Maori performer admits breaking tourist's nose

By ABIGAIL CASPARI in Rotorua
A Maori cultural performer who headbutted a tourist and broke his nose said he did it because he thought he was being laughed at.



Richard Minarapa Mitai-Ngatai yesterday admitted in the Rotorua District Court breaking the nose of Dutch tourist Johannes Scheffers by headbutting him during a Maori welcome at Tamaki Tours on November 24.

The 40-year-old said he assaulted Mr Scheffers because he thought he was laughing at him.

Prosecuting Sergeant Jim Broom told the Rotorua District Court yesterday that Mr Scheffers was part of a group of 160 tourists visiting Tamaki Tours. They were being given a formal traditional Maori welcome.

Mr Scheffers was one of the nominated chiefs for the welcome and he was told he would have to lift a peace token which would be placed at his feet. He was also told any sign of laughter or humour would seem to be disrespecting the ceremony.

During the final part of the ceremony Mr Scheffers gave a nervous grin with no intention to be disrespectful.

Mitai-Ngatai approached Mr Scheffers and "physically nudged" him in the face with his forehead causing the Dutch man to fall backwards with blood coming from his nose.

Several of the tourists were shocked by what they saw.

Mr Scheffers received a small fracture to his nose and had swelling to his eyes.

Mitai-Ngatai admitted what he had done but said he thought Mr Scheffers was laughing at the ceremony.

"His [Mitai-Ngatai's] intention was to nudge him back into the line with the main group of visitors," Mr Broom told the court.

"However, the force he used was well in excess of his intention."

Mitai-Ngatai co-operated with the police. He was ashamed of what he had done and was remorseful.

He realised his actions not only impacted on him and his family but also his employers and the community of Rotorua.

Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing general manager Don Gunn said he was concerned and shocked by the incident and hoped it would never happen again.

The incident was not good for the image of Maoridom or Maori culture, Mr Gunn said.

"Our visitors are not fully aware of the intricacies of the culture and if they inadvertently smile they shouldn't expect to be headbutted."

However, Mr Gunn did not think the assault would damage Rotorua's reputation.

"I would see this as an isolated incident.

"I don't think the impact is going to be that huge."

At least 15 supporters were in court with Mitai-Ngatai. One family member said a karakia before the group sang in Maori.

His lawyer Bill Lawson told the court that during ceremonies like a Maori welcome, performers could get hyped up and it was easy to see how someone could get carried away.

The police diversion scheme was an appropriate way to deal with the matter and Mr Lawson asked for name suppression to continue until sentencing.

However, Mr Broom said police were not prepared to offer the diversion scheme because of the seriousness of the incident and the injuries Mr Scheffers received.

The matter was also of public interest and all sentencing options needed to remain open.

Judge James Weir said he was not prepared to grant name suppression because there were no special circumstances to warrant it.

Judge Weir said police had a strong case for not offering the diversion scheme and referred Mitai-Ngatai to Mana Social Services for the restorative justice scheme to be considered.

"All options are still open," Judge Weir said.

Mitai-Ngatai will be sentenced on January 16.

Doug Tamaki from Tamaki Tours did not want to comment about the issue when he was contacted by the Daily Post.

Two years ago a Northland man accidentally struck an English tourist with a taiaha during a traditional Maori welcome at Paihia but the man was not charged.