MP raises Wanganui 'h' issue again

Local Maori are not imposing anything foreign on Wanganui.
Maori Party MP and co-leader Tariana Turia was commenting yesterday at the 10th anniversary of the Moutoa Gardens occupation on the spelling of Wanganui without the h.
The 1995 occupation commemorations began on Friday and there was a steady stream of visitors throughout the weekend with a huge turnout yesterday to mark the day on which the 79 day occupation began a decade ago.
"Whanganui is a significant part of our history ? our awa is spelt correctly and the city is not.
"The meaning of Whanganui is harbour, and if people understood how far upriver the tide reaches, then they might appreciate the intelligence of the correct spelling. "The spelling of Wanganui is neither a Maori or Pakeha word ? it has no meaning whatsoever."
Mrs Turia said tangata whenua would like the spelling of Wanganui and the pronunciation of Maori words in this area addressed.
"It is as if we have tried to impose something foreign on to the city."
Mrs Turia said Maori and Pakeha still had a lot of work to do to come together, to respect each other and look for solutions which bind the two peoples in nationhood.
However, the years of litigation for land and river issues had strengthened local iwi who had begun to focus on self-determination, she said.
Ken Mair has maintained the Pakaitore Paepae, renamed by the iwi for the duration of their stay, throughout the annual commemorations of the past decade.
He said he was optimistic the government would sit down and deal with the river claim.
"The claim is an issue that has impacted local iwi since the 1800s, and until we are a part of our own decision-making, which is what our stories were about in the claim process, we have a way to go."
Green Party MP Mitireia Turei said the Labour Party's Hui Taumata would begin today and was critical of suggestions that Maori must unshackle themselves and cash in valuable coastal and other land-based assets owned by tribal-based authorities if they were to generate significant business streams.
"The Pakaitore occupation was a demonstration of sovereignty and about control of our resources. "Individual Maori and hapu are struggling to hold on to their lands and then we have some of our own people suggesting we cash in the land."
Another well-known face from 1995 was Mike Smith, who returned for the anniversary.
"You have to wonder what all the fuss was about and why the opposition to Maori who came on to the gardens ? they are still here 10 years later.
"It is distressing for the young people whose tupuna did all the hard work and are no longer here to celebrate the gains."
Mayor Michael Laws was welcomed on to the gardens with his Deputy Mayor Dot McKinnon, Councillor Sue Westwood and council officials.
He said the anniversary was a time of celebration festivity and commemoration and he was pleased to see the gardens being used in this way.
"Thank you for the opportunity and goodwill you have shown us today.
"I welcome the chance to become properly bicultural in our celebrations.
"Wanganui showed the country the way when they resolved Moutoa Gardens."
Ten years on and the atmosphere was one of festivities, celebration and Maori hospitality.
Whanganui kura kaupapa and kohanga reo attended in great numbers and entertained the large crowd with Kohanga Idol. The pre-school talent was colourful and confident with its renditions of waiata.
Moutoa Gardens basked in sunlight, goodwill prevailed yesterday and there was a sense of healing and moving on from the raruraru (trouble) that split the city a decade ago.
The celebrations finished at 9 o'clock last night.