20 July 2009
For Immediate Release

Complaint to Human Rights Commission and planned hikoi over flagpole auction

Ngapuhi activist and chief of Hone Heke’s hapu, David Rankin has lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission regarding the plans by Dunbar Sloane to sell a piece of the flagpole Rankin’s ancestor cut down in 1845.

“We have a problem with this sale going ahead. Dunbar Sloane is using the name of our ancestor which is sacred for us, and they have never even asked us for permission. And they are using Heke’s name for commercial gain, which we are totally opposed to”, says Mr Rankn.

“Imagine if our hapu started to use the name “Harrods” or “McDonalds” – there would be an outcry. But for Hone Heke, all we get is total disregard”, he says.

What has also angered Mr Rankin is the fact that the piece f flagpole alleged to be from the flagpole is not authentic as far as Rankin’s tribe is concerned.

“For these reasons”, says Mr. Rankin, “we have laid an urgent complaint with the Human Rights Commission, and if necessary, we will organise a Hikoi to Dunbar Sloane to show them the extent of our disgust with their insensitivity”.

ENDS

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