Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. 16 January 2012 A police investigation into the death of a Whanganui baby has been launched. This man's contract to clean-up Matakana Island has been terminated. In what language are Maori children being taught water safety? The Waka Ama National Sprint Champs begin this week. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. Police are investigating the death of an infant in Whanganui. A post mortem has concluded that Hinekawa had suffered a head injury. Jasmyn Pearson has this report. This woman from Whanganui is pained at the tragic loss of another baby. Geraldine Taurerewa is a cousin to the grandfather of the triplets. Last Thursday afternoon, the triplets were brought to Whanganui Hospital, not long after it was discovered that abuse had occurred. Then the police were called in. The police have investigated two houses. The triplets' father's house and the mothers house - who lives here on this street. The community is in shock and pained to hear of the tragic death. Don't be afraid to ask for help. At the centre of the community where the triplets lived is the Te Heeti creche where this lady has worked for nearly 30 years. It's not the first time she's seen or heard of abuse happening against young children. Hinekawa was buried yesterday here at the Ratana Pa cemetery. It is not yet known whether someone will be held accountable for her homicide. But for now the police investigation continues. Jasmyn Pearson, Te Karere. A commemoration ceremony will be held in Wellington's Courtney Place for the man known as the Blanket Man. Ben Hana (53) passed away yesterday in Wellington hospital. The Ngati Whatua man lived on the Wellington streets and never without his blanket. Despite being destitute and homeless, his hardship touched the hearts of many Wellington locals. There is no law in the world to protect the intellectual properties of Maori and of all indigenous culture, but perhaps by lobbying government the theft of Maori imagery and iconography will dissipate. People of the world all want a piece of the Maori cake. We're an exotic people in the eyes of foreigners, very marketable and a money-maker. It appears there are no international laws restricting the use of indigenous names and designs. This is a reoccurring issue. National and international companies have always used Maori branding for commercial purposes, but ultimately the solution rests with the government. This government never passed a law to protect these rights. Despite the hopes for the WAI262 report, it brought nothing. Despite the hopes for the WAI262 report, it brought nothing. However, a united Maori front brings hope. This can be changed by applying pressure. A new age is upon us as we use knowledge of the past as a pathway to the future. Anzac Pikia, Te Karere. After the break, in what language are Maori children being taught water safety? And day one of the Waka Ama National Sprint Champs at Karapiro. Just three weeks remain until Waitangi Day 2012. So what's being organised to celebrate this special day here in New Zealand? With me now is an elder of Te Tii Marae, Kingi Taurua. The following will not be subtitled due to the live nature of the interview. Go to our website after 7pm to watch this interview with subtitles. Kingi Taurua, thank you for speaking with us today. On Matakana Island locals are working hard to restore their coast, but another problem has emerged. A Maori organisation was contracted to lead the recovery project, but today that contract was cancelled. According to locals, incident response specialists Braemar Howells did not discuss the project with them, but the company says the heightened situation caused them to terminate of the contract. Irena Smith has this report. Peter Pokaia is going home. His services are no longer needed on Matakana Island. Just last Thursday, he was given a contract to site manage the clean-up project on Matakana Island. Braemar Howells says they contracted Peter to manage the project on the island, but now they have someone else to do it. However, Matakana locals say they never discussed it with them in the first place. Peter arrived on Matakana today to meet with Ngati Ranginui representatives, but they're sick of it all. Locals met with Braemar Howells last night to share their concerns about the delays in the clean-up. Braemar Howells says they don't want to rush things and make mistakes so the question is when will the people of Matakana Island have their island back the way it was? Irena Smith, Te Karere. The statistics for Maori male drowning are on the rise. The spike is being blamed on a lack of caution and attention to water safety. Te Hemara Rauhihi reports. Maori have been swimming in the sea and in rivers for ages. So why are statistics for Maori men drowning on the rise? Many older men find themselves in trouble when whilst diving for seafood due to inexperience. But this Maori youth says - You must learn to swim before diving for seafood. That's what Kiwa Ropitini aims to achieve so that he may go diving for seafood. But it's not the only thing affecting Maori men. This year, Maori males drowned in a number of different circumstances, from diving in choppy seas to swimming in rips. Water Safety NZ general manager Matt Calridge urges all to learn about water safety. It's said that Maori don't take swimming lessons due to the cost of classes. Te Hemara Rauhihi, Te Karere. The hopes of many are balanced on the shoulders of Turangawaewae's Waka Ama Club at the Waka Ama Nationals this week. Experts in the sport say Turangawaewae is a force to be reckoned with. King Tuheitia welcomed the waka ama crews to Karapiro. For the 23rd National Waka Ama Competition. 55 crews all up will battle for the ultimate prize. Turangawaewae for the Juniors. Even though they are relations, I see them practicing every day. But it's the Waikato club that clubs will have to be wary of. We look up to Horouta, we look up to Nga Toki. 2,500 paddlers will fight it out for a national placing and then again for the positions to go to the worlds in Calgary, Canada. Everyone wants a shot at the worlds so the numbers have increased, especially at the adult level. Tomorrow at 7am, the first race begins. Potaka Maipi, Te Karere. After the break, we have the weather. To the weather now. For weather see Teletext p103 or tvnz.co.nz. For weather see Teletext p103 or tvnz.co.nz. That's all we have for today. Turou Hawaiki. Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Copyright TVNZ Access Services 2011