government policy, much of Wales’ success has been driven by parents, schools and communities demanding that the language remain a living part of everyday life.

Ireland’s experience has been more complex.

Although Irish enjoys official language status and strong legislative support, daily use remains largely confined to rural Gaeltacht communities, with around 70,000 regular speakers. Historians point to the devastating impact of the Great Famine, which disproportionately affected Irish-speaking communities, dramatically reducing the language’s natural heartland.

Following independence, efforts to revive Irish centred heavily on compulsory education and public service requirements. While well intentioned, many believe that approach created resistance among generations of students who came to see the language as an obligation rather than a living part of their identity.

For Māori, the stories offer valuable lessons about language revitalisation.

The programme considers how community leadership, whānau participation, immersion education and normalising Indigenous languages in everyday life may ultimately prove more powerful than legislation alone.

As Te Reo Māori continues its own revitalisation journey through kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa Māori, Māori broadcasting and community initiatives, the experiences of Ireland and Wales provide both inspiration and important reminders that language recovery is measured not simply by policy, but by whether people choose to speak their language every day.

The episode reinforces that language is far more than a means of communication. It carries whakapapa, identity, culture and belonging, making its survival central to the future of Indigenous peoples around the world. Tune into the show tonight.

#TeAoWithMoana #MoanaManiapoto #TeReoMāori #LanguageRevitalisation #Cymraeg #Gaeilge #Māori #Whakapapa #IndigenousLanguages #Wales #Ireland #TeAoMāori #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

The post #culture: From Aotearoa to Ireland and Wales: Moana Explores the Fight to Keep Indigenous Languages Alive appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

One of New Zealand’s leading Māori demographers says understanding population change today will be critical to ensuring iwi, communities and governments are prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the decades ahead.

Professor Tahu Kukutai, from the University of Waikato, says demographic trends are about far more than population numbers. Fertility rates, life expectancy and migration patterns all shape the future demand for housing, education, healthcare, employment and social services.

Māori continue to make up one of Aotearoa’s youngest and fastest-growing population groups, creating significant opportunities for economic growth while also highlighting the need for long-term planning and investment.

As more rangatahi move through the education system and into the workforce over the coming decades, experts say sustained investment in quality education, affordable housing, healthcare and employment pathways will be essential to unlocking the full potential of the Māori population.

Professor Kukutai says demographic data provides iwi with powerful tools to make informed decisions about their future. Population projections can help guide investment in housing developments, workforce planning, kaumātua services, environmental management and community infrastructure, ensuring resources are directed where they will have the greatest long-term impact.

Many iwi are already using demographic information to strengthen strategic planning, helping anticipate future needs rather than responding only after pressures emerge. This approach is becoming increasingly important as Māori economic assets continue to grow and iwi take on larger roles in regional development.

The changing age profile of Māori communities also presents important considerations. While the Māori population remains comparatively young, the number of kaumātua is expected to increase significantly over coming decades, creating greater demand for culturally appropriate health services, aged care, housing and whānau support.

Experts say balancing investment across both younger and older generations will be essential if Māori communities are to thrive.

Demographic planning is also becoming increasingly important for central and local government. Population trends influence decisions around schools, transport networks, health facilities, infrastructure investment and employment initiatives. Failing to account for Māori population growth risks widening existing inequities and leaving services unable to meet future demand.

Professor Kukutai says demographic information should not simply be viewed as statistics but as a planning tool that empowers whānau, hapū and iwi to shape their own futures. By understanding where communities are growing, ageing and changing, Māori organisations can make more informed decisions that strengthen resilience, improve wellbeing and support future generations.

As Aotearoa’s population continues to evolve, demographic evidence is expected to play an increasingly important role in helping ensure investment keeps pace with the aspirations of Māori communities across the country.

#Māori #Demographics #TahuKukutai #UniversityOfWaikato #Iwi #Rangatahi #Kaumātua #Housing #Health #Education #Employment #FuturePlanning #TeAoMāori #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

The post #population: Planning for Tomorrow: Māori Demographics Hold the Key to Future Prosperity appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

Northland Regional Council has thrown its support behind a locally led proposal to establish a single unitary authority for Te Tai Tokerau, marking a significant step in what could become the biggest overhaul of local government in the region in decades.

The proposal aims to replace the existing multi-council structure with a single authority responsible for both regional and territorial council functions. If implemented, the changes would affect communities across the Far North, Whangārei and Kaipara districts, bringing decision-making and service delivery under one organisation.

Council Chair Pita Tipene says the proposal has been developed in response to growing concerns about duplication, rising costs, and the increasing complexity of delivering essential infrastructure and public services under the current governance arrangements.

Rather than pursuing immediate structural change, the Regional Council has endorsed a staged transition model. The approach is designed to allow councils, communities and stakeholders to work through governance, operational and legislative changes over time, reducing disruption while ensuring any new authority is built on a solid foundation.

Supporters of the proposal argue a phased approach would provide greater certainty for residents, staff and elected members while allowing opportunities to refine the new governance model before full implementation.

A key focus of the reform discussion is maintaining strong local representation. The proposal recognises that while a single authority could improve coordination and strategic planning across Northland, preserving community voices and local decision-making will be essential to maintaining public confidence.

