Waka Maori Critics Should Stop Playing Politics

A Ngati Whatua leader is angry the Waka Maori venue for Auckland's waterfront is continuing to be used as a political football.

Te Runanga o Ngati Whatua chairman, Naida Glavish, says the ongoing sniping from Labour MP Shane Jones is insidious, short on facts, and disloyal to his people.

" Shane should pause and think about the impact of his criticism. Ngati Whatua and Iwi across the country have been doing a stunning job of representing Maori culture on a world stage during the Rugby World Cup. We are creating a wonderful bow wave for our people. It is a shame Shane is messing about in the backwash playing local politics."

Naida Glavish says the Waka Maori initiative is a wonderful demonstration of Maori innovation, drawing on ancient traditions and bringing them to life with a 21st century flavour.

" There has been too much misinformation about this project. It is on target and on budget and is set to bring a wonderful new dynamic to the ongoing Auckland waterfront celebrations during Rugby World Cup."

ENDS

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