Coming up on Te Karere... Millions of dollars are being put into drug abuse prevention by the government but what will be achieved? Our growing prison population forces the government to invest in 1800 new beds, how will it be achieved and at what cost? New figures on suicide just out show New Zealanders are taking their lives in greater numbers than ever as numbers for Maori drop. 18 October 2016 Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. Millions of dollars is being put into drug abuse prevention by the government, but not everyone is convinced the money is being allocated towards areas that will be of most benefit. $15m in total seized from criminals to tackle drug abuse both in areas of prevention and rehabilitation. Do you think the funding has been allocated appropriately by the Government? No, no. Shane White is one of two workers based at Hoani Waititi that has been working directly with those in need of support for drug rehabilitation for the last decade. While he welcomes extra funding, he says it's swayed too heavily toward law enforcement. As if police are a means of help. It's not like Police make the time, or have any sway, or courtesies, or kinship with those in need, they'll continue to do what they've always done and 'fix things up', they can't fix us. 15 prevention and rehabilitative initiatives will be funded in this new wave of investment by the Government since 2009. From what I can see, the thing that is missing are Maori initiatives. Maori initiatives typically include romiromi, pure, traditional Maori rongoa and performing arts as a means of rehabilitation, and proving successful for both Maori and non-Maori. What upsets workers like Shane the most, he says is not once have Maori initiatives like Hoani Waititi's been funded. For us, it's people who are of utmost importance. What's the most important thing? Well it's not a Ngapuhi, it's people. That's our philosophy, though some may believe we only do our work for Maori, and we do, but not exclusively. However progress from this new boost of funding won't be seen until a report is released during the coming months. Peata Melbourne, Te Karere. Chief coroner judge Deborah Marshall says there needs to be more discussions about suicide prevention, following the release of the suicide figures for the past year. The statistics show the highest number of suicides on record. Maori suicide deaths were down by one from last year as Maori male suicide figures dropped by 10. However, Maori female suicides went up 9 to 47, the highest number recorded. Overall there were 579 suicide deaths in the past year. Last year there were 564. A man has died in Whangarei after being dropped off at the St John ambulance station early this morning. It's believed the man has gang affiliations, is Maori and was aged in his 30's. He was dropped at the Western Hills Drive Station just after 6.30am in a critical condition and later died. Police are treating the death as suspicious and inquiries are underway. A billion dollars is going to be spent on nearly 2000 more prison beds across the country. A Maori expert in prisoner reform says the government should be embarrassed at the growing number of prisoners and they are not giving offenders enough options to reform themselves. Irena Smith has the story. We're unable to provide subtitles. Irena Smith, Te Karere. A long planned two day strike involving around 3000 junior doctors is now underway after district health boards refused to give in to demands around working conditions. In Rotorua, Hinerangi Goodman visited one of the leading Maori health providers in the region to see how the strike may affect their services for clients who are being urged to visit their own GPs first. From 7am this morning only urgent cases will be treated at the emergency department in Rotorua Hospital. Although she didn't want to comment on camera, Sue Wilkie from the Lakes District Health Board says the junior doctors have a right to strike, they are our future work force. Hariata Vercoe head of Te Korowai Health Centre says she empathizes with the junior doctors. We asked if Te Korowai Aroha has the capacity to cope with the potential increased demand for consultations. With what is happening in recent times, perhaps the time has come for Maori to take a more serious approach to keeping good health and warding off illnesss. During our elders' time, going to the hospital was not about living but dying. Some are hoping an agreement can be reached with the protesters. Hinerangi Goodman, Te Karere. Ambulance officers are also taking industrial action. Union group Ambulance Professionals First have announced that they've served ambulance provider St. John Ambulance with a 14 day notice. Co-Ordinator Lynette Blacklaws said the strike is for the safety of staff and their patients, with an aim to address issues that cause dangerous fatigue, no meal breaks and increased workloads. The industrial action also includes a ban on paperwork After the break, And