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Merepeka Raukawa-Tait
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait is a columnist for the Rotorua Daily Post
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Check out Merepeka’s latest content
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Why Muldoon had the right idea when it came to gangs
OPINION: But National's new policy sounds like Groundhog Day.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Only luck has prevented more tragedies like Loafers Lodge
OPINION: Boarding houses were common in many New Zealand towns and cities after the war.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: If we want better government, we have to do our bit
OPINION: I used to think young people had no interest in voting - now I'm not so sure.
Opinion: Lifting name suppression means victims can emerge from shadows
Opinion: It takes extreme courage to take the lead so that others can follow.
Opinion: Tasering of elderly dementia patient appalling
Opinion: "A health issue should not be confused with aggressive, law-breaking behaviour."
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: No need to fear strong, Māori, women politicians
Opinion: Female Māori politicians are challenging some of the norms of Parliament.
Opinion: Working fulltime and studying? Why you should hang in there
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Whānau Ora students show why it's worth being committed.
Opinion: Time to consider a day to honour all who have served
'From the veterans I spoke to, not one objected to November 11 being named Veterans Day.'
Opinion: Civic leadership isn't about popularity, it's about relationships
Opinion: Rightly or wrongly, when we vote, we get the people we deserve.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: If people see the ugly face of family violence, they will demand change
Opinion: We need to mitigate the predicted increase in family violence incidences.
Opinion: Made redundant? Here's what to do instead of getting bitter
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait's advice for people losing their job.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Looting from red-stickered homes a despicable act
"Hard to believe anyone would try looting homes made uninhabitable by Cyclone Gabrielle"
Opinion: Alcohol free means alcohol free...even if you're VIP
OPINION: Merepeka Raukawa-Tait says there should be no exceptions.
Opinion: Misstep by health boss was not a sacking offence
OPINION: As with so many political appointments, these are rarely straightforward.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Te Matatini showcases huge commitment from all involved
OPINION: I saw Te Matatini showcasing the best kapa haka in the world.
Looks matter when it comes to shopfronts
OPINION: Merepeka Raukawa-Tait says the shopping experience starts at the shop entrance.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: How Waitangi Day is recognised has come a long way in New Zealand
OPINION: 'A prosperous society should not be at the expense of one Treaty partner'.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Which politicians impressed at Rātana
There was plenty of laughter and good advice for the politicians.
Opinion: Foster case of 'Moana' and the 'Smiths' unlikely to set a precedent
OPINION: We should not be surprised that love surfaced in this case.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Women's rugby is finally getting the attention it deserves
OPINION: I'm not surprised to see the positive public reception the games have received.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: I'm changing banks as a protest
OPINION: Banks are making big profits while families tighten their belts.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: 100-year plan for Aotearoa should be on the table now
Opinion: 'This is as good as it gets' will not serve future generations well
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Depp and Heard show domestic violence hates sunlight
OPINION: Domestic violence takes root in the darkness and shadows.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Where have all the children gone?
OPINION: There's no quick fix, and parents are not failing.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: I'm about to lose my job but I'm not sorry to go
OPINION: Change should happen when it's needed most
Opinion: Not wanted or valued by Labour - I don't blame Louisa Wall for leaving politics
OPINION: MPs should be above jealousy and envy towards one of their own.
Opinion: Crisis after crisis - and many families will not survive
MEREPEKA RAUKAWA-TAIT: Collective leadership is needed to sort the country's woes.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: The mess in Wellington can hardly be called a protest
Comment: Protesting is more than a big get together, more than a party.
Opinion: When Queen's reign ends, republic question will re-emerge
Is an overseas monarch still appropriate to New Zealand's evolving identity?
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Euthanasia decision one of my hardest
OPINION: I had to be sure I had enough information to make a decision I could live with.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Oranga Tamariki is 'dysfunctional'
OPINION: It's the responsibility of whānau, hapu and iwi to look after their own children.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: What marrying a native te reo Māori speaker taught me
OPINION: Theo explained that until 'I wanted' te reo I wouldn't be interested in learning.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Three Waters loomed large at LGNZ forum
OPINION: Overriding concern was accountability to local ratepayers would be removed
Opinion: Abusing service industry staff is not on
Let's not come out the other side of Covid meaner in attitude and human spirit.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Māori demand the same level of healthcare as Pākehā
If health is 'needs-based', why haven't Māori health needs been addressed yet?
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Māori can be trusted to look after their own
What we saw playing out in Hawke's Bay shows little has changed
Comment | Israel Folau gives Christians a bad name
Holier-than-thou people are hard to budge, they're not the "contaminated ones"
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Kindness is not a sign of weakness
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: No one should have been surprised by our Prime Minister last week.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: The racists I look out for are the covert ones
Merepeka Ruakawa-Tait: The racists I look out for are the covert ones.