PM shouldn’t use Maori culture as an excuse

new-zealand-national-party

Fri Feb 22 2008 13:00:00 GMT+1300 (New Zealand Daylight Time)

PM shouldn’t use Maori culture as an excuse

Friday, 22 February 2008, 9:54 am
Press Release: New Zealand National Party

Tau Henare MP
National Party Maori Affairs Spokesman (Education & TPK)

22 February 2008

National Party Maori Affairs (Education & TPK) spokesman Tau Henare says the Prime Minister should not be attempting to use Maori culture as an excuse for her nightmare photo opportunity with Owen Glenn.

“Once again the Labour government is using Maori as an excuse for their failures. Helen Clark and Judith Tizard should explain and apologise.”

Mr Henare is referring to the opening of Auckland University’s business school last night, where Helen Clark refused to hongi Owen Glenn.

Associate Arts Culture and Heritage Minister Judith Tizard later claimed it was Ngati Whatua custom that women did not hongi.

“This claim was promptly contradicted by Ngati Whatua Orakei Maori Trust Board chairman Grant Hawke who confirmed there was no such custom.

“As Ministers for Arts Culture and Heritage both Helen Clark and Judith Tizard should know better.”

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

a.supporter:hover {background:#EC4438!important;} @media screen and (max-width: 480px) { #byline-block div.byline-block {padding-right:16px;}}

Using Scoop for work?

Scoop is free for personal use, but you’ll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features.

Join Pro Individual Find out more

Find more from New Zealand National Party on InfoPages.