Mr Rata criticises exhibition support

Press, 28 August 1984, Page 23

Mr Rata criticises exhibition support

PA Auckland Government support of Te Maori exhibition in the United States wasted money that could be spent on problems facing Maoris in New Zealand, the leader of the Mana Motuhake party, Mr Matiu Rata, has said. The support should be reviewed as soon as possible, Mr Rata said. By helping to finance the exhibition, the Government had put the art needs of Americans ahead of Maori living standards, he said. “We are not trying to sound lousy or cheapen the role of art in our lives,” said Mr Rata. “But, quite frankly, this will do little else but brighten the lives of bored New Yorkers at a time Maori people here are j facing severe hardships” He felt the time ‘sf Maori

elders, many of whom were friends, would be better spent in Aotea Square (Auckland) than Times Square. Earlier this year $123,000 was approved to send 46 Maori elders, cultural performers, carvers and weavers to New York for the opening at the Metropolitan Museum. Organisers of the show said the presence of the elders was essential to perform cleansing rituals on the 176 artefacts. Major support for Te Maori includes SUS3OO,OOO ($600,000) from Mobil Oil for the New York display and SUSISO,OOO from Bechtel Corporation for a fivemonth show in San Francisco.

The collection, which the United States has indemnified for *US3O

million ($6O million), is the first comprehensive collection of Maori art to be assembled in one place. Its promoters say the exhibition will put the spotlight on New Zealand and lead to economic benefits in tourism and trade. However, Mr Rata said he was not impressed by assertions of benefits to New Zealand. He questioned whether various trust funds should be spent on travel. The Audit Office should investigate the matter, Mr Rata said. The Minister of Maori Affairs, Mr Wetere, had no comment to make on Mr Rata’s criticisms. Mr Wetere said he would be in New York for the opening of Te Maori.