Turia’s Remarks Offensive - Mark
New Zealand First law and order spokesman Ron Mark says the Maori Party should apologise for Tariana Turia’s remarks
likening legislation banning gang patches in Wanganui to the targeting of Jews in Nazi Germany.
Her comments were made during debate in Parliament last night on a proposal to ban the wearing of gang insignia in
Wanganui.
Mr Mark said that Mrs Turia’s remarks were offensive because the persecution of Holocaust victims and the deaths of six
million people were totally different to the efforts of a provincial city to crack down on groups of violent thugs.
“We should point out to the Maori Party that law abiding citizens of Wanganui are being persecuted by the gangs – not
the other way round and nobody in their right mind could think otherwise.”
Mr Mark said the Maori Party should also reflect on the insulting habit of many New Zealand gangs who wear Nazi regalia,
have swastikas tattooed on their bodies and chant ‘sieg heil’.
“Tariana Turia is way out of line over this issue. The Maori Party should be trying to use its influence to get gangs
under control in Wanganui and elsewhere instead of acting as public relations agents for them.
“To link Holocaust survivors to such people is grossly offensive. Her comments are in very poor taste. She should
withdraw them and apologise unreservedly,” said Mr Mark.
ENDS