Waitangi protests caution issued by Mr Tauroa
PA Auckland Militant action by Waitangi Day protesters next month would only belittle Maoris in general, says the Race Relations Conciliator, Mr Hiwi Tauroa. Mr Tauroa was commenting yesterday on points which he raised in his justreleased booklet, “The Dilemmas of Waitangi Day at Waitangi.” Mr Tauroa said after the release that he feared that Waikato Maoris, in particular, could be wrongly blamed for any controversy caused by protesters during this year’s celebrations.
“I believe those who come to Waitangi from the south will come in peace, but included amongst them could be some who might take advantage of the large number of people present. “If that happens, then all of the Waikato people will get the blame for it.” Last year, the protest movement was said to be very big, Mr Tauroa said, but it was only small. He hoped that the Waikato people would be aware of the danger, and that the protesters would accept discipline.
,*ln the booklet Mr Tauroa said celebrations on February 6 would provide a setting “ripe for either sensation or peace.” “The scene is set for controversy.” In the past, Mr Tauroa said, protesters had disregarded the wishes of Tai Tokerau elders, in whose district the Waitangi Marae falls, because the marae was designated national, not tribal.
“Because of the trampling upon tribal kawa, certain persons and groups of persons are no longer welcomed by Tai Tokerau on the marae. Assurances given in the past have been ignored by some members of the group.” In yesterday’s interview, Mr Tauroa said the booklet was produced as a comprehensive background to the treaty celebrations. “It is important that all New Zealanders be better informed on activities that have taken place on the Waitangi Marae, and that have resulted in certain sanctions.
“I don’t think people have known before why the Tai Tokerau are upset.” Mr Tauroa appealed to protesters on the marae this year not to demonstrate, but instead to discuss their grievances peacefully. “I think the attitude is going to be peaceful from the majority, but there is always that element of doubt.
“They (protesters) have said they will be peaceful for three years running. This year, I’d like to believe them, but you never know.”
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Press, 24 January 1984, Page 2
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379Waitangi protests caution issued by Mr Tauroa Press, 24 January 1984, Page 2
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