The Labour Party reaffirmed its alliance with the Rātana church following a warm welcome onto Rātana Pā for the new Government. Large crowds gathered to hear Jacinda Ardern address, but locals wanted mostly to present her with the gift of the name “Te Waru” for her child. The Green Party and New Zealand First accompanied the Prime Minister as coalition partners. Bill English and the National Party also attended as the political year gets underway. Heta Gardiner reports live from Ratana Paa – Featuring speeches from Jacinda Ardern, Shane Jones, James Shaw, Peeni Henare, Winston Peters, Bill English.
The residents of Ratana, and visitors to the Pā , talk about their concerns and issues which they hope the new Government will pay attention to and take action on. Such issues as unemployment, poverty, housing and drugs are major concerns, but the people say changes may take time. Talisa Kupenga reports - Rutu Wilson (Māmā), Ricky Cribb (Kaiwhakangahau), Ngakiwa Haimona (Rangatahi), Kiritapu Allan (MP Reipa), Perenara Ririnui (Ngā Mōrehu ki Ratana).
An Education Review Office report on Hato Petera College expresses concern the quality of education being offered at the school. The report was given to Te Kāea after the Ministry of Education announced it would be dissolving the board of the struggling Māori boarding school. Raniera Harrison reports – Kelvin Davis (Miniti Take Mātauranga Māori), Chris Hipkins (Minita Take Mātauranga), Lex Hamill (Kaikōmihana, Te Tāhuhu o Mātauranga, Mai I Waikaremoana).
The TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) has been renamed and will be signed by 11 countries in Chile next month. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) has the potential to open export markets and create jobs and business opportunities for Aotearoa. This breakthrough comes 1 year after Donald Trump withdrew the United States of America from the deal. Canada’s opposition to aspects of the deal have been addressed according to the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
E Tū and First Union say employees of JNL wood processing in Gisborne are shocked at the company’s proposal to cut almost 100 jobs. The changes are proposed as the business looks to change its product line. The demand for Plywood has dropped and the company wants to focus on high value products, but nearly half its workforce face redundancy. Aroha Treacher reports – Norm Mauritsen (E Tū, Mai I Turunga), Robert Reid (First Union, Mai I Turunga).
ASB Polyfest has created a leadership event to empower and support students. This event has been developed following a series of fights and brawls around the time of last year’s Polyfest. The aim is to make a safe, secure and enjoyable event for all attendees. Te Kuru Dewes reports – Seiuli Terri-Leo-Mauu (Kaiwhakahaere, ASB Polyfest), Shanaya Irving (Akonga), Romeo Chugson (Kaitakawaenga Iwi Moutere ā-Rohe),
New Zealand Rugby League hope to teach players the importance of good nutrition. Players in the Under 16 and Under 18 teams will experience how a poor diet affects performance ahead of the Pacific Youth Cup. Matawhiti Nepe Pohatu (Kaitākaro, U18), Marrin Haggie (Kaiwhakapakari), Nigel Iro (Kāpene, U16),
The Black Ferns Sevens team for the Sydney leg of the HSBC Womens Sevens has been named. Sarah Goss will captain the side with Portia Woodman, Tyla Nathan-Wong, and Ruby Tui providing an experienced core. The side finished 5th in Dubai and are looking to improve on the result. Alan Bunting (Kaiako, Mamaku Takiwhitu).
The New Zealand Master Champion, Whetu Kelly-Flescher, hopes for success at the Auckland Strongman competition this weekend in order to qualify for the Arnold Strongman Classic. Eru Paranahi reports – Whetu Kelly-Flescher (Ngāpuhi)
95 Young adults are participating in the PM Youth Development Programme being run by the Ministry of Social Development. The programme is designed to help those who are facing hardship and need assistance to overcome barriers. Kawe Roes reports – Quincy Moka (Ngāpuhi), Taff Wikaira (Māngai, Te Manatū Whakahiato Taiohi).