“Boycott Waitangi Day until we deal with Maori child abuse” says iwi leader

A Ngapuhi leader has sparked controversy by saying that Waitangi Day celebrations should be called off this year and the money saved be invested in curbing Maori child abuse.

“Waitangi Day celebrations around the country will cost the taxpayer over $300,000 this year,” says Ngapuhi’s David Rankin, “and while we celebrate, more of our kids are getting drunk, abused, and killed than ever before in living memory.”

Mr Rankin says that Maori need to shift their priorities in order to protect the next generation. “At present, we are destroying our culture and our future by bringing up a feral class within our society. What is lacking is leadership.”

Mana Party leader Hone Harawira comes in for special attention from Mr Rankin: “Hone travels the world, complains about Pakeha to anyone who will listen, but when it comes to the biggest enemy of Maori: Maori parents, he is silent. I say to Hone, if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”

Mr Rankin will boycott all official functions this year, despite his ancestor, Hone Heke, being the first chief in the country to sign the Treaty of Waitangi.

Ends

© Scoop Media