31 October 2014 Coming up on Te Karere... the three year action plan to save lives of forestry workers. Will Marama Fox take over from Tariana Turia as the Maori Party Co-leader? Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. 2013 was the darkest year in the forestry industry when 10 men went to work in the bush and did not return home. An independent forestry safety review has recommended a three year action plan to ensure those working in forestry return home safely. Hinerangi Goodman was at the launch of the report. For Robert Epapara killed last year in a forestry accident, this has come too late. Since 2008 38 forestry workers have been killed. This makes forestry the most dangerous sector to work in, hence the urgent need for changes to prevent further injuries and loss of lives. Even today in the 21st century, the review says too often workers are seen as the bottom of the barrel and that is the reason why so many deaths continue. Now that the review has been released with its 11 recommendations, there'll now need to be time to reflect before changes are seen. While this issue is being talked about now, it's important to remember those whanau for who these discussions have come too late. Hinerangi Goodman, Te Karere. Increase of rates, impending road toll costs and the possibility of less protection for mana whenua sites of significance are just a few issues facing Maori who call Auckland home. Our reporter Peata Melbourne is standing by in Auckland, Peata. Len Brown's increase of rates proposal is facing a lot of criticism, especially from the business sector, what does it mean for Maori living in Auckland? Scotty, it'll be hard to find anyone who is happy about an increase of rates, but for Maori, Auckland holds the largest population of Maori, just under 130,000 in the region, the majority being renters. Statistics tell us that less than half of Maori who have resided here over a long period. Less than half own their own homes, with affordability being a major factor. And for Maori home ownership is lowest in the Auckland region. Though the new road toll proposal could affect more Maori if the council goes ahead in imposing a $2 charge, correct? Yes, so for those who don't take the bus, train or ferry to work, and go by car on the motorway - they will be hit. This is one of two options; the first is a road toll, the second is to have even higher rates, so if you're a home owner, and take the motorway to work every day - you'll be the ones most burdened by these changes in days to come. And there any other costs or factors for Auckland-based Maori to consider, or even those who intend on living here? No doubt there's many issues, but if we look at Mana Whenua in Auckland, there's one group called the Democracy Action Group that are protesting against the council's introduction of the cultural impact assessment in their Unitary Plan in an attempt to protect sacred Maori sites around Auckland. Already they've lost thousands of sites through building and development, then add to that the increase of rates, and proposed road tolls, it certainly makes you think twice if Auckland is still an attractive place to live. Thank you for your report, Peata Melbourne. Staying with Auckland - residents are happy but wary that the council has postponed the passing of its air quality by-law which seeks to remove old and open fireplaces throughout the region. Maori residents with fireplaces are concerned that they could be lumped with yet more increased costs to the daily running of their households. Manawa Wright reports. It's quite gloomy and windy here in this Auckland suburb. The winds of change have arrived for these chimneys and fireplaces here. This is Cruz Wharewaka's open fireplace it has provided warmth for his family home for many years. His fireplace is one of the 80,000 that the ACC want to remove. As stated by the Auckland City Council, each year more than 100 people die from health hazards presented by open fires and old fires. It's said that fine particle emissions from indoor fires is one vital reason why they are addressing this problem. Fortunately, for the residents in Auckland, the council has postponed the decision to phase out the 80,000 fireplaces in their plans. But the overall ban date for all fires in the region Manawa Wright, Te Karere. The matriarch of Maori politics Tariana Turia looks set to resign her role as the Maori Party co-leader tomorrow. Preparations are underway at her marae, Whangaehu, where she is expected to pass the mantle of her party's leadership to a new generation of Maori politicians. Tariana Turia says surely she's earned time to spend with her whanau after six terms and nearly 20 years in Parliament. The Maori Party are expected to announce that list MP Marama Fox will take over from Tariana Turia, who has held the role for a very long time, as the party's co-leader at their AGM tomorrow in Whangaehu. Our political reporter Irena Smith is on the ground. I'm here at Whangaehu Marae where preparations are underway for the Maori Party's AGM celebrations. Tariana Turia is in the kitchen and she's excited about the prospect of Marama Fox as co-leader. Marama and I sat down beside the Whanganui River earlier. There's a spirit about this place, I've felt it. So you're certain about filling the role? Yes, I'm