Northland MP Jones Says Attack On Maori Media Disgraceful

Northland Labour MP Shane Jones says the attacks on Maori media by Tame Iti’s lawyer Annette Sykes is “disgraceful” and “totally out of order”.

Mr Jones says: “they announced a press conference for Tame Iti which was nothing but a charade and a guise to abuse the media.

“It shows disrespect for our hard working media in a fledgling industry, and while I understand it was also directed at all media, I find nothing but condemnation for the way Sykes and her lot raved and ranted at Maori media.

“Here we have a runaway success story with Maori Television who are due to launch a second full-time Te Reo channel and instead of applauding them, this rabble of self serving malcontents have abused them for not doing a job that serves the purposes of Tame Iti.

“It is an appalling state of affairs when the fourth estate goes about doing its job and their democratic right to do their job without fear and favour is being tainted simply because they will not march to the divisive beat of Annette Sykes drum.

“Maori media have fought a long and hard battle for recognition and equality alongside their mainstream colleagues, and just as they get it, we have those who try to intimidate them because they want the Maori media to capitulate to their warped view of life.

“Their integrity must be preserved and defended because this is a young industry and one that this Labour Government has worked hard to develop and they should continue to probe Tame Iti’s agenda. The reality is scores of Tuhoe privately dread the antics of Tame and his intimidatory style which will not advance Tuhoe .
ENDS

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