January 23, 2024
Racialised politics bleeding into sport
Sporting commentator and community activist Ken Laban says the ACT Party’s attempt to walk on the mana of Māori will eventually lead to attacks on Māori sport.
He says the coalition Government’s drive to downgrade te reo Māori and tikanga will eventually touch every aspect of society.
Māori representation and recognition are being denied.
“What does that mean in the context of the Maori All Blacks? What is that going to mean in the context of the haka? What’s that going to mean in the context of those high profile netball players who always reference te ro and have mihi. What does that mean for Te Wananaga o Aotearoa who are the major sponsor of the Central Pulse?” he says.
Mr Laban says at the tamariki and rangatahi level, Māori sports administrators are encouraging everything that is being discouraged by the current political leadership.