certain, because I've seen the results that the role brings out in someone in Parliament. It's only right that Te Ururoa and I work together in the House so we can open doors, lobby ministers and push for Maori interests, foster and develop the language among our ministers. What are some of the things you want to achieve in the next three years? Well, there's a lot on our shoulders. It seems people believe we can address every Maori issue out there. It's tough, but to be clear, we're focusing on housing, employment and feeding our kids. Tariana Turia is quite the woman, do you share similar traits? I have a big heart for people. Most of the time I like to choose the option of working together, so that every person is empowered in the process. To me, that's most important. However, if it's a big issue, one that needs to be fought for, then yes, I can fight those big ones. I've got a strong backbone! There's a lot ahead of you as co-leader, are you ready for it? I'm new at this, no doubt about it, and I might get things wrong, but if I do, I own up to it. I apologise and look at other ways to fix things. But with the support from Te Ururoa, and others in Parliament, I'm confident I can take on the role. Marama Fox's position will be confirmed tomorrow, as will the role of party president. They will also discuss their election results, and how they can strengthen the party in the next three years. That was Irena Smith, reporting from Whangaehu Marae. After the break; See this tablet? It's not a tablet; it's the digital flame to reignite the fire of your love ` 32 gigabytes of child-minding, tear-binding shh time just for you and your queen. This is no web surfboard, but 10,000 any time tickets to Silence Island, population ` you two. Pack your bags, my liberated lovers. This is gonna be the best damn child-free minutes of your life. Thank you, quad-core mummy-daddy-time-maker. LOUNGE MUSIC The Dead Lands has received four out of five stars from both Breakfast TVNZ and the NZ Herald. Despite the rave reviews, Maori language experts are up in arms. Oriini Tipene-Leach reports. It's a hard core action movie that delivers in its genre. But does it live up to the battle for quality Maori language? The language isn't the problem it's the actors who don't know how to speak te reo. The clarity and the enunciation are some of the problems Temara refers to. Don't let bad language fault the movie. The language style befits 16th Century war making it difficult for today's audience to understand. A more modern style of language should have been used in preference. Putting the language issue aside, the movie definitely excels in the action genre and has already received an Oscar nomination. There are so many good things about this movie - judge it for yourselves. Oriini Tipene-Leach, Te Karere. Jesse Ryder's comeback to top level cricket has been confirmed. Ryder's been selected in the New Zealand A squad to tour the United Arab Emirates over the next few weeks. The 30-year-old fell out of favour with selectors back in February after he continued to battle off-field problems. However, he's been in strong form recently in English county cricket and also at the start of the new season here for Otago. The A squad will play four one-day matches while on tour. Jesse Ryder could then be included in the full Black Caps team to play Pakistan in a one-day series. It's Olympics, not as we know it, but for our grand old people. Hamilton's Claudelands Event Centre took front stage today as Kaumatua Olympics celebrates its 10th year. Pere Wihongi was there. The house is filled with heads of white. Walking frames have been put aside. It's the supporters who will help them stand. When the Kaumatua Olympics first started there were only 100 elderly. Ten years later numbers have risen to 400. Volleyball. Hockey. Basketball. You may assume that it's just to entertain the elderly. You may assume that it's just to entertain the elderly. But no matter the age, competition is still competition. I've bunged my leg, but I can still play! Yes, you know how Maori are competitive in nature! Yes, you know how Maori are competitive in nature! - So who will win this year? That's what I said, we will! But whether they leave with awards or not, there is no doubt they've had a good time. It's a great opportunity for us all to get together. So they don't just sit at home with nothing to do, we of Tuiora go around and pick up our elderly to attend this event. As the proverb says, 'our elderly are a gift, 'we need to cherish and care for them.' Pere Wihongi, Te Karere. Now let's take a look at the Maori and Pacific Programmes TVNZ has to offer over the weekend. This week on Marae. An uncertain future. And the power of waiata. After the break, Rob Ruha wins the Maioha Award at the APRA Silver Scroll Awards. To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.nz. Rob Ruha has won the Maioha Award at the Silver Scroll Awards with his song Tiki Tapu. Ruha was up against song writers Maraea Davies for her song Kati Ra, and Kororia Taumaunu, Amomai Pihama and Matt Sadgrove with their song Kei Muri Pea, which is sung by Manea. APRA Silver Scrolls acknowledges song writers and composers. That's all we have for today. Captions were made possible with funding from Te Mangai Paho. Copyright TVNZ 2014.