The Prime Minister confirmed today that Ngai Tahu kaumatua Sir Tipene O'Regan has agreed to be her kaikorero (speaker) and escort for the formal powhiri for APEC Leaders on Sunday.

Sir Tipene has a distinguished background in trade and economic development. He is a recognised expert in Maori culture and of kaumatua status in his iwi.

"I am honoured that Sir Tipene representing Ngai Tahu will be at my side during the ceremonies. Ngai Tahu welcomed our guests to the first APEC Ministers' meeting this year and it is fitting that the iwi will be at the last meeting.

"As the Member of Parliament for Rakaia, I am pleased to have home support from the South Island in undertaking this important task," Mrs Shipley said.

Sir Tipene will escort the leaders through the powhiri process and will respond to the welcome speeches from Auckland's Ngati Whatua tribe on behalf of the Prime Minister and the group of APEC leaders.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>