Half Naked Welcomes Should be Optional
“Not all visitors to New Zealand are impressed by a bare bottomed native, making threatening gestures,” says
Conservative Party Leader Colin Craig.
Mr Craig says he understands the sentiments of Danish MP Marie Krarup, who has publically criticised a Powhiri she
attended while visiting New Zealand.
“Of course many New Zealanders are familiar with traditional Maori cultural welcomes, but for some guests, they can be
taken the wrong way.”
“As a country seeking to establish positive international relations, cultural welcomes of this nature should be optional
to guests,” Mr Craig says.
“If guests choose not to be welcomed in this way, I’m sure a handshake and a cup of tea would go a long way.”
“New Zealand is making a mistake to force culture on anyone. People should be free to choose and enjoy cultural
experiences as they see fit,” he says.
ENDS