Latest news with #TeAoMāori
RNZ News
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Mercia Dawn-Yates on Rotorua Matariki drone show
Thousands headed to the Rotorua lakefront to watch the Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival matariki drone show on 27 June 2024. Photo: LDR/ Laura Smith Kara and Mark have a kōrero with Mercia Dawn-Yates about Rotorua's Matariki drone show. As part of Matariki celebrations the aronui arts festival is putting on a drone light, the show in Rotorua it blends cutting-edge technology with te ao Māori storytelling, lighting up the night sky with a uniquely Rotorua vision of the Māori New Year. A respected figure associated with Māori performing arts and cultural advocacy, Dawn-Yates is renowned for her mahi in the spheres of community empowerment and indigenous storytelling.
The Spinoff
2 days ago
- General
- The Spinoff
Why Homo sapiens are Auckland Zoo's priority species
Auckland Zoo is involved in dozens of conservation projects, but one species is paramount – us. Naomii Seah visits the Zoo to find out why. On a mild winter's night, by the light of the full moon, a group of Auckland Zoo staff and mana whenua pick their way carefully through the thick native bush. Beneath their boots, the damp undergrowth gives off a rich, earthy aroma of rotting bark and leaf litter. Spying a marker tied to an ancient pōhutakawa, a member of the group pauses, and gingerly holds a clear container to the craggy bark. From it a brown, unassuming insect peeks out then scurries onto the trunk. It's about an inch long. While it's hard to imagine, this young wētāpunga will one day be as big as a mouse. These expeditions have been running for over a decade across eight pest-free islands in the Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Islands as part of Auckland Zoo's wētāpunga breed-and-release programme. It's just one of the Zoo's many conservation initiatives. As the Zoo sees it though, the most important creatures on this trip aren't just the hundreds of tiny wētāpunga about to be released – it's the people. Kevin Buley is the director of Auckland Zoo. 'The fundamental purpose of the Zoo is to reconnect people with the environment, with wildlife and with themselves – what it means to be human, and part of the environment, not apart from it,' he says. Since 2018, Kevin has led the Zoo through huge changes, both physically and philosophically, driven in part by the impacts of the pandemic. 'Covid was like the moment the scales dropped from our eyes, and we saw how the Zoo could fundamentally improve the wellbeing of people that visited us.' Dozens, if not hundreds of papers have now shown a connection between time spent in nature and improved wellbeing. But with increasing urbanisation – over 80% of New Zealanders now live in urban areas – the disconnect between communities and te taiao (the natural world) is only growing. As an organisation, the Zoo sees itself as a vital conduit between Auckland communities and the environment. This realisation, Kevin says, necessitated a significant change to the kaupapa of the Zoo. Namely, the Zoo wanted to reposition itself as distinctively of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and strengthen its relationship with Te Ao Māori. The Zoo has been working alongside iwi Māori to weave indigenous concepts through the zoo experience and into its wider programming. Incorporating Te Ao Māori is one way the Zoo hopes to continue building a more holistic approach to wildlife conservation. This holistic approach speaks to what Kevin sees as the ultimate purpose of a zoo – to help build a future where the classic 'just-in-time' sticking-plaster approach to conservation work is no longer required. What would that future look like though? As Kevin sees it, it's a future where we have successfully renegotiated our relationship with the natural environment and are living sustainably as part of it. It's a future where we no longer have to fight an endless battle against biodiversity loss and species extinction. Think, he says, of communities, corporates and governments all putting the health of te taiao first in their decision-making. 'If our ultimate goal is to help people tune back into nature, to have humans as a species living at one with the planet, then first we've got to support people's wellbeing. We can't ask people to recycle, to use sustainable palm oil, to eat sustainable fish if their day-to-day wellbeing is not in a great place,' says Kevin. The evolving role of zoos is something Dr. Sarah Thomas, head of conservation advocacy and engagement at Auckland Zoo, spends a lot of time thinking about. 