Listen Now: 
The editor of a Woodville community newsletter has apologised for the way she rejected a Māori greeting.
Annette Nepe had asked that her article calling for the reinstatement of an InterCity bus stop in the Tararua township open with the salutation Kia ora nau mai, ngā mihi nui koutou katoa.
Editor Jane Hill replied that the Woodville Wire was a community newsletter, not a Māori newsletter, and everyone in the community speaks English.
She was not in favour of giving one cultural group special privilege regarding their language simply because they (falsely) claim first nation status.
Ms Nepe made a complaint of racial harassment to the Human Rights Review Tribunal.
After mediation, Ms Hill apologised for the hurt and offence her email caused Ms Nepe and said she was willing and committed to changing the way she engages with Māori in her community.
RELATED NEWS