The reforms also seek to strengthen Northland’s ability to advocate for investment from central government, coordinate regional economic development, and respond more effectively to challenges such as infrastructure, environmental management, housing and population growth.

The proposal remains community-led, with further engagement and consultation expected as work continues on the preferred governance model. Any move towards a unitary authority would require a formal process, including consideration by the Local Government Commission before any final decisions are made.

While significant work remains, supporters believe the reforms present an opportunity to build a more efficient, financially sustainable and strategically aligned local government system that reflects the long-term aspirations of Northland communities.

The coming years are expected to include further consultation, detailed planning and public discussion as Te Tai Tokerau considers how local government should evolve to meet the region’s future needs.

#Northland #TeTaiTokerau #LocalGovernment #UnitaryAuthority #RegionalCouncil #PitaTipene #Governance #Community #Infrastructure #Māori #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

The post #regional: Northland Backs Unitary Authority Plan to Reshape Local Government appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

More than ten kaupapa Māori and kura Māori from across Tāmaki Makaurau have come together for a unique event designed to inspire the next generation of sports broadcasters while celebrating the power of Te Reo Māori in the world of media.

The initiative gives tamariki the opportunity to experience sports broadcasting firsthand, demonstrating that fluency in Te Reo Māori can open doors to careers in journalism, commentary, media production and storytelling.

Hosted as part of an interactive programme, students are stepping behind the microphone to learn the skills of live sports broadcasting, interviewing and presenting, while exploring how Māori language and culture are becoming increasingly visible across New Zealand’s sporting landscape.

Radio Waatea broadcaster Dale Husband spent time speaking with the young participants, hearing their aspirations, enthusiasm and growing confidence as they discovered what it takes to bring sport to life through Te Reo Māori.

The event highlights the increasing demand for bilingual broadcasters who can connect with audiences in both Te Reo Māori and English, particularly as more sporting organisations embrace Māori language commentary and culturally authentic coverage.

Organisers say exposing rangatahi to careers in broadcasting is about much more than developing technical skills. It is also about strengthening identity, building confidence in Te Reo Māori, and showing young people that their language belongs in every arena—including the commentary box.

For many of the students attending, the experience provided their first opportunity to see broadcasting as a realistic career pathway, while reinforcing the value of speaking and celebrating Te Reo Māori every day.

The programme also reflects the growing momentum behind Māori-led media initiatives that continue to create opportunities for rangatahi to tell stories from their own perspective and ensure Māori voices remain visible across New Zealand’s media landscape.

As the day unfolded, the excitement and confidence shown by the tamariki offered a glimpse of the next generation of broadcasters, commentators and journalists who may one day lead sports coverage in Aotearoa through the lens of Te Ao Māori.

#TeReoMāori #KaupapaMāori #KuraKaupapa #SportsBroadcasting #Rangatahi #Tamariki #TāmakiMakaurau #MāoriMedia #Hākinakina #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews #TeAoMāori

The post #hakinakina: Tamariki Take Centre Stage as Te Reo Māori Broadcasting Inspires Future Sports Commentators appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa is calling for continued protections over mussel harvesting in Ōhiwa Harbour as one of Aotearoa’s most successful marine restoration projects enters its next phase.

The harbour, traditionally known as Te Kete o Tairongo, has long been recognised as an important food basket for local iwi and coastal communities. After years of decline in mussel populations, a sustained restoration effort has seen shellfish numbers recover dramatically, offering renewed hope for the harbour’s ecological and cultural future.

Customary Fisheries Officer Charles Bluett says maintaining the current harvesting restrictions is critical to ensuring the recovering mussel beds continue to strengthen before any consideration is given to reopening customary or recreational harvesting.

The recovery has been driven by years of collaborative work involving Ngāti Awa, scientists, government agencies and local communities. Restoration efforts have focused on rebuilding mussel populations while protecting the wider harbour ecosystem that supports a diverse range of marine life.

Central to the project has been the application of kaitiakitanga, with Māori environmental knowledge guiding long-term decisions about how the harbour should be managed and restored. The approach has balanced mātauranga Māori alongside scientific monitoring to measure ecological recovery and adapt management practices over time.

The project is increasingly being recognised as an example of how Indigenous knowledge and Western science can work together to restore degraded ecosystems. The lessons learned in Ōhiwa Harbour are expected to inform similar restoration initiatives elsewhere in Aotearoa, particularly in areas where shellfish populations have suffered significant declines.

For Ngāti Awa, the restoration extends well beyond rebuilding mussel beds. The harbour represents an enduring source of kai, identity, whakapapa and cultural connection, with healthy marine ecosystems viewed as essential to sustaining future generations.

The iwi says protecting the gains already achieved will require patience and continued stewardship, ensuring the harbour remains resilient in the face of environmental pressures including climate change, sedimentation and increasing human activity.

As discussions continue around extending the existing protections, Ngāti Awa hopes Ōhiwa Harbour will stand as a lasting example of what can be achieved when communities, iwi and scientists work together to restore taonga species and protect the health of the moana.

#NgātiAwa #ŌhiwaHarbour #Kaitiakitanga #MātaurangaMāori #CustomaryFisheries #Moana #Taonga #MarineConservation #Shellfish #Environment #TeAoMāori #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews

The post #regional: Ōhiwa Harbour Mussel Revival Signals Hope as Ngāti Awa Seeks Ongoing Protection appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.