Cringing political correctness hits film-makers

Taranaki Maori objecting to the use of the region’s mountain in the Tom Cruise movie “The Last Samurai” are at risk of undermining the country’s reputation as a good place to make films, according to the National Party.

“The Lord of the Rings trilogy has done so much for the New Zealand economy, The Last Samurai promises to put this country under the spotlight yet again,” says National’s Culture and Heritage spokeswoman Katherine Rich.

“The crown accepts and respects the special relationship Maori have with Taranaki’s mountain, and that’ll continue to be the case so long as iwi treat these issues sensibly,” she says.

“It’s also important local Maori move to clear up the perception that their cultural sensitivities could be put to rest if compensation was paid.

“Given the outcry over the use of Taranaki in the Last Samurai, it’s understandable that many New Zealanders are becoming cynical about the whole consultation process,” Katherine Rich says.

“The Mountain is a national treasure to be enjoyed by all Kiwis.

“If film crews want to showcase New Zealand’s magnificent scenery to the world, then surely everybody stands to gain, “ Katherine Rich says.

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