Flaxroot News

Mana (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 4, 18 August 1977, Page 5

Flaxroot News

A successful rock concert was held last week in Wellington to raise funds for Bastion Point. A considerable sum was raised. Mark Williams and other artists kindly donated their talents to an appreciative audience. Kia ora mai koutou katoa! It has been agreed that the Radio NZ Maori News Department will be enlarged. Both office and staff will be increased, because the service is to be extended for Pacific Island and Maori people. The Maori Section will be larger as it is serving more people. The enlarged Dept, will be moved to Auckland. Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Team won 28-10 when they played against East Coast last week. The match was played at Whakarua Park, Ruatoria. Georgina Kirby, secretary of the Maori Artists and Writers, has returned from Papua-New Guinea. The Queen Elizabeth 11 Arts Council sent her to study the way of life of these people. Fred Ellis of Ponsonby, is organising a group to gather together, once a fortnight, the elderly folk of Auckland who are living on their own. A meal will be served at the gatherings and an opportunity to meet and talk with others. Anyone interested ring 760-874 or write or call at 7 Prosford Street, Ponsonby. The Minister of Maori Affairs, Mr Duncan Mclntyre has approved the setting up of Incorporation of Maori Lands in Nelson. The Maori Land Court will be calling-a meeting of the 4,000 owners to set up a Board of Trustees so that the 1,400 hechares of which 700 is at present leased, can be used profitably for the owners. Mangere College recently held a school concert where several cultural groups performed items. The highlight of the evening was “Shame” a light hearted view of the College Staff. Organisers were delighted to see so many parents attending the concert. The Health Dept is worried because children are not being vaccinated. All parents are asked to check with their family doctors to find out if their children have had all their vaccinations. If children are vaccinated early in childhood, they do not get so ill. A reception was held recently at Ponsonby Community Centre in honour of Mrs Helen Kesha. Her family entertained the guests and she was presented the Silver Jubilee Medal. The Auckland District Maori Council has referred an article by journalist Robert Gilmore published in Australia, to the Race Relations Conciliator in Auckland. The people of Te Whaiora Marae are continuing to furnish their meeting house. Anyone interested in helping or learning kowhaiwhai, contact Mr Wi Grace 14A Otara Road, Tukutuku — Mon to Wed 10am3pm. Ring 46554 Otara. A conference was organised by the Youth Advisory Council of the Labour Party at Te Tira Hou Marae, last weekend. Topics discussed ranged from Maori Land to Pacific Island immigrants. A guest speaker of particular interest was Father Lini from the New Hebrides.