'How do we change how we think about being a zoo to being a community-serving cultural organisation? Raising up and giving equal credit to the way we serve our communities is just as important as our conservation fieldwork.' Post-Covid, Sarah noticed how alienated communities felt from each other and the environment. In many ways, she says, we are still dealing with the impacts of Covid's social isolation and economic fallout. In this atmosphere, Sarah and the Zoo recognised the need to walk alongside the community. The team started a programme which gifted thousands of tickets to community groups. This removed the financial barrier and opened the Zoo up to them as a place for repair, recovery and respite. 'The passion that I have is [trying to understand] how we can serve our communities to feel good and function well, so we have a society that's thriving here in Aotearoa,' Sarah says. 'We know that there's a lot of lonely people in Auckland. All the stats are there to say people are struggling, whether that's post-Covid or just in the current environmental, societal state. So, for me, having the Zoo as te pā hono – a place of connection, is like a beacon of hope.' By looking after wellbeing, and addressing community needs, the team hopes to enable a greater, long-term change in how we take care of ourselves and our environment. Part of that means being an accessible gateway to wildlife and te taiao. Many people may never visit the African savannah, the Southeast Asian rainforest or even Auckland's predator-free offshore islands. But that shouldn't preclude communities from feeling connections to those places. In Te Ao Māori, the wētāpunga is known as the god of ugly things. It's a reputation that's contributed to the wētāpunga being maligned and overlooked. Just over a decade ago, the last remaining population was isolated to Te Hauturu-o-Toi (Little Barrier Island). Now though, through Auckland Zoo's programme, which was built on previous work by DOC and Butterfly Creek, wētāpunga populations have been established on eight additional islands. It's been so successful that Richard Gibson, Auckland Zoo's head of animal care and conservation, says the programme will wrap up soon. 'We're going to be ending the wētāpunga programme very soon because we've done it. We've transformed that animal's risk of extinction.' It's feat that's extremely rare in conservation circles, where efforts can go on for decades just to conserve a few precious individuals. But for Richard and the rest of the team at the Zoo, this remarkable success is only the beginning. 'What we've done for the wētāpunga is given them a fighting chance for the next 100 to 200 years, but that's nothing in evolutionary terms.' It's a hard reality that all conservationists must grapple with. Human intervention at the brink of extinction can only do so much. So how do we build a future where endangered species can reestablish themselves and truly thrive? 'One could argue that the true value of the wētāpunga breed and release programme is in its advocacy, education and awareness role,' says Richard. 'It doesn't matter how hard we try to save a species or a group of species, we're only able to do it in a very short timeframe. Their long-term persistence relies on us changing our relationship with the planet.' Currently, the world is grappling with its sixth mass extinction. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the current species extinction rate is estimated to be between 1,000 and 10,000 times higher than natural rates due to the impacts of human activity. Dozens of species are going extinct every day, and up to 50 percent of all species face extinction by 2050. In the face of this challenge, nothing less than a radical paradigm shift will make a real difference. Regardless, the ripple effects of the wētāpunga programme have been far reaching. Over the past decade, it has attracted media coverage from both national and international outlets like Al Jazeera. This coverage has helped raise the profile of the wētāpunga. Breed-and-release expeditions, meanwhile, have directly engaged the wider community, from children to iwi groups and volunteers. These missions have generated new appreciation for the wētāpunga and inspired future invertebrate champions. Long after these Zoo bred wētāpunga die and become part of the forest floor themselves, these messages will continue to resonate, says Richard. 'Auckland Zoo is all about conservation, yes, but we see Homo sapiens – our staff, visitors, volunteers and wider communities – as vital to the present and future health of this planet.' Kevin agrees and says: 'We sometimes hear people say that in a perfect world we wouldn't need zoos. But I disagree. In order for there to be a perfect world, we need good zoos that continue to nurture and support that human connection to nature, to wildlife and to each other.'
