Ngati Kahungunu disappointed in edict

Press Release

30 April 2004

Ngati Kahungunu are disappointed in the edict given by the state services commissioner using the public service code of conduct as a tool to prevent our Maori whanau in the Public Service standing alongside their people in the Hikoi. While we understand the public service code of conduct issues relate the bringing the Public Service into disrepute, we consider that the Public Service and the Government have already brought themselves into disrepute through their work on the Foreshore and Seabed legislation.

Many of our Maori public servants were brought to their agencies through powhiri by their whanau, hapu and iwi, on the proviso that the agencies look after them as our taonga (treasures). Prohibiting their participation in the hikoi contravenes this agreement as they are being denied their Maoritanga and iwitanga, often the attributes these agencies employed them on. It is possible that this edict may even contravene their Human Rights.

We urge all our Kahungunu whanau and public servants, regardless of rank and title, to come and stand beside us in our opposition to the Foreshore and Seabed legislation and the State Services promotion of the pedagogy of the oppressed.

ENDS