Waka Maori Critics Should Stop Playing Politics
A Ngati Whatua leader is angry the Waka Maori venue for Auckland's waterfront is continuing to be used as a political
football.
Te Runanga o Ngati Whatua chairman, Naida Glavish, says the ongoing sniping from Labour MP Shane Jones is insidious,
short on facts, and disloyal to his people.
" Shane should pause and think about the impact of his criticism. Ngati Whatua and Iwi across the country have been
doing a stunning job of representing Maori culture on a world stage during the Rugby World Cup. We are creating a
wonderful bow wave for our people. It is a shame Shane is messing about in the backwash playing local politics."
Naida Glavish says the Waka Maori initiative is a wonderful demonstration of Maori innovation, drawing on ancient
traditions and bringing them to life with a 21st century flavour.
" There has been too much misinformation about this project. It is on target and on budget and is set to bring a
wonderful new dynamic to the ongoing Auckland waterfront celebrations during Rugby World Cup."
ENDS