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Rotorua Non-Profit Recognised For Excellence In Māori Innovation And Shaping New Zealand's Digital Future
Wednesday, 18 June 2025, 7:37 am Press Release: Digital Natives Academy Members of Digital Natives Academy and M.A.T.C.H celebrate at the 2025 Matihiko Awards in Ōtautahi Christchurch.L–R: Te Ata Rikihana (M.A.T.C.H Project Lead), Te Mana Turner (DNA Rangatahi Representative), Nikolasa Biasiny-Tule (DNA Co-founder/CEO), (DNA Rangatahi Representative), Potaua Biasiny-Tule (DNA Co-founder) A Rotorua-based non-profit that's helping rangatahi re-engage with education and build real-world tech skills has been recognised on the national stage. Digital Natives Academy (DNA) received the Kaupapa Tōtara Award at the 2025 Matihiko Awards in Ōtautahi Christchurch. A prestigious honour celebrating long-term, kaupapa and community driven leadership in the digital and technology sectors. Founded in 2014, DNA was the first non-profit of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. It was created to empower rangatahi through culturally anchored tech training in coding, esports, game development, animation, 3D modelling, and digital storytelling, leading to further qualifications and pathways into high-value careers. "We've always believed that when you honour culture and meet young people where they're at, you unlock incredible potential, not just for them, but for their whānau, their communities, and our wider economy' said Nikolasa Biasiny-Tule, co-founder and CEO of DNA. 'When rangatahi are empowered to thrive, everyone benefits.' 'This award recognises over a decade of that vision in action, and the rangatahi who show up every day ready to learn, create and lead.' The Kaupapa Tōtara Award is one of the highest accolades in the Māori tech sector, recognising sustained impact and leadership over time. DNA's approach blends Te Ao Māori (Māori worldviews) with cutting-edge digital education to ensure rangatahi gain both confidence and credentials. 'Our mahi isn't just about teaching digital and creative tech. It's about strengthening identity, building confidence, forming friendships and creating futures. We see young people who felt invisible in mainstream systems light up when they realise they love learning. The skills they gain with us, confidence, motivation, trust all enable them to contribute back to their communities.' 'We're building more than a tech academy, we're building a movement. This win isn't just for DNA. It's for every rangatahi (young person) who feels that they don't belong in tech. We're showing them they absolutely do.' M.A.T.C.H (Māoriland Tech Creative Hub) based out of Otaki, took out the Kaupapa Tipu award which recognises emerging initiatives that demonstrate early-stage impact, innovation, and strong potential to influence the future of Māori participation in the digital and tech sectors. About Digital Natives Academy (DNA) Digital Natives Academy is a non-profit based in Rotorua that supports the community to thrive through culturally grounded exploration of digital and creative tech with a focus on digital wellbeing. Founded in 2014, DNA's vision is to inspire the next generation of digital leaders. About Native Tech Native Tech is the accredited education arm of DNA, delivering NZQA-approved programmes in digital and creative tech. Based in Rotorua, Native Tech blends Te Whare Tapa Wha with hands-on training in coding, content creation, AI, cybersecurity, robotics, game design, internet infrastructure and data governance. Its vision is to illuminate meaningful education-to-employment pathways, while building a future-ready, highly skilled regional tech workforce. © Scoop Media
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
What you need to know about the Matariki holiday
Matariki celebrates the Māori New Year and is a time for people to gather, honour the dead, celebrate the present and make plans for the future. This year, the public holiday falls on Friday, June 20. It became an official public holiday only in 2022, but it's already become one of our most meaningful days and the first holiday to recognise Te Ao Māori. It was the first new public holiday since Waitangi Day became a public holiday in 1974. The date of Matariki changes from year to year, but it will always fall in June or July. There will be plenty of Matariki events throughout Friday and the weekend, and RNZ will be featuring coverage throughout. Do I have to work? It's a non-working day just like any other public holiday - which means if you are asked to work on the day (as regularly rostered), you're entitled to time-and-a-half pay and an alternative day off. What's open? Trading restrictions don't apply to Matariki in the way they do on Easter holidays, Christmas or the first half of Anzac Day. Shops, restaurants, cafes and other businesses can be open as usual, but they can close if they wish - so it pays to check opening hours beforehand. Will there be surcharges? Hospitality businesses can add a 15 percent surcharge to their services to cover the costs of paying employees time and a-half. If a business does charge a surcharge, they must have clear signage communicating this to the customer. Customers can complain to the Commerce Commission if they feel they have been misled about surcharges. What is Matariki