It's that time of the week where we discuss politics.
Earlier I spoke with the Minister of Maori Development
and began by asking him about Sonny Tau's resignation
as chair of Tuhoronuku.
I think it's appropriate that he has done that.
He is no doubt feeling the force of the law,
as well as what's being said about him as well.
It's appropriate that he steps down from that role for now.
The iwi put him in that role
and it's iwi telling him he needs to vacate the role.
His actions are entirely appropriate.
What about his others roles?
Some are calling for him to resign from every role he holds.
Do you support that call?
As I said, the iwi put him in place in those positions
so it is up to iwi to remove him.
That's how it should be so it's a matter for his iwi
to discuss this.
This is a sensitive topic
because this is a classic example of the law clashing with tikanga Maori.
Some are saying because kereru are a traditional food item to Maori
and we should continue eat it.
But it's a tough situation - your thoughts?
You are right.
I saw an article by Merepeka Raukawa-Tait
discussing what her koroua did when he was alive.
He would hunt for kereru to feed his elders.
So in terms of our tikanga it was about feeding our elders
and that it was a special delicacy as viewed by Maori.
However, the law sees things differently.
The legislation is not new.
If you poach kereru then the law will come after you.
And that's what's happened in this instance.
We have conservation tikanga to ensure birds that are endangered
are preserved and the tikanga date from pre-European times.
If we were to live by our tikanga,
then really we shouldn't be hunting kereru?
That's right.
However, Merepeka noted
that we don't have clear numbers of how many are actually left.
So how can we say that kereru are endangered?
There's more that can be said.
However, at the end of the day the law is the law
and it's up to the law to handle this case.
Maori TV – Labour seem to be pressing hard on issues
of editorial interference,
staff turmoil and making accusations.
You believe they're politicking, don't you?
From where I sit, yes.
If I have done wrong, then I would be facing charges.
I have received no indication of any charges being pressed against me
and that I will need to go to court to defend myself
or before a parliamentary committee.
None whatsoever.
I have done no wrong, I have not pressured anyone else.
Maori TV have come out and said
that I wasn't a factor at all that influenced their decision
to not go ahead with the debate on Whanau Ora and other policies.
So I am at peace with myself
and I know what is and isn't appropriate.
I say to you, and I swear on our waka Te Arawa,
that I have done no wrong and I have behaved appropriately.
I believe you because I know that you are an honest person.
Now, because you're currently a political football,
we should talk about rugby.
As a former NPC rep,
even though I was able to dodge your attempt at tackling
when Waiariki took on the Parliamentary team,
and which is another story of itself,
what's your reaction to the naming of the Maori All Blacks side
against Fiji?
In terms of the Maori All Blacks side,
it's quite a good team.
They're playing against Samoa as well?
It'll be the All Blacks against Samoa
and the Maori All Blacks against Fiji.
Ah I see - yes!
The good thing about the Maori All Blacks side,
youngsters, well, they're not youngsters, dedicated players,
can pursue this and reach national level,
I mean, club level is club level, regionals level is regionals level,
but nationals level is another level above.
So I supportive of them playing more matches
that the union is able to arrange for the Maori All Blacks
so they have the chance to be able to play at that level.
The only problem
is that there's only one name from Te Arawa and Mataatua
and the rest are from Taranaki and Manawatu and other areas.
But that's OK.
We can discuss that another time.
Even though that may be the case
we need to continue to support the Maori All Blacks!
Hurricanes or Highlanders this Saturday?
Who do you pick?
My heart says Highlanders.
They're still a good team.
They're quite fast.
They don't have any big name stars.
When it comes to applying pressure, speed and success,
I pick them.
However, I know they'll be given grief by the Hurricanes.
I am quite fond, however, of Nehe Milner-Skudder.
He's just like me!
Te Ururoa Flavell, thank you for your time.