Coming up on Te Karere... A referendum will be held to decide whether the New Plymouth district will have a Maori ward, but at what cost? Police in the spotlight again over the so-called Roast Busters case. And Maoridom mourns the loss of one of its Te Reo Maori exponents Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. Today we look to the west where a number of political issues are currently on the boil a short time ago, I spoke to our political reporter Irena Smith who has been covering a vexed local issue. Still flying the flag. This week a petition for a binding poll on the issue of Maori wards was ratified. And he says that it is the Government's processes at fault when it comes to Maori wards. Local iwi have their own thoughts on this issue. His role as mayor is being tested, but he would rather be a positive example for those who are misinformed. Next month New Plymouth residents will have their say, however, the arguments may not stack up. We're unable to provide subtitles. Investigations by police in to the Roast Busters was not robust enough. That's the conclusion to the latest report from the Independent Police Conduct Authority this morning after an earlier report criticised police for releasing inaccurate information. Peata Melbourne has more. Chances missed to prosecute Beraiah Hales and Joseph Parker known as the Roast Busters. There was also a lack of adequate record-keeping and assessment of evidence during the investigations and police did not check whether the young men had been involved in any previous incidents. That decision to not charge has left the police apologising today. A number of deficiencies were outlined in the report The report has recommended an audit now be carried out in to current cases to determine if shortcomings still exist. Peata Melbourne, Te Karere. Maoridom finds itself in mourning again. Maori language expert Materoa Haenga passed away last night. Materoa Haenga became known for teaching kiwaha at Kura Reo throughout the country and was affectionately known as 'te kuia o te kiwaha'. The 73-year-old was of both Ngati Porou and Ngati Kahungunu descent. Images have just come in showing her arrival at Te Ara o Tawhaki. She will be at the marae for two days and then will be taken to Taru-Heru Marae in Gisborne. Oriini Tipene-Leach presents this obituary for one of the greatest stalwarts of the Maori language. We're unable to provide subtitles. After the break, the Rotorua community lend a helping hand to those in Vanuatu. Aid and supplies from the NZ government are being flown in to cyclone ravaged Vanuatu. But local communities have also been quick to respond. In Rotorua, a call for basic supplies resulted in an overwhelming donation of goods. Kereama Wright reports. A small gesture of compassion that's growing. It's a humble offering to the families of Vanuatu. The collection began with kids' clothes, shoes and books. they've been overwhelmed by the response. The Rotorua Youth Aid spearheaded the campaign, motivated by the devastating cyclone that has to date claimed 24 lives. They lost their homes and their means to survive. They lost their homes and their means to survive. More than 4000 are homeless at present. Soloman is touched by the number of people who are supporting the cause. On Saturday, the goods will be freighted to Hamilton, then Auckland. The next mission is to raise funds to pay for shipping costs to Vanuatu. Kereama Wright, Te Karere. Rain showers were on and off today as the thousands gathered in Manukau for day two of the ASB Polyfest. Pere Wihongi with more information. The rainy weather did nothing to dampen the atmosphere here The rainy weather did nothing to dampen the atmosphere here at day two of the Polyfest. Today's groups are from division three. You can see the Maori stage behind me but it's not only Maori who are competing on the stage. Brown skinned, white skin, connoisseurs on the competition. It's the Maori stage, but it's not necessarily just for Maori. From Tonga, from the Cook Islands, from Niue, everywhere. This is Mt Roskill Grammar, one of the many competing teams in division three. But according to the tutors of the group, competing is not the main goal, it's giving all students this experience. Muna Taunga is from Niue and Tonga, however, because of her passion for the Maori culture and with the support of her tutors, she was able to stand strong on the Maori stage this year. She was amazing, she has passion for Te Reo, and she loves doing the work. And it doesn't stop there, Rangi Ruru Girls School from Christchurch have flown in to take part in the festival. And of all the girls, only three of them are of Maori descent. The majority are of other nationalities, but the benefits is that their hunger for our gifts such as Te Reo and Kapa Haka grow. And they all believe that if we open the doors to everyone, it will only strengthen Te Reo Maori. My thoughts are, we need to teach everyone, no matter who they are or where they're from. How do we sustain our language? By speaking it, by performing it, it's our job to put it out to the world to last for ever. Kapa Haka to be a home for everyone, no matter which culture. That's that, Maori descent, English Descent, Maori language is the essence which has brought all the groups together. Reporter Raniera Harrison spoke to the judges to see how the how the quality of the language has been used. The voice of Auckland of many paths is resounding. For not just the language itself, but the never ending pursuit of its excellence to be instilled Here at Day Two of Polyfest 2015, and amidst the flurry of action from the Pool 3 schools, the judges are scoping in They need to be strong in haka, as well as maybe the way in which the language is carried and customs. That's probably the main focus of today. Auckland secondary schools are still working towards the level of excellence in Te Reo Maori, and rightfully so. 15 schools in total took the stage today. That being said, Auckland boasts the most secondary school kapa haka in the country, which has led some to call for Te Reo Maori to be entered into aggregate section, thus enticing the children towards the language. No matter what the sanctity of the language should be protected. Some do not agree, some do. The marks have been bought in to the main section of the marking schedule. It was like that at Te Matatini in Christchurch. So that the high level of performing arts goes hand in hand with a high level of fluency in Te Reo Maori, but there is still worry. If it's just for marks sake, not for the beauty of our majestic language, then that'll be something that may in time come back and cause grief. They need to take the language into consideration. to boost their onstage performance. Raniera Harrison, Te Karere. Let's take another look at today's top stories. Let's take another look at today's top stories. An election to decide whether New Plymouth Council An election to decide whether New Plymouth Council will install a Maori ward. Police are criticized over how they dealt with the Roast Buster debacle. Maoridom is in grieving at the loss of Te Reo Maori champion Materoa Haenga. After the break, the Black Caps gear up for their quarter finals clash against the West Indies. And then we have the weather. To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.nz. The Blackcaps are gearing up for their quarter final match against the West Indies on Saturday, but perhaps they've yet to grasp the effect of their success in the world cup, inspiring the game of cricket in the hearts of people throughout the nation. Maori cricket authority Rhys Morgan says Maori have seen great benefits from the Blackcaps' performance. Heta Gardiner reports. The Black Caps have traded in their cricket bats for a soccer ball. It is hoped that Maori also jump ship to this sport. The Black Caps are training for their big quarter final match against the West Indies on Saturday. They are expected to win, after and impressive six wins in pool play. Interest in the team has increase, Interest in the team has increased, and that added interest reflects Maori as well. Rhys Morgan is a strong advocate for Maori in this sport. He help establish a Maori Wellington side. He helped establish a Maori Wellington side. And he wants to keep pushing forward. But such goals are still a long way off. But he is getting help from the top. Help that can hopefully continue, all the way to the final. Heta Gardiner, Te Karere. That's all we have for today. Turou Hawaiki. Captions were made possible with funding from Te Mangai Paho. Copyright TVNZ 2015.