The community of Murupara will be celebrating Waitangi Day by jamming along to the sounds of the NZ Band 1814.  The concert which is being run under the performing arts development Trust aims at developing the arts with in communities like Murupara.  Te Akauroa Miki of Murupara's Rangatahi ERFM says that the concert is being supported by local bands but the bonus is having 1814 come to Murupara.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa are inviting all people who are keen and interested in learning more about carving and the installation of the whakairo with in the Mātaatua Wharenui, Te Mānuka Tutahi Marae.  This will be taking place on the 16, February.  The Mātaatua Wharenui was opened in September last year after being absent from its people for more than 100 years.  According to Crete Wana of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa numbers are limited, so be in quick. 

An information day will be held today in Kawerau by the Sawmill workers Against Poisons group service.  The group was set up by the Ministry of Health to support ex Sawmill workers who were exposed to PCP and other hazardous chemicals during the 1950-1988 period time when working at the mills.  Kere Akuhata says that the service is willing to help those who were affected, already 70 workers have been treated, but there main focus is on the next generation.

Taika Waititi's movie hit boy is set to hit US theatres in March.  Taika Waititi who originates from Te Whanau a Apanui of the Bay of Plenty played a huge role in front and behind the scenes of the movie which is set in the 1980's.  The film has been a hit on the international festival circuit, having played to great acclaim at such high-profile events as Sundance and Berlin, where it won the Grand Prix for Best Feature Film (Generation), and at last year's AFI Fest in Los Angeles, where it went on to win the Audience Award for Best International Film.  BOY in select major markets early March 2012, including NYC, LA, San Francisco and Berkley.