Journalism for the Polynesian

Tu Tangata, Issue 21, 1 December 1984, Page 50

Journalism for the Polynesian

by Raiatea Tahana-Reese

Have you ever contemplated the stories in the tukutuku panels, kowhaiwhai patterns, carvings, whilst sitting inside the wharetipuna? Philosophies, histories, genealogies, expertly written and documented within the walls and rafters of the meeting house. The world of my ancestors. They had no need for newspapers. The marae told it all.

Here people met from miles around and discussed events all over the country and if one chose the right day to work in the fields or wash clothes by the river, local news was always choice. Nowadays the Maori organises a wananga (weekend seminars] to bring the people together. “If it weren’t for our marae we may not be able to communicate with each other,” said Mr Albie Tahana of Ngati Pikiao.

Mr Tahana was addressing students who had completed a week long course in journalism at Waiariki Community College, Rotorua. “Literature in general has failed us in reflecting our people,” he said, “you have an opportunity to change it.” I was one of 18 prospective Maori journalists with one qualification. A desire to write. Most of the others were academic students amongst them potential doctors, lawyers, and a language teacher of fifth and sixth form students, putting out feelers for a career in journalism. They came from North Island districts and were aged between 16 and 33 years. Sponsored by the Department of Maori Affairs, the course encourages Polynesians to seek a career in newspapers, television and radio and is offered at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Rotorua.

Course Director, Mr Gary Wilson of the N.Z. Journalist Training Board showed many aspects of the media. We reported for newspapers, wrote stories for radio and experimented with up front television reporting. Mr Wilson was assisted by Mr Maurice Dick, Freelance Journalist always encouraging, always reassuring. Mr Philip Whaanga, Editor of Tu Tangata was holidaying with his family and lending support at every opportunity. At Tarawhai many words were spoken about journalism by the elders, editors, journalists, and cadets undergoing training at Polytechnic, Wellington. To summarise, the need for Maori journalists to report maori stories was made clear.

Spokesperson Mr Manu Paul, said that too often a maori message means all brown people. He maintains that labelling is damaging and the journalist needs to be directed. “I am not Maori,” he said, “I am Ngati Awa.” Frustrated by bad reporting, by being misquoted and misinterpreted Mr Paul said, “Be careful to use the resources excellently. Strive for excellence.” Mr John Tapiata an education officer, pointed out the many representations within the walls and rafters of the wharetipuna, the symmetrical expertise of the carvings and a lesson in group dynamics.

“How can two peoples of different whakapapa be brought together but for the wharetipuna,” he said. My own enthusiasm for journalism is believing that too much of the news focusses towards a mono-cultural audience. Maori news written by Maori will help bring together all people of different whakapapa and with it, the love and understanding one feels whilst sitting inside the wharetipuna.