29 January 2010
For Immediate Release

Tribal leader slams Maori academic for “gross disrespect”

Ngapuhi tribal leader David Rankin, has condemned Canterbury University lecturer Rawiri Taonui for showing “gross disrespect” in criticising the new Air New Zealand uniform designs.

“Mr Taonui has come out attacking the designs because they are culturally wrong. He clearly has no concept of the role and function of these designs in our culture”, says Mr. Rankin.

“I see this as grandstanding by Mr Taonui”, says Mr. Rankin. “Air New Zealand has been in consultation with the Maori Language Commission and other Maori who are experts in this area. It is a shame Mr. Taonui did not consult his elders before this outburst. He has displayed a concerning lack of knowledge on the basics of our culture”.

Mr Rankin has offered to meet with Mr Taonui in order to explain to him the tikanga adopted by Air New Zealand but so far has received no reply. “If he wants to talk about this matter, then I am here for him”, says Mr Rankin, “but we don’t want any more embarrassments like this attack from Mr Taonui again”.

Mr Taonui, a former nightclub security guard, is regarded by Mr. Rankin as a newcomer to the culture. “we welcome all Maori who want to learn about their past, but they need to be humble”, says Mr. Rankin.

ENDS

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