Sunday, 23 August 2009

23 Here-turi Kōka (August) 2009

"Hei toi whakairo, Hei Mana Tangata"
Even in excellence we as people must be dignified

Which flag best represents Māori and when should it be flown? That was the main question put forward to those attending the 21 hui held throughout the country to discuss the issue over the last three months. As the hui concluded last week, we feature coverage of the event at Taputerang Maraea in Wellington. Speakers include Hone Harawira, Takawai Murphy, and Kahuwaero Katene.

Spencer Lilley (Māori Librarian at Massey University's Turitea Library in Palmerston North) organised the Nga Kupu Ora book awards. Although it was originally thought of as a way of supporting Māori Language Week, the idea of recognising the contribution made to New Zealand's literary heritage by Māori-focused books spread beyond that event. Māori staff of the library set up a system for online voting by the public across six categories: sports and recreation, architecture, history, art, biography and book of the decade (published between 2000 and 2009).

This week's whakataūki was provided by Spencer Lilley (No Te Atiawa).

Waiata featured: He Kanohi Ngawarifrom the EP Te Riu Papara by Tania Gilsman