Tariana Turia, Co-leader, Maori Party

Turia Backs Candidate's Comments to Brash

Monday 5 September 2005

"I stand strongly in support of the statement Te Ururoa Flavell made to Dr Brash in Rotorua today" stated Tariana Turia, Co-leader of the Maori Party.

"Mr Flavell advised Dr Brash, how disappointed Maori are in the appalling comments he made regarding our cultural traditions" stated Mrs Turia.

"Mr Flavell explained his concern that Dr Brash would come to Rotorua, the absolute centre of cultural performance and arts, in the aftermath of his comments about "semi-naked male, sometimes quite pale-skinned Maori, leaping around in, you know, mock battle".

"All that Dr Brash's comments do is to reinforce his ignorance of the rich and vibrant arts and cultural heritage of tangata whenua" stated Mrs Turia.

"It is ironic that while the international community always appreciates how our customary practices define and significantly contribute to cultural advancement in this nation, some of our so-called political leaders treat them with such contempt".

"We should be preserving and protecting our cultural gifts. The Maori Party promotes the view that all peoples of this land deserve to flourish in an environment of cultural respect. We must stop this trail of needless negativity and treat each other with respect" stated Mrs Turia.

ENDS

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