Coming up on Te Karere... The Ministry for Children, formerly the Ministry for Vulnerable Children turns one. What changes have been made for the disproportionate number of Maori children in state care? The third and final reading of a new law to wipe homosexual conduct convictions comes before the house tonight. And we're one day out from the opening ceremony of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. We touch base with Maori athletes representing both NZ and the host country, Australia. 03 April 2018 Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. With a history of systematic failures, the then National government replaced Child Youth and Family with the name Oranga Tamariki, a year on and the now the Labour government at the helm. Te Rina Kowhai investigates what changes been made for our Maori children in state care. We're unable to provide subtitles. Te Rina Kowhai, Te Karere. We're unable to provide subtitles. People charged with crimes relating to consensual homosexual conduct could soon be able to have their convictions wiped after the third and final reading of the legislative changes. As Hania Douglas was told today, while it's too late for some, it's a step in the right direction. A new world for people who were charged for homosexual acts before 1986. The criminal records bill is set for its final reading this evening which could see the records of those charged for homosexual act wiped clean. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says it's a good reason for the country to celebrate. But 32 years on from NZ's decriminalisation of homosexuality, this amendment may have come too late for some. If the law comes into effect, those who were convicted will still need to apply to have their convictions wiped clean, and some have been left out completely. Since the second reading passed unanimously, it's believed the third reading will be the same, but Shannon White and the LGBT community still believe there's much to be done. Hania Douglas, Te Karere. Now joining us live from the halls of parliament is Maori Crown Relations, Tourism and Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis. We're unable to provide subtitles. Kelvin Davis, thank you. After the break, We touch base with Ngapuhi's Joelle King, pipped to be one of NZ's most successful athletes at this year's Commonwealth Games. Did you know the Australian team also have a Maori athlete? We touch base with Australian boxer of Ngati Maru, Tainui and aboriginal descent Clay Waterman. And we go behind the scenes at the athlete s village set to house our New Zealand teams throughout the games. We're one day out from the opening of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. So, standing by on the shores of the GC, after what seems like he's had a quick sun tan, is sports reporter Tamati Rimene-Sproat. Tamati. Before we get scope out what's happening overall in the lead up to the opening ceremony tomorrow, today you spoke to Ngati Porou squash player Joelle King who could potentially be the most successful athlete, and Maori at that, in our NZ team. How's she feeling? We're unable to provide subtitles. Joelle King is feeling the buzz of the squash venue. She's just climbed the world squash rankings to fourth place. But she is still the number two seed here at the Commonwealth Games for both singles and doubles. Should she achieve this goal, no doubt her family and friends of the East Coast will be there to support her. We're unable to provide subtitles. Thank you for the update, Tamati Rimene-Sproat. Maori athletes not only feature in the NZ team, the Australian side also boasts one proud Maori and Aboriginal sportsman. Reporter Irena Smith spoke to Australian boxer Clay Waterman who says he's proud to be Maori. He's wearing the gold colours of Australia but his Maori art on his arms tells another story. Clay Waterman is on Ngati Maru and Tainui descent on his mother's side and Aboriginal on his father's side. He is the first person to win a world title as a junior for Australia and at 22-years-old is representing the host country in the lightweight division for boxing. Waterman says he is proud of his indigenous heritage and that they have a firm place in the games. The draw for boxing will be revealed tonight before the competition starts in the next few days. Hopefully his heritage will help him to achieve his goals to a high standard. Irena Smith, Te Karere. Meanwhile, as TVNZ are the broadcast hosts for the games. Te Karere was lucky to gain access into the athlete village, which will house our NZ athletes for the next few weeks. A slice of NZ here in the Gold Coast. This has become second home for over 200 NZ athletes This has become second home for over 200 NZ athletes and 150 support staff. Over 40 competitors are Maori. Apart from their houses there is a recovery centre, a gym and even a chill out zone. Things from home were brought over and some of the support staff are former athletes themselves. The athletes will rest until the big competition starts. Rapaera Tawhai, Te Karere. After the break, After the break, And we have the weather. To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.nz. That's all we have for today. Captions were made possible with funding from Te Mangai Paho. Copyright TVNZ 2018.