Shane JONES
Associate Maori Affairs (Economic Development)
13 October 2011

Expensive tupperwaka a ‘showcase’ too late

Associate Maori Affairs (Economic Development) spokesperson Shane Jones says it is ironic that John Key is officially launching the $2 million party central waka tonight when many Rugby World Cup visitors have already gone home.

“England’s gone, Scotland’s gone, Ireland’s gone, the United States and Canada have gone, Romania’s gone, and so have Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Georgia, Russia and Namibia,” Shane Jones said.

“This waka was intended to showcase Maori to the world, according to Maori Party leader Pita Sharples.

“Apart from Wales, Australia and France, not much of the world is left here.

“I know I have irritated some Maori by calling the giant plastic creation a tupperwaka, and a political gift to Maori Party leader Pita Sharples, but this whole affair has been a foolish misuse of taxpayer funds,” Shane Jones said.

“While the nation’s attention is on another waka threatening the Bay of Plenty coastline, John Key and Pita Sharples will be at party central celebrating the launch of a project which has been nothing short of an electoral gift to Pita Sharples to try to allow him to claim some mana from Maori participation in the RWC.

“I am sure the waka will look good. I am sure people will feel proud to be part of it. But what use it will serve is another matter altogether.

“The reality is that the $2m should be declared as an electoral gift by Dr Sharples,” Shane Jones said.

“That won’t happen because the ‘gift’ is being wrapped up in spin around promoting Maori to the world, even if it’s really about promoting Dr Sharples to the.Tamaki Makaurau electorate. I suppose I can understand him being in favour of a tupperwaka when his own party is being described as a ghost ship.

“I hope the waka does what it is intended to do. Just how we will ever know is beyond me, however, and I am sure it is also beyond the poor New Zealand taxpayer who is footing the bill.”

ENDS

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