Keeping in touch

Tu Tangata, Issue 26, 1 October 1985, Page 27

Keeping in touch

by Kohai Grace

“West Rotoiti News” has audiences all over the world, keeping tangata whenua in touch with ‘home’.

The editor, Mrs Raiatea TahanaReese, says the community magazine is sent to subscribers in Australia, Singapore, America, Canada and England.

“It goes all around the world as well as up and down the country,” she says, “People send them to their whanaunga overseas. I think they get homesick and the magazine keeps them in touch with their people.”

The “West Rotoiti News” was set up for the Mourea, Okere Falls and Otaramarae community in Rotorua, about 500 people.

“We’re a very close community, most of us related,” says Mrs Tahana Reese, “The magazine gives the community an idea of what each other is doing who caught the biggest fish, who won the shearing award, and so on. Our efforts are recognised, even if they aren’t in other papers. People get a buzz seeing their names in print.”

Mrs Tahana Reese says she always tries to put a historical story in the magazine. “The pakeha are interested in Maori history. Getting to know about their environment gives them a sense of belonging,” she says. “The people of Mourea, Ngati Pikiao, are descendants of Te Arawa explorer Ihenga, who discovered the lakes around Rotoiti,” says Mrs TahanaReese. “Our magazine has a lot to do with the lakes, what’s happening around the

lakes, and where the best fishing spots are.” “Holiday home owners at Rotoiti also like to keep in touch with the community,” says Mrs Tahana-Reese. She said distribution of “West Rotoiti News” has grown from 200 last year to 500 this year. “We now have 50 subscribers, none of them living in Rotorua.” Asked if she had heard any comments from overseas, Mrs Tahana-Rees replies, “Hurry up with the next issue.” This Spring “West Rotoiti News” celebrates its second birthday with a facelift. Mrs Tahana-Reese says she’s really excited about its new look. Design art editor, John Leary, has modified the magazine, which has new illustrations, is now typeset and double the size.

“Illustrations will change with the seasons,” says Mrs Tahana-Reese.

Ten year old Abbie Bracefield is the youngest writer for the mag. She writes stories for the Teen Page “with hidden messages” to other children about topics such as water safety. Ninety four year old former judge, Leonard Leary is also a regular writer. He writes articles about the history of the Lakeweed Society, formed in 1959 when there was a concern that lakeweed was killing the lakes. “West Rotoiti News” comes out every two months, for 50 cents and all proceeds go towards the community. Subscriptions $5.40 (6 issues) per year Cl — Sue Bracefield Te Akau Rd R.D.4, Rotorua