A Polynesian newspaper for New Zealand

Mana (Auckland), 16 June 1977, Page 4

A Polynesian newspaper for New Zealand

New Zealand’s first fortnightly Polynesian language newspaper will begin publication in one month’s time. Starting from July 14, MANA will be published every two weeks with articles in Maori, English, Samoan, Tongan, Cook Island Maori and Niuean.

It will be sold for 20c and will be distributed through street sales, shops and subscriptions, as well as through church meetings and on the factory floor. 5000 copies of the paper will be printed for distribution throughout New Zealand. The paper will be financed through sales, advertising, subscriptions and donations. It is being run by an interim comihittee on a trial basis until a community-based structure can be established.

Its aim will be to reflect the lives and opinions of the Maori and Pacific Island communities in New Zealand, and to provide information and news in Polynesian languages about New Zealand and the cpuntries of the Pacific. Mana will be the first ever newspaper which is regularly published in English and Maori as well as Pacific Island languages. The interim editorial board reflects this multi-cultural flavour, with

membership from all the major Polynesian communities. The interim co-ordinating editor is Mr Joris de Bres, who until last month worked as a journalist on the Auckland City News. He will be working with five other editors: Ms Vapi Kupenga (Maorieditor), Mr Nelson Tupou (Tongan editor), Mr Wairaki Toevai (Samoan editor), Mr Aiao Kaulima (Niuean editor) and Mr Nihi Vini (Cook Island editor). The first issue of Mana is being distributed free throughout New Zealand, and the editors would like to hear suggestions from readers as to what they would like to see in the paper. Reports (in any Polynesian language or English), letters and subscriptions should be sent to Mana, PO Box 704, Auckland 1.