Māori & Pacific News: Kaipara Protests, Industry Impacts in Whangārei Explored in Research

TE HUIHUI O MATARIKI CHI HUY TRAN (HE/HIM)

TARANAKI TŪTURU, TE IWI O MARUWHARANUI, NGĀTI MANIAPOTO

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Kaipara Māori Ward Disestablishment Sparks Protests

OPINION: This government is fucked, tika! In a significant move, the Kaipara District Council has disestablished its Māori ward, and the community's reaction has been intense. Many people saw the Māori ward as a vital part of representing the local Māori population. In response, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua has stepped in, expressing their frustration and organising protests to voice their opposition. The council’s decision has stirred up a lot of emotions, showing just how important Māori representation is in local governance. This development is a big deal for the Kaipara community, as they work through what this change means for them. The protests and interventions highlight the ongoing fight for fair representation and how much the Māori ward mattered to tangata whenua.

Coastal Cannibals: Industry Occupation in Whangārei

Ngahuia Harrison’s research, "Coastal Cannibals: Industry Occupation on Whangārei Te Rerenga Parāoa," explores the impact of economic development on indigenous land rights. Completed as part of her Master’s degree at Elam School of Fine Arts and the James Henare Research Centre, Harrison (Ngātiwai, Ngāti Pukenga, Ngāpuhi) combines photography, video, fabric, sculpture, and a written thesis. Her work examines the outcomes and consequences of industrial activities in Whangārei Harbour, a historically significant gathering place for many rangatira and whales. By blending various artistic mediums, Harrison highlights the environmental and social repercussions of industrial development, emphasising the importance of collaborative and creative indigenous research methods. Her approach invites reflection on the balance between progress and preservation.