Parents shocked by Maori revue

Press, 6 May 1980, Page 2

Parents shocked by Maori revue

PA Auckland A complaint is likely to be laid with the Race Relations Board because of a performance by a Maori cultural group at Mangere College. The Minister of Education (Mr Wellington) has asked the Manukau City Council to ban the Marangi Mai Theatrical revue group from all schools in its area after a wave of protest about the group’s performance at the college last Friday. Allegations of bad language, the stirring of racial feelings, and presentation of an anti New Zealand .way of life are among objections to the group’s performance. The Otahuhu police have received six complaints from parents who are concerned about the play’s contents. A Manukau city councillor and member of the college boad of governors, Mr P. J. T. Aldridge, said he had collected statements during the week-end from “outraged and upset” parents, some of whom were Maoris. The nature of their comments was such that he was considering lodging a complaint with the Race Relations Board. “I believe Maori issues should be debated, but the whole content of the play aims at inciting racial disharmony,” he said. Chief Superintendent J. F.

Stevenson said the Otahuhu police were looking at the performance to find out whether any criminal offences were involved. “The feeling at this stage is that because of the venue and the circumstances it is a matter for the school, school authorities, participants, and the promoters,” he said. The police had received six complaints from parents and had been in touch with the school authorities and the Manukau City Council. The Manukau city manager (Mr R. Wood) said he would meet the council’s detached youth worker (Mr B. Lepou) and his support group. He would discuss

with them a letter from Mangere College and also parents’ reaction to the play. Mr Wood would not comment on whether Mr Lepou would be asked to resign. The president of the Labour Party (Mr J. P. Anderton) said he met members of the Maranga Mai group—which has strong links with the He Taua Party—on Sunday. “This is a group of concerned people who are sounding out the difficulties and social problems facing young Maori people today. Rather than try to repress their beliefs, we should have some tolerance,” Mr Anderton said. :