the All Blacks assemble in Auckland ahead of clash against Australia. Since settling their treaty claims in 1998, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu has gone on to expand their wealth, and thanks to their tourism arm, they've done it again. Ngai Tahu tourism recently acquired a horse trekking company which they hope will help the iwi ride on to more prosperity. Hania Douglas reports. Another day, another acquisition. Tourists in the South Island have a lot to choose from to entertain them. But recently, Ngai Tahu tourism acquired a horse trekking business to bolster their tourism options. Ngai Tahu tourism CEO says the new business will be very beneficial, but they have to put in the work. The horse trekking business joins the myriad of Ngai Tahu's other businesses. And just like a horse, Ngai Tahu seems to be winning this race. HANIA DOUGLAS, TE KARERE. It's known as 'surf rage' - and it often arises when surfers, protective of their local turf, end up competing for waves with new-comers. But a Maori Massey University researcher is looking to find out why some surfers erupt to 'surf rage' and what can be done about it for his PhD. Te Okiwa McLean has more. For some people, surfing is just a laid-back sport that makes them happy. But for some, it makes them angry and violent. Surf rage is fault that is making its mark on some surfers. This negativity is not in all surfers though, only some. Jhan Gavala of Ngapuhi has surfed since he was a kid. He's surfed some of the biggest waves in the world. This year, Gavala returned from the shores of Bali, back to the homeland to research "Surf Rage" and the origins of Maori surfing. Gavala says 'Surf Rage' is a foreign thing - but maintains it's simple to stick to the etiquette of surfing. And his statement to all surfers out there: Gavala will conduct research in six different regions of the North Island, starting this weekend when he hits the Maori Surfing Titles in Waitara. Te Okiwa McLean, Te Karere. The All Blacks have assembled in Auckland in preparation for their final match in New Zealand against Australia on Saturday - before departing on their northern hemisphere tour. The squad is of course missing Aaron Smith after being stood down and the big question is who will fill that spot? Tamati Rimene-Sproat has the story. There is a question at the lips of every All Blacks fan, that is who will replace Aaron Smith for the Bledisloe test against Australia on Saturday night? After his incident last month, Aaron Smith stood himself down for the test against the Wallabies. But the All Blacks are keeping quiet as to who will replace him, rather shifting attention to the huge game this weekend. It is a special clash because the All Blacks are chasing 18 victories in a row. Something that has never been accomplished. The team will be named on Thursday, it will be then that we know who will fill Aaron Smiths place for this historic match. TAMATI RIMENE-SPROAT, TE KARERE. This afternoon, All Blacks management revealed that Counties-Manukau half Augustine Pulu had been called up to cover for Aaron Smith's omission. After the break; Ta Matiu Rei is knighted by the Govenor General. And we have the weather. To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.nz. The Ngati Toa leader behind the health, education, culture and economic development of the Porirua-based iwi was knighted at a special ceremony at government house in Wellington today. Ta Matiu Rei was honoured in this year's queen's birthday honours for his services to Maori. Eruera Rerekura looks back at some of his achievements: Arise - Sir Matiu Rei. This Ngati Toa Rangatira leader is being acknowledged for his many achievements. Since 1989 Sir Matiu Rei has been leading the way in terms of health, education, economic development, Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira and the Treaty of Waitangi resolution. I am very happy. This is a surprise and an honour, especially as I have fought the government many times. He also established four medical centres - Ora Toa. Because of his business acumen he advised Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira on the tribe's investments. Sir Matiu was also behind the strategies to revive the Maori language amongst his people. In 1986, he advanced their Treaty claims before the Crown and established the post settlement entity that looks after the tribes assets from their Treaty settlement. He also served as chair for the Maori Fisheries Settlement Trust and one of his biggest achievements was leading the legal challenge over the foreshore and seabed. His strength lies in the field of government and council too. His work has been invaluable for his iwi of Ngati Toa. However, today he was honoured by the Governor General for his services to his people and to Maoridom. Tonight, he and his people of Ngati Toa will gather for a celebratory feast at Takapuwahia Marae in Porirua. Eruera Rerekura, 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 2016.