Merepeka Raukawa-Tait is a columnist for the Rotorua Daily Post
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Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: If we want better government, we have to do our bit
OPINION: I used to think young people had no interest in voting - now I'm not so sure.
Opinion: Lifting name suppression means victims can emerge from shadows
Opinion: It takes extreme courage to take the lead so that others can follow.
Opinion: Tasering of elderly dementia patient appalling
Opinion: "A health issue should not be confused with aggressive, law-breaking behaviour."
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: No need to fear strong, Māori, women politicians
Opinion: Female Māori politicians are challenging some of the norms of Parliament.
Opinion: Working fulltime and studying? Why you should hang in there
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Whānau Ora students show why it's worth being committed.
Opinion: Time to consider a day to honour all who have served
'From the veterans I spoke to, not one objected to November 11 being named Veterans Day.'
Opinion: Civic leadership isn't about popularity, it's about relationships
Opinion: Rightly or wrongly, when we vote, we get the people we deserve.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: If people see the ugly face of family violence, they will demand change
Opinion: We need to mitigate the predicted increase in family violence incidences.
Opinion: Made redundant? Here's what to do instead of getting bitter
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait's advice for people losing their job.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Looting from red-stickered homes a despicable act
"Hard to believe anyone would try looting homes made uninhabitable by Cyclone Gabrielle"
Opinion: Alcohol free means alcohol free...even if you're VIP
OPINION: Merepeka Raukawa-Tait says there should be no exceptions.
Opinion: Misstep by health boss was not a sacking offence
OPINION: As with so many political appointments, these are rarely straightforward.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Te Matatini showcases huge commitment from all involved
OPINION: I saw Te Matatini showcasing the best kapa haka in the world.
Looks matter when it comes to shopfronts
OPINION: Merepeka Raukawa-Tait says the shopping experience starts at the shop entrance.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: How Waitangi Day is recognised has come a long way in New Zealand
OPINION: 'A prosperous society should not be at the expense of one Treaty partner'.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Which politicians impressed at Rātana
There was plenty of laughter and good advice for the politicians.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: High time we let young people take the lead
OPINION: We shouldn't dismiss young people so easily.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Kicking the habit of delaying holidays
OPINION: Breaks bring much-needed balance in a crowded life.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Look out for our police officers, they are family, friends and neighbours
Opinion: The public has a responsibility to make sure our behaviour doesn't endanger cops.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: My prediction for 2023
Opinion: While I don’t have a crystal ball, it is clear that 2023 will be a tough year.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Time to explore NZ with eyes wide open
OPINION: Our country has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Spare a thought for political partners
OPINION: Few other jobs where so much additional responsibility is picked up by a partner.
Opinion: Foster case of 'Moana' and the 'Smiths' unlikely to set a precedent
OPINION: We should not be surprised that love surfaced in this case.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Women's rugby is finally getting the attention it deserves
OPINION: I'm not surprised to see the positive public reception the games have received.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: I'm changing banks as a protest
OPINION: Banks are making big profits while families tighten their belts.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: When it comes to social services, it's results that count
OPINION: It's time to start measuring the impact of social investment.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: 100-year plan for Aotearoa should be on the table now
Opinion: 'This is as good as it gets' will not serve future generations well
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: talk to teens about drinking
OPINION: We must keep talking to our teenagers. Life does not deliver us a Plan B.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: No substitute for independent Children's Commissioner
OPINION: The idea to replace the Children's Commissioner with a board is backwards.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Depp and Heard show domestic violence hates sunlight
OPINION: Domestic violence takes root in the darkness and shadows.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Luxon should have gone further in condemning racism
OPINION: Luxon should call out the racists at every opportunity,
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Where have all the children gone?
OPINION: There's no quick fix, and parents are not failing.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Life's too short to let whingers and whiners dump their hatred on you
OPINION: Whingers and whiners should ditch the negativity.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: I'm about to lose my job but I'm not sorry to go
OPINION: Change should happen when it's needed most
Opinion: Simon Henry apology: Women no longer have a designated lane
OPINION: Misogyny, like racism is embedded in our customs and institutions.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: If you want people to react badly, keep them waiting in the cold
Opinion: Why is MSD treating people like cattle?
Opinion: Emotional and mental aftermath of Covid is taking its toll
OPINION: Strong relationships are an essential part of boosting wellbeing
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Police need to show they are on top of crime
OPINION: Tell us what crime-fighting police have in place.
