Ngapuhi Fury Over Hongi-Hitler Insult

Ngapuhi leader David Rankin has expressed his outrage over Te Arawa's decision to ban a picture of his ancestor, Hongi Hika.

'Comparing Hongi to Hitler is deeply offensive to our people. Many Ngapuhi men fought and died in the war fighting against fascism, and now we are facing it here at home'

Mr Rankin states that if the picture of Hongi is not reinstated and a public apology from Te Arawa not received, he will mount a campaign to cleanse all of Northland of Te Arawa placenames.

'This decision of Te Arawa's shows ignorance of the Ngapuhi-Arawa relationships that have existed for centuries', says Mr Rankin, 'and there will certainly be repercussions', he warns.

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