Maori are still disappointed, Mr Hide

Maori Party Co-leader Dr Pita Sharples has challenged his Parliamentary colleague Rodney Hide’s view that Maori in Auckland have got over their disappointment at not having dedicated seats on the super-city council.

“Maori are hugely disappointed with the government’s decision, and they will not forget that solemn recommendations by a Royal Commission of Inquiry were trumped in Cabinet by Rodney Hide’s ideologically driven ultimatum that either Maori representation goes, or he resigns as Minister,” said Dr Sharples.

“Maori express their views in different ways, and Mr Hide still does not get it. For example, at Te Matatini next year, the national festival of kapa haka, Te Ropu Manutaki will be performing a haka expressing their derision and contempt at the decision,” he said.

“That’s how disappointed and angry they are, that the tangata whenua who contributed so much to the founding of Auckland have been insulted in this way. Maori expect to deal with people in good faith, until that faith is broken. We also have long memories, and I am sure there will be repercussions of some kind from this decision.

“The fact that Maori are going ahead with finding candidates to sit on the Maori Advisory Board does not mean they are satisfied, or that the issue is settled. It simply means they are making the best of the situation, until an opportunity comes along to put it right.

“I have no doubt that Maori will see the current council elections, and the general election next year, as creating opportunities to pursue satisfaction,” said Dr Sharples.

ENDS

© Scoop Media