Dame Kiri eyes land of 'very few friends'

By REBECCA WALSH AND NZPA

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa says she is considering a move back to New Zealand next year.

But the international opera star, who has created headlines by attacking Maori as lazy and lacking pride, says she has "very, very few" friends here.

In an extensive interview with an Australian newspaper, Dame Kiri said Maori needed a bit of attitude.

Her comments have outraged some Maori MPs but others say there is nothing new in what she has said.

Dame Kiri - who is Maori - told Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper she was driven by hard work and wished more Maori were.

"I see too many living on benefits. When they come to Australia they are completely different, they actually have to work. But when they're in New Zealand ... it just drives me mad.

"I've known someone, a Maori, who's been on a benefit for 37 years. Now what sort of pride is that? Not good.

"I just wish we had a bit of attitude in our culture. We have slipped through the cracks of education, that's the saddest thing."

Dame Kiri said she was "truly a New Zealander" but could not go home to a huge bunch of friends.

"In England, I almost have too many friends to cope with. Back home, I have very, very few and I find that sad.

"I think, now, it's the saddest part of my life, to have left my country for so many years."

She said there was a "big possibility" she would return to New Zealand next year, when she turned 60.

Professor Ranginui Walker said Dame Kiri's comments were nothing new.

Sir Apirana Ngata had criticised the Labour Government's move towards a social welfare programme in the 1930s, saying it would bury Maori initiative and create a culture of dependence.

But some MPs say Dame Kiri's comments are out of touch.

Associate Maori Affairs Minister Tariana Turia said: "There are a huge number of incredibly talented Maori with very positive and determined attitudes doing extremely well, just as Dame Kiri did."

Tainui MP Nanaia Mahuta said she was "very disappointed" with the comments, especially as Dame Kiri had not lived in New Zealand for many years.

Te Tai Tonga MP Mahara Okeroa said Dame Kiri was "uninformed", which was unfortunate as she was an ambassador for New Zealand.

"If she thinks she's the only Maori that's got drive, I think she should reside in Aotearoa so she gets a real idea of what's going on."

NZ First MP Pita Paraone said Dame Kiri's comments were offensive and clearly came from someone "who does not have any understanding of Maori and its culture".

They were the views of someone who had led a "privileged" life.