10 July 2012 Coming up on Te Karere... A Maori lawyer believes wider support is important for the Maori case against asset sales as it benefits all New Zealanders. And we look at the cultures on show at the Festival of Pacific Arts in the Solomon Islands - including our own. Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. Ownership was a word many claimants Ownership was a word many claimants at the Tribunal hearing have been reluctant to use, because Pakeha law assumes you can own anything, including water, and air. He also says that for Maori, ownership doesn't assume the same. If you think back to tradition, we knew the god Tawhiri gifted us with air, and wind, then there's the supreme being, Aio who gifted us with space and life, life that brings us in to knowing we are now guardians of the water too. Jackson says the Crown's assumption over its right to be the owner of everything doesn't exist, nor is it subject to a pre-existing Maori authority. Issues have stemmed from this notion. This historian was asked his opinion if the Treaty had been breached by the Crown putting legislation in place - he agreed. Jackson says they have not only passed legislation in relation to water rights, but have then acted in breach of its own legislation. He hopes that the role of the Tribunal will bring this history out and will enable our people to tell our stories that have not been heard and as more become aware of the true history, the easier it will be to find a resolution. That was Peata Melbourne's report. Whakatane's cinema has been renamed as "Whakamax". The owner says it means "act to the max", in line with what Whakatane means, "to act like a man". Is this celebrating or bastardising Maori language? It was a new name born at a time when business was struggling. It's since picked up. I do not know that name Max, but it's better than cinema. Local elders from Ngati Awa who performed a blessing ceremony for the new name could not be reached. Before a blessing of the new name last week it was alleged that the place had been spooked by ghosts. For families who attended today's sessions watching the movies was all they cared about. Hinerangi Goodman, Te Karere. Maori language experts says the name shows disrespect to the language and should be changed. We're unable to provide subtitles. This story has really stirred up debate. We asked you if it was celebrating or bastardising the language? Ngahina Matekohi says... mate, you've put Whakatane to shame. After the break, Maori at the Festival of Pacific Arts in the Solomon Islands say the event is still worth having, despite the cost of hosting and attending. Labour MPs are shaking hands and pounding the pavement around the far north today as part of a two-day caucus in Northland. The party's MPs like Shane Jones are visiting business and community groups from Kawakawa to Kaitaia. Anzac Pikia is in Kerikeri. We are unable to provide subtitles. Please visit our website to view this story with English subtitles. Thank you Anzac. Anzac Pikia will be reporting in the Northland region for the rest of the week. Tributes have been paid to the former Cook Island Prime Minister, Sir Terepai Maoate who has passed away at the age of 77. Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says Sir Terepai cultivated close ties with New Zealand. Maori at the Festival of Pacific Arts say the event is still worth having, despite the costs of hosting and attending it in difficult economic times. in difficult economic times. The 11th Festival is into its second week in the Solomon Islands and every day, tens of thousands of people from all over the country are flocking to the main festival grounds in the capital, Honiara. This is the Pacific Festival of Arts. Its theme is 'Culture in harmony with nature'. We bring together a thought, a vision even if adored or not. The festival began in 1972 and is hosted by a different country every four years. Representatives from 21 countries will stay in these huts for two weeks displaying their art and culture too. Te Matarae i o Rehu is representing NZ there. It is our honour to be here with other exponents of Maori art. 27 countries were supposed to be here to celebrate the festival but because of hard times, six countries did not attend. According to the Maori representatives, despite the costs, there are many benefits. Our land, the water and mountains are the same. The festival will close this Saturday. Rapaera Tawhai, Te Karere. After the break, we introduce Trevor Shailer, we introduce Trevor Shailer, Maori Cultural Advisor for the NZ Olympic team, and the weather. Breaking news; Jamie Joseph has signed a contract to stay on as coach for the Highlanders for the next two years. The former All Black and the Highlanders became the team's coach in 2010. He's 42 years old and before coaching the Highlanders, he coached the Maori All Blacks and the Wellington Lions. Just seven days until the Olympic Games begin. Just seventeen days until the Olympic Games begin. There's a lot to be done before the contestants arrive at their new home in London. A Maori is part of the preparation team. Irena Smith has more. I'm here at Auckland International Airport where 185 athletes will leave from to go to the Olympics. More than 10% of them are Maori More than 10% of them are Maori and one Maori is also the athlete support person. I spoke to him before he left for London. Precious cargo for the Olympic team, and its a who will ensure they get to London safely. This was one of Trevor Shailers final duties before he left for London last night. He will be in charge of a team to help prepare the village before the arrival of the first athletes next week. But that's just the beginning of his job. Today, Trevor posted an update saying he had arrived safely in Hong Kong, but he said that there were a few dramas at the airport getting the Maori taonga he was taking with him overseas. But hopes they will be there when he gets to London. Three weeks before the opening ceremony of the games and London is ready for the arrival of the world. One of Trevor's main responsibilities is to ensure the athletes aren't overwhelmed or distracted by the hype, before or after their competitions have ended. Although he's not knew to this role, he is prepared for what challenges come his way. The NZ Olympic committee has just told me that the nearly all of the athletes have already departed. But one Maori athlete who is still here is Karen Hanlen, the mountain bike rider who leaves in two weeks. Thank you Irena. That was Irena Smith reporting from the Auckland International Airport. Irena is the only Maori journalist heading to London at the end of the month to cover the Olympic Games. To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.NZ. Here are some extra footage of the Pacific Festival in Honiara. That's all we have today, see you all tomorrow. Captions were made possible with funding from NZ on Air.