29 July 2014

Maori King challenges Ngapuhi leader to front up

Following his strong condemnation of the Maori King, Tuheitia yesterday, Ngapuhi kaumatua David Rankin has received a challenge this afternoon from prominent Kingitanga [King Movement] supporter Mamae Takerei.

Ms Takerei took particular offence to Mr Rankin’s comment that the King Movement was like “a badly injured horse that needs to be put out of its misery.” She said that Mr Rankin should take his criticism of Tuheitia to next month’s Koroneihana hui in Ngaruawahia, rather than make the criticism from Northland.

Mr Rankin has responded, saying he has no intention of going. “I’m not interested in anything the King of Huntly or his servants have to say”, said Mr Rankin. “If he knew anything about his culture or his history, he would know that you don’t give instructions to Ngapuhi and expect them to jump. If he wants to talk, that’s fine. He can come to Kaikohe and I will confront him there. But of course, we all know that he won’t. That’s the sort of leader he is.”

Mr Rankin said that this latest outburst from a member of the King Movement shows that there is a sense of panic in the organisation: “people are finally beginning to see just how weak Tuheitia is, and how the King Movement is starting to crumble. My message to Tuheitia is simple: ‘be a man, show some mana, come to Kaikohe, and talk to me. If he can’t, then he is not worthy of the title of King”.

ENDS

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