Rino Tirikatene: A proud moment when bill passed first reading.
Rino Tirikatene: A proud moment when bill passed first reading.
TE WIKI o te Reo Māori has been fantastic in Whanganui.
I have enjoyed seeing New Zealanders embrace te reo Māori, and encourage everyone to keep that momentum of learning and discovery building.
If you haven't already, download Spark's Kupu app. It can provide Māori translations for anything you photograph and puts this Government's beautiful goal of one million New Zealanders speaking te reo Māori by 2040 right in the palm of your hand.
I want to acknowledge Harry Docherty, who has retired after 32 years in the Ratana Pa fire brigade.
His 32 years is an amazing level of service to our community. He also trained the next generation of volunteers so leaves big shoes to fill.
I also want to tautoko the Whanganui Chronicle for adding the "h" to their masthead.
This move is long overdue, and I thank those at NZME and our community who have championed this change for their efforts in making common sense prevail.
Two of the Government's recent regional development opportunities are a natural fit for a Whanganui reconnecting to its cultural history.
Te Pūtake o Te Riri: Wars and Conflicts in Aotearoa New Zealand Fund offers a share of $4 million to local tours, events and landmarks that raise awareness of the stories that shaped our country, celebrating mātauranga through greater understanding.
Adrian Rurawhe
The Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund supports regional initiatives that bring people together to mark the signing of Te Tiriti, and make the day more accessible for the many whānau who can't make it to the Treaty grounds.
If you or someone you know has an initiative that could benefit from either of these fantastic funding options, please email tetaihauauru@parliament.govt.nz
As part of acknowledging Te Tiriti and our history, I am proud that my colleague in the Labour Māori caucus, Rino Tirikatene, had his bill to entrench the Māori seats pass its first reading.
This bill will fairly give our dedicated Māori voice in Parliament the same protections as the general seats currently enjoy. Now set for Māori Affairs select committee, I hope you will have your say on this issue when the opportunity for public submissions opens. Finally, it is exciting to see so many Morehu getting excited about the upcoming Te Waru o Noema centenary. I can't wait.
