User Profile

Matai
O’Connor, kaupapa Māori reporter

‘Retool, upskill’: Initiative turns beach debris into job opportunities

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air An innovative project to transform woody debris from beaches into valuable products is gaining momentum. The initiative also aims to address environmental challenges and unemployment in Tairāwhiti...

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Gisborne Herald

28 Jan 2025

News

Ngāti Porou leads Gisborne housing development for affordable rentals

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air A vacant block of land in Kaiti, once the site of community gatherings and whānau events, is being transformed into a beacon of hope for Gisborne’s housing crisis. Associate Housing Minister...

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Gisborne Herald

17 Jan 2025

News

Gisborne youth group Ka Timata helps rangatahi build confidence and life skills

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air An ex-convict who resolved to turn his life around is helping disengaged Gisborne rangatahi find confidence and purpose through a youth group. Freddy Bishop, a 37-year-old father of four, started...

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Gisborne Herald

03 Jan 2025

News

Grow your own: My Backyard Garden Project

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air Gisborne gardener Brent Mags wants to help people grow their own food and foster a sense of community. Mags, 56, has transformed his property near Titirangi Kaiti Hill into a large garden space...

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Gisborne Herald

26 Dec 2024

News

Stand Tū Māia secures short lifeline amid $63m Oranga Tamariki contract dispute

Stand Tū Māia East Coast has secured a four-month funding extension to April after reaching a resolution with Oranga Tamariki. The trust, which provides specialised support for high-risk tamariki and whānau, initially faced closure in January...

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Essays from Māori scholars explore diverse history

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air A new book featuring essays from leading Māori scholars, researchers and writers has been released to help broaden understanding of facets of Māori history. Maranga! Maranga! Maranga! The Call to...

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Te Karaka Area School murals reflect strength and healing after Cyclone Gabrielle

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air The pastel palette of the murals painted by the students of Te Karaka Area School represents the feelings of resilience, strength and pride they have felt since Cyclone Gabrielle hit the township...

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Rua Bioscience secures $1.2m funding amid tough NZ medicinal cannabis market

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air Rua Bioscience has managed to get $1.2 million through a capital raise to help the Tairāwhiti-based medicinal cannabis company continue operating. Rua Bioscience aimed for $3.1m through a capital...

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Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails: Data making cycleways and walkways more accessible

The website was translated by Gaylene Taitapanui, the te reo Māori translator for newsletter Pipiwharauro

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Matai O’Connor, Kaupapa Māori Reporter

06 Dec 2024

FREE TO READ

News

Hīkoi across Tairāwhiti: Healing through shared stories of abuse

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air Stories from two men with starkly different experiences of abuse have been shared across Tairāwhiti to help encourage others to share their stories and get the help they need. Dean Clarkson and...

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Medicinal cannabis company Rua Bioscience seeks $3m capital

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air Medicinal cannabis company Rua Bioscience needs to secure $3 million through a capital raise to keep the business operating and help increase sales. After spending $37m over the past six years, the...

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From fashion to quilts: Te Kawa’s journey culminates in Gisborne exhibition

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air An exhibition featuring the quilting of Ngāti Porou artist Maungarongo (Ron) Te Kawa has arrived at Tairāwhiti Museum, marking the final stop on a three-year global journey. Te Whare Por...

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Matai O’Connor, Kaupapa Māori Reporter

27 Nov 2024

FREE TO READ

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Tairāwhiti schools shine at Turanganui Māori cultural festival

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air Thousands of tamariki from across Tairāwhiti took the stage this week at the Tūranganui Schools Māori Cultural Festival. This year is the 39th year of the annual event, which brings together...

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Gisborne Herald

22 Nov 2024

Matai O’Connor, kaupapa Māori reporter

‘Retool, upskill’: Initiative turns beach debris into job opportunities

Ngāti Porou leads Gisborne housing development for affordable rentals

Gisborne youth group Ka Timata helps rangatahi build confidence and life skills

Grow your own: My Backyard Garden Project

Stand Tū Māia secures short lifeline amid $63m Oranga Tamariki contract dispute

Essays from Māori scholars explore diverse history

Te Karaka Area School murals reflect strength and healing after Cyclone Gabrielle

Rua Bioscience secures $1.2m funding amid tough NZ medicinal cannabis market

Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails: Data making cycleways and walkways more accessible

Hīkoi across Tairāwhiti: Healing through shared stories of abuse

Medicinal cannabis company Rua Bioscience seeks $3m capital

From fashion to quilts: Te Kawa’s journey culminates in Gisborne exhibition

Tairāwhiti schools shine at Turanganui Māori cultural festival

Matai
O’Connor, kaupapa Māori reporter