posted 20 March 2003 11:25 AM         

The cover story in the 50th issue of Mana magazine has focused attention not just on Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu but on the role of the Kingitanga as well.
Te Ata has made a practice of keeping aloof from the media and continues to rebuff approaches from journalists. But she made an exception in the case of Mana and spoke in some detail with Derek Fox about her background, her introduction to her task of leading the Kingitanga, and her regret that the movement isn¹t more widely understood.
Jame Ritchie, a Waikato academic who¹s been an ally of Kingitanga, says he believes there¹s been some loss of influence by the Kingitanga since the death of Bob Mahuta. But he argues that the movement is still, if anything, growing in significance for Maori, even young Maori.
James says the original impetus for the Kingitanga was the need for Maori to find some way of protecting their autonomy and their land against the settler Government of the 19th century.
He says Kingitangi hui (especially the koroneihana) are among the important occasions when Maori discuss their issues away from the limelight of the media.

Gambling

Lorna Dyall has just had her latest research project published by the Child Poverty Action Group. It¹s called "Our children ­ the priority for policy".
And she¹s indicating that, where gambling is concerned, Maori are faring little better than they were when she did her first research 12 years ago.
She says Maori are still gambling more than non-Maori, are three times more likely to get into strife because of it, and a significant number are ending up in prison as a result of the habit.
Lorna says there¹s a serious need for research to show the cost to Maori society of gambling.

Te Mangai Paho

The chief executive of Te Mangai Paho, Trevor Moeke, has called for an external review over the next week of the procedures that led to the appointment of Tame Te Rangi to TMP, in view of Tame¹s past that includes a term in prison for fraud.
Trevor says the review will also take a look at Tame¹s relationship with Maori Sports Casting International, a company that has specialised in sports commentaries in Maori.
Tame played a dual role ­ negotiating the commentary contracts on behalf of TMP and then lending a hand with the commentaries.

Soldiering On

A couple of Pakeha on the East Coast (Duke Henry and Alan Brosnan) have just launched a book, "Soldiering On", about their SAS days. And because of their close ties with Ngati Porou there¹s a focus on the influence of those people too.