Maori Party – Correct the Spelling Mistake

The Whangarei Branch of the Maori Party is making a submission to the Geographic Board urging that the mountain name be confirmed as Parihaka.

Co-chair Di Grennell says the branch unanimously supports the correction of the spelling error of the Whangarei mountain that bears the Memorial to men lost in the World Wars and currently known as Parahaki.

“Our foremost experts in Maori language and the history of Whangarei agree that the name of the mountain is Parihaka’ said Ms Grennell.

The presence of Maori dignatories at a recent publc meeting to discuss the issue was lost on many people.

“The manner in which kaumatua were treated at Forum North was tactless, and lacked respect. As facilitator, Dr Newman should have called the meeting to order. But she allowed insults from the floor to anyone who spoke Maori to occur, and that is very disappointing.

“Dr Newman’s attempt to portray acknowledgement of the mountain as ‘political correctness gone mad’, is a piece of divisive and cynical electioneering,” says Ms Grennell.

The Maori Party support Te Parawhau in their efforts to have the rightful name of the mountain restored. Tai Tokerau candidate, Hone Harawira has made his support clear to kaumatua Te Ihi Tito as well.

Ms Grennell invites others to write separate submissions to the Geographic Board.

“The submission of the Whangarei Branch does not preclude any one else contributing their view,” she says. “We welcome supporters to correct the spelling error to get their personal views heard.”

Ms Grennell says, “If the mountain was named after Dr Newman’s ancestor, I know she would make sure it’s spelt correctly.”

© Scoop Media