February 04, 2019
Te Tii accused of opening door to hate speech
Invitations to Destiny Church head Brian Tamaki and Hobson’s Pledge founder Don Brash has divided opinion on the lower Te Tii Marae.
Programme organiser Reuben Porter says he invited a wide range of speakers, and Māori shouldn’t be afraid of free speech.
He says Dr Brash, who is calling for colour-blind laws and the end of the Māori seats, will be balanced on a panel by former New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd, who now speaks about his own journey from racism and colonisation.
But Tino Rangatiratanga supporter Te Ao Pritchard and Dr Brash and Mr Tamaki are coopting the hard work done by Māori to create a safe space for Māori to discuss their concerns.
"We’re saying don't bring hate speakers. It's not about understanding their point. It's about being really clear, like our legacy holders – Whina Cooper said 'Not one more acre, not one more time are we going to let people trample us and take our whenua.' Not one more racist. Not one more hate speaker. Not one more person who undermines tino rangatiratanga," she says.
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