10 April 2015 Coming up on Te Karere... Is Maori TV on the move? A powerful delegation says Rotorua is the ideal location. We examine the impact of prison closures on Maori rehabilitation. And a popular kapa haka personality beats cancer. Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. The community of Whangaparaoa in the East Coast has been left reeling after a fire ravaged 80 acres of land. The community is now working on a strategy to ensure that history never repeats. Here's Kereama Wright. The land blackened by fire. Last Thursday, this blick it Whangaparaoa caught fire and spread. Whangaparaoa, in the Te Whanau a Apanui region, was swept by this huge blaze that burnt almost everything in its path. It was very concerning It was very concerning because it it kept getting closer and closer Over 80 hectares of land was scorched. Due to Whangaparaoa's remote location, the bulk of the fire was fought by members of this small community. There were four trucks, some tractors brought by local farmers, and 6 fire engines. It's not the first time the community has faced a fire of this size. There was a similar fire back in 2002. In addition to checking the school's insurance, the community is also discussing a plan to avoid this happening in the future. If we plant grass, the risk of another fire is much smaller The cause of the fire is still being investigated. Kereama Wright, Te Karere. A Maori prisoner support groups says that if the old prisons are closed, Te Ara Poutama needs to give some thought to prisoners and families who may be affected to insure against recidivism. Here's Irena Smith. Closing the doors, but what about those behind them. I feel for the employees and their families. Te Ara Poutama want to help, but there are too many prisoners and not enough prisons. Vince Copeland runs cultural programmes in prisons to help prisoners re-integrate. Prisoners who have been released back into their communities need support to keep them on the straight and narrow. Corrections Department says there are units in 3 prisons, Rimutaka Tongariro and Waikeria Rimutaka, Tongariro and Waikeria which are old and no longer fit for prisoners to sleep in. Two hundred and sixty prison officer jobs will be affected The Rimutaka Prison was opened in 1911, so it's really old. Corrections spokesperson Kelvin Davis says this is all part of supporting the privately run prisons. Corrections and staff affected have time to discuss their options, some of the affected prisoners will be sent to the new South Auckland Correctional facility when it opens next month. Irena Smith, Te Karere. The battle is on to secure a new home for Maori Television. Iwi and business leaders alike met with the broadcaster's board of trustees today, each putting in their own bid to lure the station to their region. Te Arawa, who've long had their eye on the prize, were one of the first at the table, as Oriini Tipene-Leach reports. We're unable to provide subtitles. Oriini Tipene-Leach, Te Karere. From battling on the haka stage to battling cancer. Manurewa community leader Damon Heke Manurewa community leader Damon Heke has been battling nose, ear and throat cancer since September last year, and only recently, he announced his victory over the illness. He says he owes his success to positive thinking and the support of the community. He spoke today with Pere Wihongi. You have been diagnosed with Stage Three cancer - You have been diagnosed with Stage Three cancer - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma cancer. These were the words said to Damon when he was diagnosed with cancer. A battle that he's been fighting for eight months. It was quite hard at that time, but I was positive. That's been the biggest thing since the beginning, right up to now. Positive thinking in knowing. he wasn't alone in his battle. He believes social media also helped in his battle. He believes social media also helped in his battle. Allowing the many to support him on this journey. Now it's official. He's been cleared of the illness for one week now. But, according to Heke, it's the recovery stage that will be the biggest challenge ahead. I've got a long road ahead of me, but for now, my thoughts are positive, so are my emotions, my body, and mind and soul. All the best in your recovery. Pere Wihongi, Te Karere. After the break, A West Auckland community uses haka to rally together after a spate of murders. And a Maori All Black announces his early retirement from rugby. VOKITI RABICI'S 'ADI ATECA' This is 15 seconds of Fiji. 'ADI ATECA' CONTINUES Imagine how good you'd feel after 10 days. It's a community that has copped its fair share of criticism in past months, having three major deaths that hit the news headlines late last year. However, Ranui in west Auckland is making a stand today - However, Ranui in West Auckland is making a stand today - launching a different type community initiative to restore pride back in to the suburb. Raniera Harrison reports. Breaking down stereotypes for their region. The dreams and aspirations coincide with the heart of our region. Te Ra Nui o Maki (The abundant sunshine of Maki) is the name of the haka written by the community leaders of Ranui, in the western suburbs of Auckland. It's a haka written to reinforce the pride that exists The stomping of the foot, a sign of protest to the luring activities of anti-social behaviour. a sign of protest to the lured activities of anti-social behaviour. For us all to come to support and stand up together. A voice nurtured for by a haka exponent, himself a resident of the area. There are many initiatives that teach our children to make good decisions around their health and wellbeing. And the knowledge that this work is for everyone's benefit. To honour the children, the young people of Ranui, this haka isn't an angry one, it's humble. this haka isn't an angry one, it's humble. Escaping the pressures of the world. These kids here are happy. Even though some came here on an empty stomach, they will return home full. Cared for, loved, and fed. Some kids that came this morning came without any breakfast. Instead, feeding the children on these ancestral teachings. So that the sun will shine abundantly on the people of Maki forever more. Raniera Harrison, Te Karere. If you would like to see the haka in full - head to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/tekareremaorinews. Ben Afeaki has decided to retire from all rugby due to medical reasons. Afeaki suffered concussion in February 2014 in a match against the Crusaders. He suffered a further knock during training the next month and has not played since. The 27 year old prop played 36 matches for the Chiefs, was an All Black in 2013 and played eight matches for the Maori All Blacks. Afeaki said retirement was the best decision for his long term health. Now let's take a look at the Maori and Pacific Programmes TVNZ has to offer over the weekend. After the break, After the break, Manurewa Marae celebrate women. And then we have the weather. VOKITI RABICI'S 'ADI ATECA' This is 15 seconds of Fiji. 'ADI ATECA' CONTINUES Imagine how good you'd feel after 10 days. WHISPERS: Watch this. WHISPERS: Watch this. TAP! Huh? Huh. Huh. This is Glowie. Together with our Community Services Card, Glowie could help us save on power. And because he's pre-paid, Mum's in control of her dollars. She can even top up from here. He even changes colour when it's top-up time. But now it's play time! Get smarter about power. See if you could save with GLOBUG. (GIGGLES) To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.nz. Let's take another look at today's top stories. A Te Arawa delegation appeared before the Maori TV in a bid to convince them to relocate the station to Rotorua. The community of Whangaparaoa in the East Coast has been left reeling after a fire ravaged 80 acres of land. Ben Afeaki retires from rugby due to health reasons. Manurewa Marae celebrated mana wahine today in an event that seeks to empower, education and acknowledge women. Te Karere was also there. That's all we have for today. Kia ora tatou katoa. Captions were made possible with funding from Te Mangai Paho. Copyright TVNZ 2015.