Dr. Taku Parai from our local Iwi, Ngati Toa.
Maori Language Week, and a good moment to welcome Dr. Taku Parai from our local Iwi, Ngati Toa.
After an exchange of preliminaries between Dexter Traill and Dr. Parai in te reo Maori, Taku went on to describe his upbringing, the history of his Iwi, and what the future holds.
Taku comes from a large family centred on the Takapuwahia Marae. His father was a Maori All Black and went to great lengths to launch his sons into various trades.
Taku has had a varied career, first as an electrician and then as a historian, after enrolling at Victoria University. He was awarded a PhD in Norway, after studies involving the Sami indigenous people of Scandinavia.
Following growing unrest about Crown acquisition of Maori land, the Waitangi Tribunal was established in 1975. It was not until 2010 that Ngati Toa’s claim was settled. The settlement was seen as satisfactory by the Iwi, and it has enabled the development of a wide range of enterprises and services.
The Iwi is looking forward to major investments in housing, in collaboration with local and central government, and training and employment opportunities for young Maori.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
-
79% Yes
-
19.9% No
-
1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!
If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.