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Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Henare cites Horomia betrayal

National list MP Tau Henare says Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia has betrayed the trust of his people.

Mr Henare and other National and Maori Party MPs laid into the minister at yesterday's Maori affairs select committee meeting after he admitted he had not sought any extra money for his ministry in the Budget.

Mr Henare says nearly fell off his chair when he heard that.

"And it's not so much about whether we are going to spend more, it's his lack of advocacy about some ideas out there among his people, that's what irks me. He has abdicated his responsibility to the people," Henare said.

CRITICS NARROW MINDED SAYS HORMIA

But Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia says Opposition parties who are demanding his resignation are only telling half the story.

Mr Horomia says over the past six years Te Puni Kokiri's budget has increased from $55 million to $156 million, and it was important that money was being properly spent.

"People are being narrow minded. Their line is they expect us to give extra money to beneficiaries. Under our regime beneficiaries have been very well looked after. There is only one payment they don't get under working for families and that is the in work payment. We set an agenda to get as many families as we could in work and reward them for it," Henare said.

Parekura Horomia says spending on Maori is spread across a range of government departments.

THE ONLY QUEEN FOR REV TAMAKI IS MAORI QUEEN

The sight of Brian Tamaki sitting next to the Maori Queen during coronation celebrations may have sent the wrong message to rangatahi.

Kaumatua and veteran broadcaster Henare Te Ua says some Maori may think Te Arikinui is supporting Brian Tamaki and his beliefs, which includes strong criticism of homosexuality and civil unions.

Mr Te Ua says some younger Maori may think Tamaki was being endorsed by the queen, but older Maori will realise it was a kind act by Dame Te Ata which was used by Tamaki to his advantage.


MAUI SHOW READY TO TAKE ON WORLD (AFTER CHRISTCHURCH)

The artistic director of a dance theatre production about legendary demi-god Maui Tikitiki says he wants to take the show global.

Maui - One Man Against the Gods opens for its second season in Christchurch next week,

Tanemahuta Gray says the cast and crew have had a year since the first season in Wellington to get the show ready for international touring.

The show, which combines aerial theatre, traditional Maori kapa haka and contemporary dance, opens at Christchurch's Isaac Theatre Royal on May 31.

TE ARIKINUI'S WORKLOAD CONCERN TO TAINUI KAUMATUA

A leading Tanui kaumatua says tribal elders are considering appointing someone to take some of the workload off Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

Napi Waaka says Waikato kaumatua are concerned at the health of the Maori Queen.

Dame Te Ata was absent during the early part of the past week's coronation commemorations at Turangawaewae Marae, and during her address to the hui on Tuesday she alluded to her tiredness.

Mr Waaka says someone else could stand in at events like the regular pokai or tribal forums, which are held on different Kingitanga marae up to three times a month.

HUI TAUMATA BACK ON ROAD

The Hui Taumatua Taskforce is going on the road to keep up the enthusiasm for Maori economic development.

The taskforce was formed after last year's Maori economic summit, with the aim of stimulating ideas about development and creating forums where Maori and business leaders can get get to know each other.

Spokesperson June McCabe says the roadshow will be a chance to promote 10 projects amied at getting more Maori involved in business.

She says the first hui at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Wellington tomorrow is expected to attract up to 150 people.


LEAGUE PUNISHMENT OVER THE TOP

Maori Rugby League chairman Howie Tamati says the NRL over-reacted by banning Cronulla Utility player, Tevita Latu from playing in the competition ever again.

Howie Taamati says the young Polynesian player has yet to be convicted on a charge of assault, after allegedly punching a teenage girl outside a Sydney petrol station in the early hours of Monday.

He says while Latu admitted his involvment, the case hasn't been to trial, and the NRL should have waited for the law to run its course.

Mr Tamati says the incident should serve as a reminder to young Maori and Polynesian sportsmen that professional sport means being under scrutiny both on and off the field.

He says Latu obviously needs help, but denying him the opportunity to earn his living may not be legal.

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