27 October 2014 Coming up on Te Karere... We're live at the Maori All Blacks last practice before they jump on the plane for Japan. And Maori in Parramatta, Sydney, celebrate a relationship which has spanned 200 years. Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. Maori All Blacks held their final training before they fly out to Japan - our reporter Raniera Harrison was at their training and I spoke to him earlier. My first question to him was: What's the make-up of the team that heads out to Japan tonight? Scotty, 27 of our best Maori players have gathered here at King's College today for their final preparations, and the team is a good mix of youth and experience of Maori All Blacks. 16 of the players here travelled with the side 6 of the players here travelled with the side on last year's tour to North America. Ngati Porou and Te Whanau a Apanui still well represented in the side, Charlie Ngatai leading the pack this year in his third year playing for the side, and it's obvious to see the quality of all of our backs. Another cowboy from the coast has made it, Ihaia West, and Nehe Milner Skudder, who flourished as fullback for Manawatu this year in the ITM Cup. So it's evident the best of our Maori players are going overseas to represent us. Pretty excited about this year's team. Who are the bolters in the team? To add to the fame they reached in their respective ITM Cup Championship and Premiership finals at the weekend, the Crosswell brothers, Nick and Mitch of Ngati Kahungunu have been elevated to the travelling side. Nick being the captain of Manawatu who won the ITM Cup Championship, and Mitch is part of the Taranaki side that took out top honours on Saturday night. Labour Day has turned into just another holiday for many, and while most whanau are returning from holiday, the Labour Party has used the day to restate its commitment to Kiwis. Labour leadership candidate David Parker met with Labour Party members and local iwi at Bastion Point. It was an opportunity to discuss with members on where the Labour Party is heading in the next 100 years. But first they party needs to find a leader. But first the party needs to find a leader. Leadership meetings continue tomorrow in the South Island, starting in Nelson. The Maori Development Minister says he won't rush the Maori language bill through. He plans to take feedback and concerns into account. Heta Gardiner has more. Challenging the Minister of Maori Development. He needs to take a good, close look at it. Timoti Karetu, along with many other Maori advocates and entities, have long since been opposed to Te Matawai, and those concerns are now being heard. The Minister of Maori Development has said he will not simply push the bill through without testing its merits. I have heard Timoti's concerns, and the concerns of others. We are discussing that, putting it on hold until we can really dig deep into the essence of Te Matawai. According to this language expert, it isn't just Te Matawai that is of concern when it comes to the language. We need to establish a way to further support those in broadcasting, because in programmes like Te Karere and Te Kaea, there are many mistakes. I agree with the sentiment, though pumping funding in to help them won't fix the problem. The minister too, would like to challenge that collective. I assumed that those in those roles in broadcasting should already be more then capable Maori language speakers. From the bright lights of television, all the way to our classrooms, there are many things that need to be addressed, for our language to prosper. He needs to take a good look at Kura Kaupapa Maori, and support the teachers in those schools. For the past few weeks, Flavell has been around the country seeking thoughts for another initiative he has inherited, Whanau Ora. He indeed has a big challenge ahead, taking on the responsibilities of both his former mentors. Heta Gardiner, Te Karere. The Rua Rau Festival Tauranga Moana iwi are celebrating what's making them unique with kapa haka, sports and other activities such as a special commemoration to the 150th anniversary of the battle of Pukehinahina. It was a day full of celebration for Taurannga Moana and its iwi, awakening the earth and reinvigorating the mind, body and soul. It all began on Friday night, prayers were said to set the mauri. The first competitions then began and were kicked off by our youth. This is good as it brings together all Tauranga Moana iwi, all the whanau, hapu and marae. We can join together in practising and reviving our ancestoral culture. From the beginning it has been about good fun times with enjoyable activities, such as the 150th anniversary of the battle of Pukehinahina. Yes, I agree. The hope is that the festival will continue to be held annually. The events are very good. It's good to see Tauranga people here from all around. The festival is an excellent way for people to maintain their culture, for the well-being of the iwi. Hinerangi Goodman, Te Karere. After the break, the top Maori league team from the weekend's tournament in Auckland. The Rua Rau Festival celebrates the 200 year relationship of Maori with Parramatta, Sydney. But as Te Karere found out, the relationship spans beyond that and some myths are dispelled about Maori first settlement in Australia. Peata Melbourne has more. Outside Government House, a coming together between the people of Australia and the Maori. A rare occasion where two indigenous tribes share the local status, welcoming Ngapuhi elders. Two hundred years ago, our old people - Ruatara, Te Pahi, Titere, and Tuai or Tui, arrvied here, and this day is in recognition of that. They paved the way for thousands more to come to Paramatta today, honouring that long-standing history with song. The main idea is to bring the practices and ideas from then to now, and continue the relationship our elders started. They came here to learn from missionaries, the likes of Te Matenga, and teach back home. Then brought their kids here to be schooled. It goes back as far as 1805, when Te Paahi came to Paramatta he lived here, at old Government House. But it's a history that's made for an interesting relationship with Australia's Aborigines. I feel the relationship is what it was then, the bond with the locals, and you saw today that they too partook in the official welcoming of our guests here. Today, however, there was little friction to be seen. Peata Melbourne, Te Karere. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is looking at improving the water quality of Rotorua but their efforts aren't getting the attention of locals. Kereama Wright with this story. We're unable to provide subtitles. Kereama Wright, Te Karere. Four teams from Sydney were the big feature of this year's National Maori Rugby League Tournament held at Manurewa this weekend. It added to a spectacle unique for its special blend of sport and culture. An event where you'll see haka at its best. The footy was pretty good too. From both men... ...and women. Playing well on field and taking the opposition on with full force. But after the final siren, it becomes about whanaungatanga again. Thousands came to the National Maori Rugby League Tournament at Manurewa. Maori from everywhere are here. We know it's not just for Maori, but also New Zealand as well. And Australia. The big feature was the invasion of four teams from Sydney. We come from the country of the Dream Time. These teams were laden with NRL contracted players like Apirana Pewhairangi from the Eels. Two Sydney teams met in the finals of the Waka section. It was try for try between East and South. It was golden point that secured the victory for East. In the tournament top section, North Sydney blew Tihoi away. Even though the four visiting teams took the prizes, it's really being about Maori with Maori, for Maori, by Maori. Arana Taumata, Te Karere. After the break, and then we have the weather. To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.nz. 'Armageddon' is the event of the year for movies, anime and video game lovers - the event was held over this weekend with tickets being sold out on Saturday and thousands hauling in to ASB Showgrounds. But what is the excitement all about? Well, today Te Karere followed three young Maori boys at the event. It's the biggest pop-culture event of the year. And Te Karere had the pleasure of being chaperoned around. Armageddon 2014! Let's go! Let's see what's happening at this event, but firstly, a costume change. Now we're ready! Let's go! It's a time for superheroes to meet other superheroes, and also get a chance to participate in everything fun in the world of games, cartoons and movies. But what are these attractions? Now we're going to... We can also take 360 photos. Don't forget the fun rides! It's different, it's cool, it's great to see different things, games and t-shirts. I like Batman so it's great! 70,000 people have walked through the doors over this long Labour weekend. Saturday's tickets sold out. But although the workers may have been stressed out, the final verdict from our boys... The environment here is great; I think because of my prayer. It was awesome to meet my spider whanaunga. Today was awesome. And even though today was the last day, Armageddon will be back next year for its 20th year. Pere Wihongi, Te Karere. That's all we have for today. Kia ora tatou katoa. Captions were made possible with funding from Te Mangai Paho. Copyright TVNZ 2014.