Te Arawa find 'voice' with new newspaper (+ video)

Celebrating the launch of the new paper yesterday were (from left) Rotorua Daily Post general manager David Mackenzie, Mangai Nui editors Kereama Wright and Marissa Balle and Rotorua Daily Post advertising manager Janine Davy. Photo / Andrew Warner

Showcasing Te Arawa stories is the aim behind a new monthly Maori newspaper.

The launch of Mangai Nui was held yesterday at Mitai Maori Village. The newspaper, which is to be produced monthly, is a collaboration between editors Kereama Wright and Marissa Balle and the Rotorua Daily Post.

Mr Wright currently works for TVNZ news programme, Te Karere and Ms Balle is the communications manager at Waiariki Institute of Technology.

"This is a vehicle to highlight positive stories of success in Te Arawa told from a Maori perspective, in particular Te Arawa," Mr Wright said.

"We believe we have another way at looking at things and I hope through this relationship with the Rotorua Daily Post and NZME. we can work together.

Those speaking at the launch included kaumatua Sir Toby Curtis, Monty Morrison, director of kaupapa Maori at Rotorua District Council Mauriora Kingi, NZME. group general manager regionals Chris Jagusch and Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell.

"What this does is provide a new voice for us as Te Arawa, to deliver our stories and our korero," Mr Flavell said.

"What I love about this partnership is that it's not only the first Maori newspaper published in mainstream media but it's also a joint venture with a difference."

As part of the project, two pages will be dedicated for rangatahi to tell their own stories in the Rotorua Weekender. Mangai Nui will also be circulated throughout local schools. It is hoped production of the newspaper will increase to weekly.

Rotorua Daily Post general manager David Mackenzie said the initiative had been in the making for more than three years.

"This has provided our company the first chance to partner with iwi and for iwi to partner with a credible media company in mainstream media - it is history in the making. We are determined to get it right and learn from iwi so they have a voice that is uniquely theirs and sensitive to who they are."

Mr Mackenzie said Mangai Nui was being produced as a separate publication, and its editors had editorial freedom.

The first issue will be out this Monday inside the Rotorua Daily Post.

*See 48 Hours in tomorrow's paper for more photos from the launch.