With tension rising in the North over Te Pati Maori its looking increasingly like not everyone is on board with the approach being taken to get a hui going – Hone Harawira has told hos followers on social media “I’ve stayed out of the public debate raging over the Māori Party (till now) because our comments often get misinterpreted, and because the right-wing media always churns our words into racist click-bait….. And I haven’t read all the “he said – she said” stuff either, because sometimes the detail just clouds the bigger picture.”
He then outlined a 7 point plan:
- Bring Meno and Takuta back into the team.
- Bring the whole team together to discuss a way forward.
- Outline plans to manage differences and disputes.
- Agree to a workplan focussed on Te Pāti Māori kaupapa.
- Make a public declaration of commitment and action to our people.
- Take the team on a national reconciliation tour.
- Then get back to ^#$% work. We got a government to overthrow.
Waatea has, for weeks now, been monitoring social media and its become clear that such a hui may not be safe with threats of violence, one mentioning “pitchforks” and another “nooses” in reference to Te Pati Maori – but what is also emerging is not everyone is backing either side to the hilt.
Now there are threats of legal action emerging – 3 days ago Ousted Te Pāti Māori MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi told RNZ that she was “likely” to file legal action. It stands to reason attending a hui with threats of violence and legal action hanging over you isn’t the best way to entice people to hui. Following on from those threats Te Pati Maori have decided they wont be attending. Now Te Runanga a iwi o Ngapuhi has stepped in and posted online “Our Chair Mane Tahere has written directly to the National Executive of Te Pāti Māori expressing disappointment regarding the approach and unconstitutional removal of our Elected Tai Tokerau Representative Mariameno Kapa-Kingi.
Ngāpuhi have agreed to facilitate a discussion and to affirm to the National Executive of Te Pāti Māori that Te Tai Tokerau will speak for Te Taitokerau.”
Interesting timing given the Runanga is facing its own AGM – that AGM has a contentious element to it which might see a “sister trust” established that indicates “The proposed restructure is a strategic move to better serve Ngāpuhi now and for future generations.” A new entity that will have much more focus on commercial activities – some sources have told Waatea that they fear this is a move away from social services’ focus around homelessness, tamariki in State Care, increasing prisoner numbers and lack of housing – lots to unpack here. Joining me for a korero is Waihoroi Shortland
