24 July 2012 Coming up on Te Karere... Can Maori trust.... that their rights and interests will be met by the Waitangi Tribunal or the government? Can technology like this help the promotion, use and survival of the Maori language? 'Call us all who have come here this afternoon.' I'm in Whangarei for the first day of performances of the Secondary Kapa Haka Nationals. Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. A ruling from the Waitangi Tribunal over water rights and asset sales is pending but can Maori trust that their rights and interests will be met by the Waitangi Tribunal or the government? Or is more court action likelihood? Tini Molyneux with this report. The High Court, Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and the government can't erase historical ties of the British system. These four entities were set up by the Queen of England and her monarchy to divide and conquer the people. The Pouakani claimants are concerned the government tried to utilise the same strategy to sell 49% of Mighty Rover Power's shares. The Supreme Court ruled if the river flowed through Pouakani land The Supreme Court ruled if the river flowed through Pouakani land they could section it of just like their land claims. Pouakani want the Supreme Court assed if they don t listen to the recommendations of the Tribunal. It's a problem because some want the tribunal to say they want it gone. Only time will tell whether or not the ruling lays with the Supreme Court or the Tribunal. For 30 years Pouakani have done the right thing the question now is will they have the mat pulled from under their feet. Tini Molyneux Te Karere Joining us from wellington to discuss the latest in politics is the Maori Party's Waiariki MP, Te Ururoa Flavell. Te Ururoa Flavell, thank you for joining us. We're unable to provide subtitles. Te Ururoa Flavell, thank you for joining us. Tariana Turia is pushing ahead with plans to introduce plain packaging for tobacco, despite threats of legal action from tobacco companies. The Associate Health Minister released a discussion document on plain packaging yesterday. Earlier today she re-iterated her case for the move. A petition carrying more than 100-thousand signatures opposing plans to expand the fossil fuels industry has been presented to parliament. Greenpeace launched the petition, calling for the plans to be scrapped. Energy Minister Phil Heatley admits some people have concerns about oil and gas exploration but the reality is it's been going on at Maui gas field for 50 years. Apps(application) for Smart phones and tablets in the Maori language have been launched by telecommunication companies to coincide with Maori language week. The technology includes Maori words, songs and even prayers. "E hika" an iPhone app for all. This is a tool that can be used by our youth - not only Maori youth, but every youth in NZ. In celebration of Maori Language Week, this smartphone app teaches components of the Maori language. Ashleigh Payne is one of the first 50,000 that downloaded the app for free. Who said the language is dying? This new technology will ensure the survival of the Maori language. Last year 2degrees released the first Maori language iPhone. Phone companies are reaching out to users by using the language. Potaka Maipi, Te Karere. After the break, we have teams from day one of the National Secondary School kapa haka competition in Whangaarei. To Whangarei now, we're at the Secondary Kapa Haka National Competitions. This is the first day of performances and following are the first groups who took to the stage this morning. The stars of Hokianga were first to take the stage and they were Nga Puna Waiora ki Taumarere ki Hokianga. and they were Nga Puna Waiora ki Taumarere ki Hokianga. The group's heart was pumping and we were going hard from start to finish. The saying goes, 'though it's small, it's a treasure'. These are the sweet voices of TKKM o Ngati Kahungunu ki Heretaunga. of TKKM o Ngati Kahungunu ki Heretaunga. I'm really tired but now I can eat whatever I want, and I don't have to go to bed early. From the Hawkes Bay to Auckland, we have TKKM a Rohe o Mangere. They're challenging the MP of the region Hone Harawira. I think it went well, specially considering how short our practice time was. It was good. From the big smoke to the capital, this group is made up of Wainuiomata schools Te Tira Whakaau. It was awesome, the teachers really pushed us so it was good. Even though this is the first day, the standard of the performances was excellent. Rapaera Tawhai, Te Karere. Well what better time than Maori Language Week to look at the state of the language. Maori language commissioner Erima Henare spoke to us earlier. We're unable to provide subtitles. 'It's Wainuiomata High School...' This Maori radio station broadcasts in the Maori language and today they're crossing over live to the kapa haka competitions in Whangarei. This is the oldest Maori radio station in the country and its board has approved their trip to Washington DC. We're taking up the call to attend. The people there may find some value in what we do We're unable to provide subtitles. That was Erima Henare, Maori Language Commissioner. After the break, at 31 years old, Newscastle Knights player Timana Tahu shows at 31 years old, Newscastle Knights player Timana Tahu shows he still has what it takes to be a league star, and the weather. Oh, my throat. If your sore throat needs warming comfort,... ...try Strepsils Warm. It has a special formulation with proven antibacterial action and a gentle warming sensation. Ah. Ooh. Ooh. (GIGGLES) Wrap up with Strepsils Warm. Now a blocked nose can also be relieved with the menthol vapours of Strepsils Sore Throat and Blocked Nose. POP! He's one of the well-known faces in the NRL and he's gone back to play for his original team, the Newcastle Knights. Timana Tahu is eager to get on the field despite his seniority status in the game these days. He leads by example. At the age of 31, Timana Tahu has played for three NRL clubs and has also crossed over to rugby. His career started with the Newcasle Knights and this year he's returning to them again. In 2010, he withdrew from the NSW State of Origin team after a race related incident where Andrew Johns reportedly made racist remarks to another player. In that same year he pulled on the NZ Maori league jersey. He has been plagued by injury over the years but has made a strong comeback and has showed recently he still has the lightning skills he is well known for. He held the record for most tries scored when he first played for the Knights. That record was broken, but after this try against the Warriors on the weekend he's one try away from regaining it. He didn't get to catch up with his Maori family when he was in NZ - they live in Mangamuka. But he says he hoped that they're watching him, and are proud of his achievements. Irena Smith, Te Karere. To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.NZ. That's all we have for today. Turou Hawaiki. Captions were made possible with funding from NZ on Air.