When George Tamihana Nuku, a Maori chief with a full facial moko (as the elaborate skin art is known), was touring America two years ago, not everyone was shocked by his appearance. "Some people are just quite, 'Oh, there's another guy from San Francisco or somewhere like that,' " he told National Geographic News.

To the Maori, New Zealand's indigenous people, ta moko isn't a cutting- edge fashion statement -- it's an individual's genealogy, spirituality and curriculum vitae uniquely traced on his or her (but usually his) distinct contours. Deciding to undergo the arduous inking often involves obtaining permission from tribal authorities and ancestors beforehand, and living with integrity afterward.

After an absence of a century, kiwi have returned to Mt Maungatautari.

More than 200 people, including iwi representatives from Tainui and Tuwharetoa, joined a ceremony on the Waikato mountain on Saturday to welcome two kiwi pairs from Tongariro National Park.

The four flightless birds, Karuwai, Parure, Pukupuku and one still to be named, were raised at Rotorua's Rainbow Springs with the Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Operation Nest Egg.

It is hoped they will become the founding breeding stock on the mountain.

Novelist Patricia Grace has won the country's top fiction writing award just 12 days after being recognised as an "icon" of New Zealand art, music and literature.

Grace's novel Tu, a sweeping saga following the Maori battalion into war, was presented the Deutz Medal for Fiction or Poetry by Prime Minister Helen Clark at last night's prestigious Montana New Zealand Book Awards.

Auckland writer Douglas Lloyd Jenkins won the Montana Medal for Non Fiction for his book, At Home:A Century of New Zealand Design.

26 June 2005

North Island forestry company, Kokakotaea Forestry Corporation, wins top Maori business award

A forestry company, a building supplies business and a macadamia orchard all figure in this year's inaugural Maori business awards.

The top award for Overall Excellence in Business, was won by central North Island forestry company, Kokakotaea Forestry Corporation.

Although it was only founded three years ago, it is already on track to become the country's leading Maori forestry company by 2007.

Two out of six Francis Irwin Hunt Scholarship winners for 2005 are from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School.

Marama Emery (Waikato, Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Ruanui, Tuwharetoa), an acting student, and Natala Huaki Gwiazdzinski (Ngati Raukawa), an entertainment technology student, won the scholarships, which are awarded to Maori undergraduate students in the field of performing or cultural arts.

"Nearly 80 applications were received for the six scholarships and Toi Whakaari is immensely proud of our high achieving students," said Annie Ruth, Director of Toi Whakaari.

FREE PREVENTATIVE DIABETES SCREENING DAY
- FOR MAORI AND NON MAORI PARTNERS AND RELATIVES AGED 28 YEARS AND OVER

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER:
Professor David Simmons
Transport is available if needed

For more details contact:
Tuwharetoa Health Services Limited
TELEPHONE: 07 386 6587
FAX: 07 386 0558
EMAIL: reception@thsl.co.nz

Monday, 13 June 2005, 9:54 am
Press Release: Wairoa Maori Film Festival
PRESS RELEASE: SUNDAY JUNE 12 2005
WAIROA MAORI FILM FESTIVAL PRIZES

The Wairoa Maori Film Festival Awards Night was held on Saturday June 4 2005. This is the official press release summarising the results of the Festival Prize Ceremony:

(1) SPONSOR: FESTIVAL PATRONS

INDIGENOUS ENTRY:

Runners-Up:
• Raven Tales, Directors Chris Kientz & Simon James
• Estos Delores Somos, Director Roberto Olivares

Prize to:
• TE TOA ANIWANIWA, Director & Producer Robert Pouwhare

LONG DOCUMENTARY (AOTEAROA):

Nau Mai Haere Mai
Draft Strategic Plan Presentation

As a result of our workshops we are now able to present to whanau a draft marae strategic plan for your comment, amendment and approval.

All whanau are invited to participate.

For more information contact Hui Facilitator, Tina Porou at 0274 991 626 or Katerina Porou at 07 386 6822. Alternatively e-mail at t.porou@xtra.co.nz

Nau Mai Haere Mai
Draft Strategic Plan Presentation

As a result of our workshops we are now able to present to whanau a draft marae strategic plan for your comment, amendment and approval.

All whanau are invited to participate.

For more information contact Hui Facilitator, Tina Porou at 0274 991 626 or Katerina Porou at 07 386 6822. Alternatively e-mail at t.porou@xtra.co.nz

Nau Mai Haere Mai
Draft Strategic Plan Presentation

As a result of our workshops we are now able to present to whanau a draft marae strategic plan for your comment, amendment and approval.

All whanau are invited to participate.

For more information contact Hui Facilitator, Tina Porou at 0274 991 626 or Katerina Porou at 07 386 6822. Alternatively e-mail at t.porou@xtra.co.nz