March 03, 2017
MacIntyre role in Maori development remembered
The late Duncan Macintyre wouldn't be unhappy if a new trophy was created for the country's top kapa haka.
That's the view of former Maori Affairs deputy secretary Neville Baker, who worked closely with Mr MacIntyre when he was a minister in the Muldoon Government.
Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox has questioned why the top award at Te Matatini is called the Duncan MacIntyre Trophy.
Mr Baker says as a minister, the former Maori Battalion commander changed the focus of the Department of Maori Affairs to make it more responsive to Maori through programmes like Tu Tangata
He also made sure the four Maori MPs, who were Labour Party members, were involved in the development of policy.
He understood the importance of culture because of his Scottish heritage and funded the first Maori performing arts festivals and donated the trophy .
"Duncan would not be concerned if another trophy was presented and other leadership people were given the opportunity to have their time because Duncan always welcomed change," Mr Baker says.
He says it's worth noting New Zealand and Australia compete in rugby for the Bledisloe Cup, named for a former governor general, and such historical associations make up who we are today.
FULL INTERVIEW WITH NEVILLE BAKER
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