Opinion: Not wanted or valued by Labour - I don't blame Louisa Wall for leaving politics
OPINION: MPs should be above jealousy and envy towards one of their own.
Opinion: Jane Campion's comment missed the mark
OPINION: There is no comparison between Campion's and the Williams sisters' battles.
'So wrong': How I think lending law changes turned into such a mess
OPINION: Missteps in Credit Contracts and Consumers Finance Act have consultant hallmarks.
Opinion: Crisis after crisis - and many families will not survive
MEREPEKA RAUKAWA-TAIT: Collective leadership is needed to sort the country's woes.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: The mess in Wellington can hardly be called a protest
Comment: Protesting is more than a big get together, more than a party.
Opinion: When Queen's reign ends, republic question will re-emerge
Is an overseas monarch still appropriate to New Zealand's evolving identity?
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Standing together in the face of Omicron
Opinion: No one is safe from COVID-19 until everyone is safe.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: British crime dramas and the artistry of building a case
'It's the hard slog, leg work that I admire.'
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Time for an honest conversation about retirement
OPINION: New Zealand must work to retain skilled older workers in crucial areas.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Lessons for NZ from Scandinavia
OPINION: New Zealand could learn a thing or two from Scandinavian countries
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Steve Chadwick's honour greatly deserved
OPINION: 'A good working relationship requires that level of trust.'
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Family time makes life worth living
Opinion: Family relationships give us the ability to bounce back after a tough year.
Comment: Luxon needs true-blue leadership, not a political makeover
OPINION: Time will tell if Christopher Luxon has what it takes to take on Jacinda Ardern
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Tenants' behaviour needs a code of conduct
Intensification in our towns and cities will change our residential settings.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Christmas won't be cancelled but it'll be different
OPINION: Home is really where I want to be this summer. I'll be staying put.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Euthanasia decision one of my hardest
OPINION: I had to be sure I had enough information to make a decision I could live with.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Homeless crisis among our biggest issues
OPINION: 'If housing is one of your biggest assets why neglect it?'
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Oranga Tamariki is 'dysfunctional'
OPINION: It's the responsibility of whānau, hapu and iwi to look after their own children.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Water reform presents opportunity for National
OPINION: Water reforms are a biggie and will only get bigger.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Moe mai ra Billy Apple, an extraordinary talent
OPINION: Billy's generous time raised many thousands of dollars for Women's Refuge.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: What marrying a native te reo Māori speaker taught me
OPINION: Theo explained that until 'I wanted' te reo I wouldn't be interested in learning.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Why haven't Terrorism Act changes been given urgency?
Opinion: Our legislation must help keep New Zealand citizens safe.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: NZ has benefitted from the courage of refugees
Opinion: Would that we could provide sanctuary again for frantic families seeking peace.
Opinion: Positive work culture not just 'nice to have' - it's essential
Opinion: Happy employees working within a positive workplace culture stick around.
Merepeka Raukawai-Tait: What Māori bring to the table
Opinion: There will be an explosion of Maori elected to local councils in the future.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Three Waters loomed large at LGNZ forum
OPINION: Overriding concern was accountability to local ratepayers would be removed
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Adults need to speak out against child abuse, before it's too late
OPINION: Parenting is not easy but little children must always come first.
Opinion: He Puapua is nothing to be afraid of
OPINION: When a country commits to a declaration, that's when the real work starts
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: NZ mental health problem - 'We can't afford to quit'
OPINION: "It's not easy knowing clearly what you think needs to be done."
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: I've started spending more time on the things I like doing
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait learns about putting herself first and has more time because of it.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Initial success of Kawerau's mills meant the river paid the price
OPINION: Today we know the downside to the operations of a paper mill.
Opinion: Leadership is being steadfast in the tough times
OPINION: No party needs the unnecessary distractions Judith Collins has had to stomach.
Opinion: Abusing service industry staff is not on
Let's not come out the other side of Covid meaner in attitude and human spirit.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Māori demand the same level of healthcare as Pākehā
If health is 'needs-based', why haven't Māori health needs been addressed yet?
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: The Green Parrot's winning formula
Keep it simple and customers will keep coming
Ministry of Children reviews long overdue
The occupation of Ihumaatao has also added another level of disquiet.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Noeline Taurua brought New Zealand back in from the desert
How do you go about turning a team around?
Opinion: NZ's infrastructure at 'crisis point'
The time is now to convince investors to invest in local infrastructure.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Māori can be trusted to look after their own
What we saw playing out in Hawke's Bay shows little has changed