Bio research unethical too often

One of the contributors to a new book on genetic engineering says Maori are being subjected to unethical bio-research and gene patenting.

Aroha Mead, a senior lecturer at Victoria University, says the unique flora, fauna and people of the South Pacific have attracted hordes of genetic and biomedical researchers.

She says there has been a lack of ethical oversight of what is extremely experimental research, and Maori have been told their genetic make-up is to blame for everything from alcohol and smoking to teenage pregnancies.

“The implications of that, as well as making people feel really bad, is the underlying message is why bother having policy to improve Maori socioeconomic conditions, because they are fundamentally programmed to fail,” Ms Mead says.

She says the writers of the book, Pacific Genes and Life Patents, want to see a regional Pacific intellectual property office which can assess patent and trademark applications and counter attempts to patent indigenous life forms.

FOMA READIES FOR FORESTRY BATTLE

The Federation of Maori Authorities says the forestry industry is suffering a crisis of confidence over the government's response to climate change.

Executive vice chairperson Paul Morgan says FOMA will oppose any moves to impose a deafforestation tax or to confiscate carbon credits.

He says Maori control a third of the forestry estate, and they have serious concerns.

“There's a real a serious concern in the industry about the business certainty going forward – there’s none. We’re seeing deforestation taking place,. Unless that’s addressed, we will see further erosion of employment in the industry, and of course Maori are very significantly involved in forestry,” Mr Morgan says.

The Federation of Maori Authorities is considering a Waitangi Tribunal claim that any interference in Maori forestry interests is a breach of article two of the Treaty of Waitangi, which guarantees Maori undisturbed possession of their lands and forests.

FROM KAPA HAKA TO LION KING

Gisborne entertainer Toni Stewart is thanking a background in kapa haka for winning her a role in the German production of the The Lion King.

Ms Stewart was lead singer for Whangara mai Tawhitii, which won this year's national Te Matatini competition.

She has also performed with the Wahirere Maori Club, Te Waka Huia, Pounamu, Ngati Rangiwewehi and the Sir Howard Morrison Showband.

Stewart says kapa haka a great grounding for a career in musicals.

“Kapa haka has taught me how to sign properly and how to sing loud, which they like in the Lion King. Loud singers. New Zealand’s full of them. Should be more of them in the Lion King,” Stewart says.

She has already worked in the Sydney, Melbourne and Chinese productions.

MINISTER TOLD TO REVIEW KAHAWAI QUOTAS

Ngapuhi leader Sonny Tau is welcoming a High Court ruling that Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton must reconsider catch limits and quota allocations for kahawai.

Ngapuhi supported the case taken by the Recrational Fishing Council and the Big Game Fishing Council, who argued recreational fishing should take priority in the species.

Mr Tau says it was a mistake to bring kahawai into the quota system, and almost all the commercial catch goes to Australia as crayfish bait.

He says it's a victory for common sense.

“It's a victory for the ordinary person who likes to throw a line in the water now and then, especially us Maori up here It’s not about more fish in the chilly bin. It’s about more fish in the water so that our tamariki and their tamariki can go out and get a decent feed of fish for their families into the future,” Mr Tau says.

He says the judgment could force a review of other quota allocation decisions.

CURRICULUM SHOULD SMOOTHE TRANSITION

Maori educator Te Keepa Stirling says the new curriculum document for te reo Maori should help Maori-speaking children in the transition between primary and secondary schooling.

Mr Stirling, the kaumatua at South Auckland's Te Kura O Nga Tapuwae and a senior kapa haka judge, says the document released yesterday gives the language a better status in the school system.

He says many secondary schools struggled without proper guidance on how te reo should be taught.

“The fact that it’s now become part of the strategy, yep, I’m happy because it shows there needs to be a consistency when our students come from the primary school through to secondary school, it has a continuous pathway,” Mr Stirling says.

RESERVE PLAN A STEP CLOSER

A Te Atiawa hapu is a step closer to seeing some of its traditional land in New Plymouth used for a Maori cultural centre.

Ngati Tawhirikura has a draft agreement with New Plymouth District Council to jointly administer the Rewa Rewa Reserve at the mouth of the Waiwhakaiho River.

The land was the site of Rewa Rewa Pa, and also includes an urupa.

Trustee Grant Knuckey says the agreement reflects the council's plan to use the land for public access to the coast, and the hapu's desire for a marae and for arts, cultural, educational, heritage and recreational facilities.

“We see council being a long term participator in the community, not like some businesses that over time will restructure and sell, and we have to change our partner. The council will be ongoing like ourselves,” Mr Knuckey says.

The full council is due to consider the agreement at its next meeting.