all about? Matariki is the name of a star cluster in the constellation of Taurus, commonly known as Pleiades. In mid-winter, the stars rise and herald in Te Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori New Year. The word 'Matariki' is an abbreviation of 'Ngā mata o te ariki o Tāwhirimātea' or 'the eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea'. Matariki was taken as a wife by Rehua and she gave birth to eight children, each star having a unique purpose and defined role in Te Ao Māori. Traditionally falling at the end of the harvest, the cluster's rise marked a time of abundant food and feasting. Today, people across Aotearoa gather to celebrate the day with plenty of kai, stargazing, and community gathering. Why does the holiday date change each year? Matariki public holiday is observed on different dates each year. This is because Māori follow an environmental calendar system that considers the sun, the moon, various stars, and other ecological indicators to determine time. The Matariki public holiday dates fall on the closest Friday to the Tangaroa lunar period during the lunar month of Pipiri. Tangaroa is not a single phase of the moon but rather the last quarter period of the lunar calendar. Because of this, the dates to celebrate Matariki will differ from year to year. Future public holiday dates In 2022, the Matariki Advisory Committee set out the Matariki public holiday dates for the next 30 years. 2025 - 20 June 2026 - 10 July 2027 - 25 June 2028 - 14 July 2029 - 6 July 2030 - 21 June 2031- 11 July 2032 - 2 July 2033 - 24 June 2034 - 7 July 2035 - 29 June 2036 - 18 July 2037 - 10 July 2038 - 25 June 2039 - 15 July 2040 - 6 July 2041 - 19 July 2042 - 11 July 2043 - 3 July 2044 - 24 June 2045 - 7 July 2046 - 29 June 2047 - 19 July 2048 - 3 July 2049 - 25 June 2050 - 15 July 2051 - 30 June 2052 - 21 June
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Matariki public holiday: What you need to know
Matariki celebrates the Māori New Year and is a time for people to gather, honour the dead, celebrate the present and make plans for the future. This year, the public holiday falls on Friday, June 20. It became an official public holiday only in 2022, but it's already become one of our most meaningful days and the first holiday to recognise Te Ao Māori. It was the first new public holiday since Waitangi Day became a public holiday in 1974. The date of Matariki changes from year to year, but it will always fall in June or July. There will be plenty of Matariki events throughout Friday and the weekend, and RNZ will be featuring coverage throughout. Do I have to work? It's a non-working day just like any other public holiday - which means if you are asked to work on the day (as regularly rostered), you're entitled to time-and-a-half pay and an alternative day off. What's open? Trading restrictions don't apply to Matariki in the way they do on Easter holidays, Christmas or the first half of Anzac Day. Shops, restaurants, cafes and other businesses can be open as usual, but they can close if they wish - so it pays to check opening hours beforehand. Will there be surcharges? Hospitality businesses can add a 15 percent surcharge to their services to cover the costs of paying employees time and a-half. If a business does charge a surcharge, they must have clear signage communicating this to the customer. Customers can complain to the Commerce Commission if they feel they have been misled about surcharges. What is Matariki all about? Matariki is the name of a star cluster in the constellation of Taurus, commonly known as Pleiades. In mid-winter, the stars rise and herald in Te Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori New Year. The word 'Matariki' is an abbreviation of 'Ngā mata o te ariki o Tāwhirimātea' or 'the eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea'. Matariki was taken as a wife by Rehua and she gave birth to eight children, each star having a unique purpose and defined role in Te Ao Māori. Traditionally falling at the end of the harvest, the cluster's rise marked a time of abundant food and feasting. Today, people across Aotearoa gather to celebrate the day with plenty of kai, stargazing, and community gathering. Why does the holiday date change each year? Matariki public holiday is observed on different dates each year. This is because Māori follow an environmental calendar system that considers the sun, the moon, various stars, and other ecological indicators to determine time. The Matariki public holiday dates fall on the closest Friday to the Tangaroa lunar period during the lunar month of Pipiri. Tangaroa is not a single phase of the moon but rather the last quarter period of the lunar calendar. Because of this, the dates to celebrate Matariki will differ from year to year. Future public holiday dates In 2022, the Matariki Advisory Committee set out the Matariki public holiday dates for the next 30 years. 2025 - 20 June 2026 - 10 July 2027 - 25 June 2028 - 14 July 2029 - 6 July 2030 - 21 June 2031- 11 July 2032 - 2 July 2033 - 24 June 2034 - 7 July 2035 - 29 June 2036 - 18 July 2037 - 10 July 2038 - 25 June 2039 - 15 July 2040 - 6 July 2041 - 19 July 2042 - 11 July 2043 - 3 July 2044 - 24 June 2045 - 7 July 2046 - 29 June 2047 - 19 July 2048 - 3 July 2049 - 25 June 2050 - 15 July 2051 - 30 June 2052 - 21 June
