Coming up on Te Karere... A historic day that's been long-awaited for. Emotions run high as the first same-sex marriages in the country takes place. If another earthquake hits, are iwi in the lower North Island prepared? Coronation anniversary celebrations are underway for King Tuheitia with loved ones who have passed on remembered. Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. The doors of one Maori school have been closed following Friday's earthquake. Even though Otaki is further away from the epicentre of the quake, the school's water pipes were damaged. Children were sent home this morning. They hope to reopen tomorrow. Experts say it's highly likely another large earthquake will hit the lower North Island and upper South Island this week. Even though things are settling down in Wellington, iwi authorities are looking at renewing emergency plans just in case. Our reporter Kereama Wright is following this story. Kereama, what kinds of plans are iwi looking into? Since the 6.6 earthquake on Friday, there have been over 59 smaller quakes reaching a magnitude of around 4 in this region. But it's not as if these people are taking things lying down. Instead they're renewing safety and emergency plans. The quakes have eased off, but the fear of more to come is still well and truly alive. You could see the building dancing, like this... But people weren't fearful because they knew the Whare Waka was built solidly only three years ago. Based on advice from experts, Taranaki Whanui agreed to spend $700,000 to further strengthen the building's structure in case of another earthquake. The chance of a jolt of magnitude 5 or more in the next seven days is 90%, according to GNS Science seismologists, and the likelihood of a magnitude 6 or more quake is about 21%. Despite its built to outlast tremors, the big questions is, how will the Whare Waka cope with the threat of a tsunami? Yes, that's the main worry for me. Hopefully these concerns stay in the land of possibility. In addition, Wellington's Te Upoko o Te Ika radio station is still off air while they wait for their building to pass inspection, which should be completed sometime this week. Thank you for you report, Kereama Wright, live from Wellington. Kereama Wright's story is a talking point on Te Karere's Facebook page. The Hastings man shot by police remains in a serious condition in Wellington Hospital's intensive care unit. Iriheke Te Kani Manu Pere was accidentally shot by a police officer following an armed offender's call out last Friday. Police were called to a Hastings address after members of Mr Pere's family became concerned about his behaviour. A historic day that's been long overdue. The new marriage equality law took effect today and over 30 same-sex couples took their vows. Pere Wihongi with this report. A day that's been long-awaited for. This is Natasha Vitalia and Melissa Ray, one of the first gay couples to legally tie the knot. Gay marriage is rarely seen in the world, which is why today is celebrated by the masses that have arrived. Creator of the bill, Louisa Wall, also attended the event to present a speech. Couples have also travelled from afar to marry, like these two men from Australia. Today has signified the support that the NZ Government has for its people. A new start, a new law, and a new bond. Pere Wihongi, Te Karere. After the break, Tainui's deaths have been remembered on the first day of Koroneihana celebrations. Why is Dover Samuels throwing his hat back in the political arena? Let s cross back to Wellington to National Maori spokesman and Education Minister, Hekia Parata. Tena koe, Hekia. We're unable to provide subtitles. Hekia Parata, thank you for your time. And now to Ngaruawahia, Wakato, where the Koroneihana has kicked off And now to Ngaruawahia, Waikato, where the Koroneihana has kicked off at Turangawaewae Marae. Thousands gathered there today from all over the country to honour their dead as the first day of the coronation celebrations is set aside to remember those who have passed. Thousands descended upon Turangawaewae Marae with their kawemate to commence the weeks proceedings, the seventh Coronation of King Tuheitia. The whole of Tainui is here, this isn't done at any other marae but here, in front of our King. Even though the King was absent from his usual spot today, it is hoped by Wednesday he'll return in better shape and share in the celebrations. Today, however, young and old flock to pay respects to their loved ones. A tradition that's been going on for years, and while it's typically the elders who show face for the kawe mate, the younger generation have found their relevant place. We are on the other side of the road, yet it's these formalities that entice us in to listening to the elders, we feel connected spiritually, especially through their speeches. It's an inter-generational connection that allows this. Waikato iwi were represented in full force today. However one took exception to a comment made outside the premises that they are the backbone of the King's Movement. Maniapoto are the foot soldiers, the front people. We aren't the backbone. That's my belief and what was handed down from my mother. The King's eldest son is expected to give his inaugural speech in coming days. Tomorrow, kawemate from the rest country In addition, tonight, the Maori King's feast will take place, and the country's VIPs are expected to attend. On Thursday, a discussion will be held on the big issues affecting Maori. Nominations have closed for those who are hoping to be elected in the regional council elections. Now it's time to rally the voters. One of the Maori candidates is a former MP. Dover Samuels is running for the Northland local body elections. Despite the fact that he's in his 70s and that he's already retired from politics, he says that the lack of Maori interest in local body politics and the constant insistence of his friends and family have pushed him to run. Voting papers must be received by post by 12 October. Ngahiwi Apanui, Senior Maori Development Manager of Ako Aotearoa, says mainstream tertiary institutions don't allow for Maori to have an input into the way they are being taught. He says that even though there are a lot more Maori students in mainstream, they're still lagging behind the average student. He's the only Maori face at this conference. A circumstance shared by many Maori students in a lecture theatre at university, making it difficult to learn. Maori don't have any say when it comes to how you deliver the teaching to our kids. Ngahiwi Apanui says this is why Maori students are not achieving at the same level as the average student. He says one way to help this would be to allow Maori some powers to design a teaching model and method that suits the learning needs of Maori. Mainstream at the top tertiary institutes have all the say and don't give Maori the opportunity to have input into how they could be teaching to help our kids understand. Tertiary Education Minister says Maori and Pasifica students' achievement is improving but he knows there is more work to be done by institutions on this. Mr Apanui says tertiary institutions need to focus on the individual needs of students that are not achieving, like Maori. Otherwise they will continue to be at the bottom of the pile. The student is the main focus these days, not the teacher or the teaching practise. We need to target our teaching to the individual needs of the student especially those who are falling behind. If not they will not succeed. It's an issue that has long been discussed, but putting those thoughts and discussions into action is something that could still be a long way from being achieved. After the break, the weather. To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.nz. Let's take another look at today's top stories. An emotional day at NZ's first gay wedding. If a natural disaster occurs, are you ready? We're asking mana whenua in Wellington. Waikato has mourned their loved ones at Turanga Waewae Marae. Tomorrow, the country takes the chance to do the same. Pieter T has launched his new song, Tomorrow, a song that talks about youth suicide. The song will be part of the internet's campaign, Live for Tomorrow, a programme that features youth talking about their experiences and their dreams for the future. The Ministry of Health says 1 in 5 suicide victims are Maori. The Ministry of Health has put aside $10 million to help Maori and Pasific communities fight suicide. That's all we have for today. Kia ora tatou katoa. Captions were made possible with funding from NZ on Air. Copyright TVNZ Access Services 2013.