Who else but the Maori Women's Welfare League to lead the way on the major issue of vulnerable Maori children. The new legislation makes the child the centre of focus for CYFS and recommends placing them in a permanent foster family 'far more quickly'. Maori social welfare groups and people who work with vulnerable children and families came together to work on an action plan where Maori can still play a major role in the care and protection of our most vulnerable children. A major concern of foster placement is the disconnection from the children's own values and knowing who they are and where they come from. It is hoped that all sectors of Maoridom can join together to lobby the government to include a role for Maori in the new legislation to care and protect of their own. Irena Smith, Te Karere. A resident of Rotorua's Ohinemutu Village woke up in fear this morning, from what she described as the sound of a water geyser shooting out of Lake Rotorua. Lani Kereopa's home sits at the edge of Lake Rotorua and although the hydrothermal activity isn't visible now, she says at about 4am this morning she heard a loud eruption and saw water shooting upwards towards the sky. GNS confirmed although the activity was the first steam hydrothermal eruption to occur in 15 years, the event is not linked to the recent earthquakes. Maori can only benefit from having more of their own people working professionally in the health care system. That's the view of Whanau Ora founder Tariana Turia who was a keynote speaker at the Pacific Region Indigenous Doctors Congress. As Hania Douglas reports, Dame Tariana's comments come in the wake of a recent graduation that saw the most Maori and Pacific graduates in medicine ever. Maui Pomare is credited as the first Maori doctor, a lone ranger in his chosen field. A century later, he's joined by many more. There are currently over 400 Maori doctors in the system. I'm happy to see that number growing. It could be seen as a legacy of Dame Tariana Turia's reign as the mother of Whanau Ora. Jensen says that it's been a long time coming. It's been an ongoing programme instigated by Prof. Colin Mantell and Prof. Peter Gluckman last century. There's also the fact that the course takes a long time, so those who are graduating now probably began their studies a decade ago. Turia and Jensen both believe Maori can only benefit from these growing numbers, something that's being celebrated over the coming week. I'm happy to see indigenous health care professionals from all over Pacific in attendance here in Auckland so we can discuss what we're all doing in health in our universities and health centres across the Pacific. The conference will continue over the week. Hania Douglas, Te Karere. Northern Taranaki iwi, Ngati Maru took another step to settling its treaty claims today. It hosted officials from the Office of Treaty Settlements and DOC so the party could visit sites of significance. And as Te Okiwa McLean reports, it was an also an opportunity to give descendants of Ngati Maru an update on the settlement. A visit that's been a long time coming. Ngati Maru are the last of the eight iwi of Taranaki to settle its treaty claims. Their tribal boundaries span 240,000 hecteres of land. From Waitaraiti Stream in the north, to Mangaehu in the south, Manganui in the west and to Heao in the east. The iwi are pleased the Crown has made the visit to hear their concerns. The Crown agrees indeed. At the moment the iwi and the Crown are visiting the ancient pa sites at Wera, Purangi and Te Kauau so the Crown can see and get a feel for the pain iwi have suffered. Te Okiwa McLean, Te Karere. After the break, the Black Ferns finish their season unbeaten. And Maori players play a big part in the All Blacks' success this year. (CHILDREN GIGGLE) Oops! So, just like you, they need good health insurance. If you're a parent, get NIB's top private hospital plus by December 31 and we'll cover one of your little whippersnappers for free for a whole year. Get your child covered for free with NIB. Hurry - offer ends 31 December. So simply buy online or call us today on 0800 123 NIB. The All Blacks wrapped up one of its most successful international seasons yesterday with a hard fought victory over France. The achievement, all the more sweeter given the number of All Black veterans who retired last year. And as Tamati Rimene-Sproat reports, a good number of players of Maori descent made significant contributions to the All Blacks' success. A tour to the Northern Hemisphere that fulfilled expectations for the All Blacks. They won 13 of the 14 games this year. An amazing accomplishment given the experience lost last year. And the delight of the coaching staff in the upcoming Maori boys who have taken their opportunities. Like Damian McKenzie of Tuwharetoa and Rieko Ioane of Te Whanau-a-Apanui. Israel Dagg is one of the senior players Israel Dagg is one of the senior players who has rekindled his love for the game, scoring 10 tries. TJ Perenara of Te Arawa has made the most of his opportunity on this tour at Halfback, an opportunity that arose from Aaron Smith's troubles. The success of this tour has sent a clear message to the British and Irish Lions who are touring next year while showcasing the young Maori talent they will likely face. Tamati Rimene-Sproat, Te Karere. Sticking with rugby our women's Black Ferns also cleaned up on their Northern Tour with a 38 - 8 win over Ireland. Superstar Portia Woodman dotted down for three tries and Selica Winiata extended her try-scoring streak adding two more to her tally. The team finish 2016 unbeaten with five wins from five games and coach Glenn Moore believes the team are in good stead for next years world cup. Our girls celebrating their success as well as giving the Irish a taste of our culture with a waiata. The test was ideal prep for next year's world cup as the tournament will be hosted by Ireland. Tumamao Harawira is here to talk sports ahead of the weekend. We're unable to provide subtitles. Tumamao Harawira, thank you. After the break, And we have the weather. To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.nz. It makes me happy to see our elders many of them reaching the ages of 60 years; 70 years well that's pushing it. Earlier in the day his many other descendants who grew up in Tuwharetoa, numbering over 300 souls, were welcomed on to Te Rewarewa Marae He grew up here within Te Mahurehure. Truly in this day and age it is a miracle for our elders to still be around at 90 years old. The soothing sweet voice of Whirimako Black crooned an old favourite from yester year. Truly this was an enjoyable and memorable day for all who attended. Happy birthday to you sir! Hinerangi Goodman, Te Karere. That's all we have for today. Turou Hawaiki. Captions were made possible with funding from Te Mangai Paho. Copyright TVNZ 2016.