Few in north blame Clark for giving up on Waitangi

By Angela Gregory and NZPA

Northland Maori reactions to not having the Prime Minister visiting the national marae on Waitangi Day are varied - either it was caused by a lack of leadership among Ngapuhi, or, Helen Clark should have stood up to Titewhai Harawira.

The Ngapuhi organiser for Waitangi Day, Pita Paraone, blames a lack of leadership among his iwi for the fiasco leading to Ms Clark's no-show this year.

As co-chairman of the Waitangi Day Organising Committee, Mr Paraone said he was disappointed Ms Clark would not be attending the ceremony.

"But I support her decision given the circumstances ... quite clearly the elders of Ngapuhi do not have the clarity of mind or unity of thought needed to come to terms with the issues surrounding the protocol of the powhiri, and the position of women speaking."

Jenny Shipley, who will be at Waitangi, said Ms Clark's decision was a cop-out and would let down people who wanted leadership on treaty issues.

But the Prime Minister dismissed Mrs Shipley's criticisms and said Mrs Shipley had attended last year only on Mrs Harawira's terms.

Ms Clark has attended events at Waitangi events for the past six years and found that each time there had been a mood of underlying tension and uneasiness. "On three of those occasions the mood has degenerated into downright unpleasantness and rudeness," she said.

Muriwhenua elder Shane Jones said that if Waitangi Day was to grow into a true national day it had to move away from the "aggravation" that had become part of commemorations at Waitangi. For Ms Clark to be at Waitangi would be like a duck attending the opening of duckshooting season.

Mrs Harawira said the issue had never been a personal one about her and Ms Clark. "It's about women's rights. It's not about a publicity stunt. The oppression of Maori women and children is absolutely disgusting."

She had offered to discuss her stance with Ms Clark but had not had any response.

Mr Paraone said the confusion reflected the lack of leadership in Ngapuhi since Sir James Henare passed away. "That's the critical issue." He did not "particularly" blame Titewhai Harawira. "Instead I emphasise the lack of courage of people to stand up and take leadership. The problem we have is the wannabes."

Ms Clark's visit should have been simple. There were no qualms about the Prime Minister "who happens to be female" speaking - just a matter of picking a suitable time.

Mr Paraone expected Mrs Harawira would be given the cold shoulder by some, but she was part of the marae and could not be banned.

The chairman of the Waitangi marae, Kingi Taurua, said he had discussed with Ms Clark the possibility of barring Mrs Harawira on the day, "but she advised me not to as it would just give Titewhai more publicity."

The tribe was very disappointed that Ms Clark would not be at Waitangi and he would suggest some members instead travelled south in support. "I am calling an urgent hui to discuss that."

Mr Taurua thought Ms Clark could have "just ignored" Mrs Harawira. "I don't know really what she's afraid of. I'm sorry she didn't stand up to Titewhai." Mrs Harawira would not go away, he said.

The kaiarahi (leader) of Te Taumata Kaumatua o Ngapuhi nui-tonu, Bruce Gregory, believed Ms Clark would ponder her decision in years to come. The council of elders had the means to safeguard her and ensure the protocol was complied with.

"The opportunity for her to become a grand statesman has been shadowed," Mr Gregory said. It was more important in terms of the treaty for the Governor-General to be there and he was pleased that was not at issue.

Another disappointed Ngapuhi elder, Graham Rankin, said he understood Ms Clark's point of view. "We were going to let her speak but we couldn't get rid of Titewhai."

Mr Rankin was unimpressed with Mr Paraone's comments. "I appointed him to that position ... It's about time he removed himself."

Recent Waitangi Day events at Waitangi have been marred by controversy. Two years ago Mrs Harawira reduced Ms Clark to tears by challenging her right to speak, and in 1995 protesters trampled on the New Zealand flag and spat at dignitaries.

The Crown will be represented at Waitangi this year by Maori Affairs Minister Dover Samuels and Governor General Sir Michael Hardie Boys.