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Raihania sickened by use of ancestor’s name

Raihania sickened by use of ancestor’s name

“The late Sir Apirana Ngata is a prominent ancestor here on the coast and throughout Aotearoa and I’m sickened that Don Brash has resorted to using his name in his party’s racist campaign against our Maori people,” says the Maori Party candidate for Ikaroa Rawhiti, Na Raihania.

“On Te Karere today, Brash said our ancestor would have been an MP for the Act Party if he were alive today.On Native Affairs he tried a lame ploy by showing a $50 note as his contribution to Maoridom when he was governor. Don Brash has definitely stooped to a new low.

“The decisions Sir Apirana Ngata made and the laws he influenced were driven by his love for our people. He was also a skilled orator and father of the 28th Maori Battalion. Brash does not compare so I very much doubt that our tupuna would haverode on Don’s doomed waka.”

“As a boy from Ngati Porou, his insinuations are offensive to me and my iwi. Brash has no understanding whatsoever of our history nor I suspect does he wish to.”

Note to reporters:

Below is a whakatauki or phrase created by Sir Apirana Ngata which epitomises his aspirations for the Maori people. E tipu e rea mo nga ra o to ao Grow up oh tender plant in the days of your life

O ringaringa ki nga rakau o te pakeha Grasp hold of the tools of the education of this modern world

Hei oranga mo to tinana To sustain you through this life

To ngakau ki nga taonga a o tipuna Mâori Grasping hold of the treasures of your ancestors

Hei tikitiki mo to mahunga As an adornment /plume for your

To wairua ki te Atua Be spiritually devoted to Almighty God

Na na nei nga mea katoa The creator and giver of all things

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