Random follow #247 - @n8tvaffairs

Every week on @maoritv there is one show that totally sets twitter in New Zealand alight.  Its like perfect clockwork.  @n8tvaffairs starts and twitter goes wild.  This show is how New Zealand keeps it real when it comes to current events and discussing the topics of the day that affect real people in real communities right across the country.

The stunningly gorgeous lady who sits behind the @n8tvaffairs account is Annabelle.  Its her skill, wisdom, tenacity and ability to work across both political and societal spectrums that has allowed the show to both become a success and to stay one as well.  Annabelle is the producer for the show which often means she does a lot of the thinking and co-ordinating of the show without always being seen in the spotlight or on camera.

Want to know why and how Annabelle tweets?  Fearlessly would be one description.  She is certainly not afraid to out her opinion out into the public domain.  And if that means having a good robust discussion with a few people then bring it on.  Don't think she is all about the arguing.  At heart Annabelle is all about whanau and family.  Protecting their rights and ensuring their quality of life is the best it possibly can be.

The @n8tvaffairs twitter account is a really busy one.  In a good way of course.  There's a really nice mix of the personal and the professional that keeps it fresh, active and keeps you coming back for more.

So as far as personal tweets here's what you'll get - 

"Hi Friday you little spunk! Now where are my PJs at? :)"

And the professional - 

"From behind the bars to the big league.. On #NativeAffairs the remarkable story of Suaia Matagi #KeepTheFaith #Warriors #LetsGoneWarriors"

The poignant - 

"makes me feel ashamed. What a joke. Marriage equality is meaningless
if this is how we treat our takatapui community."

If you look through the @n8tvaffairs timeline you will actually find a whole bunch of Random Kiwi Tweeters who have been profiled this year too.  Take a look and see how many you recognise.  There are many good folk on the list who Annabelle interacts with week after week.

In years past to be an advocate for the people meant banners, signs, sit ins and other forms of protest.  In a modern world where media rules then it is through that medium that change can be both forced and coerced.  @n8tvaffairs is that advocate for fairness and change.  Long may it continue to grace out television screens week after week creating and encouraging the debate this country so badly needs.

If there was one whakatauki that could sum up what @n8tvaffairs is about, it's this -

Random follow #233 - @BubblesReedy

"Whāia te iti kahurangi Ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei"

@BubblesReedy is an amazing lady who lives her life in pursuit of both a challenge and excellence.  She pursues her dreams that are fulfilling not just for her but the overflow of her success goes out to her family and whanau as well.  Being involved in the teaching of digital media to young people both at Lytton High and across the Gisborne region she knows what it is to be at the coal face of dealing with youth in a complex and changing world.

Her lineage is Ngati Porou (East Coast) and she is also fluent in te reo Maori.  It is with her mastery of te reo along with her passion for teaching that has the opportunity to be involved in a number of projects whereby both the preservation of the language as well as the support of Maori students is the focus of her energies.

So what sort of challenges or pursuits of excellence is she engaged in?  Well being fluent in yet another language is one pursuit that Katarina is currently trying to master - 

"#tonganlanguageweek Malo e lelei! He Maori ahau. My word for today. Lanu = Tae = Colour.#becomingmiltilingual"

Learning how to work with digital media - 

"I'm making my superhero profile webpage (http://www.codeavengers.com/c/bubblesr/profile.html …) learning #HTML#CSS the fun way with @CodeAvengers http://www.codeavengers.com/web/1"

And then there is her own challenge which is sharing a repository of collected poems and poetry with the world.  You can view her ever growing collection by checking out her website which is located here - http://bubblesreedypoetry.blogspot.co.nz/.  Every now and then she shares a new poem via twitter too.  And here is a nice example of her work -

"New moon/Blue pearl/Orbiting her ocean king/Afloat on the black/His captivating jewel revealed/Salacia/Salt sea empress/Home at last #Poem"

So what value will she add to your timeline if you follow her?  @BubblesReedy brings creativity, a Maori world view of issues facing us today, some fantastic links to resources for both teaching and digital resources.  Her pursuits of challenges will hopefully make you stop and think.  And she also brings a fun and energetic approach to both life, and social media, that will put a smile on your dial.

Katarina is one of the absolute newest follow I have made recently I am thoroughly pleased that I did.

"Pursue excellence – should you stumble, let it be to a lofty mountain"

(Note - todays kiwi tweeter was recommended by @winstonmoreton. If you know of someone who you think is a great tweeter who deserves some shine feel free to drop me a line.)