I must admit that I did tell anyone down there who would listen that Te Arawa had come to take the trophies home! To all involved, ka nui aku mihi ki a koutou, ka wani ke koutou katoa.
Local body elections
Local body elections are coming up and that's evident with things heating up locally. There have been some disappointing tactics from a few candidates who are running for various positions.
The usual divisive commentary about Te Ao Maori has begun with some candidates seemingly oblivious to the Local Government Act.
This states that authorities must establish and maintain processes to provide opportunities for Maori to contribute to the decision-making processes of the local authority and consider ways in which it may foster the development of Maori capacity to contribute to those processes.
These few individuals are using their campaign platform to criticise the Rotorua Lakes Council Te Arawa Partnership model. This is a model which recently took out a national award, which our council is rightly proud of, and which should be a template for other local authorities to follow.
There have also been some pretty low tactics on social media where council staff have been targeted. This kind of campaigning is not on. Employees and public servants have a job to do, and should be able to do so without having their mana and integrity questioned by those seeking positions in public office.
I encourage you all to check and make sure you are enrolled to vote, and check that your whanau, your rangatahi, kuia and koroua are as well.
Hinemoa and Tutanekai
In closing today, I must say that I am pleased with the decision made by Auckland brewers Birkenhead Brewery, and Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar in Rotorua, who both made the decision to remove the images and names of Hinemoa and Tutanekai from their alcohol after the hapu who are kaitiaki of these tupuna expressed concern.
Using tupuna to sell products like kai, and particularly alcohol and cigarettes, is never a good idea. Why? You are directly mixing tupuna names (and/or images) which are tapu with items that are noa i.e. food and beverages.
The arguments for and against were passionate, however the whole fiasco could probably have been avoided had consultation occurred with the right people in the first instance. Maori culture is a huge selling point for Aotearoa, so we must do all we can to protect our tupuna and ensure they are only promoted in a way that is respectful, and keeps their mana intact. I am sure that putting their names or images on alcohol, simply does not do that.
- I welcome your feedback. Email mpwaiariki@parliament.govt.nz Phone 0508 924 274.
