Te Ururoa Flavell MP for Waiariki www.waiariki.maori.nz

I recently attended one of the Maori Party policy wananga, where more than 50 rangatahi came together to offer advice on the upcoming policies and present the issues that are facing young people these days.

I was impressed by the calibre of the group – and to top it off, four of them came up against myself and my colleagues – Tariana Turia, Rahui Katene and Ikaroa Rawhiti candidate Na Raihania – in a debate that was amusing, no doubt, to the audience, but had a shock ending. The shock being that these amazing rangatahi completely annihilated our team of so-called professionals.
It was just so positive; as I watched and listened to these rangatahi speak confidently about how much we have moved forward as a dual nation, represented in the Maori Party and National Party coalition.

After such a wonderful weekend, it was only fitting to read the following week about the developments in Bethlehem of Te Whare Kura o Mauao.
I remember writing about my surprise at the initial opposition by some of the Bethlehem community to the building of the kura. The bigotry and prejudice from some members of the community was ripe to say the least. Opposition reasons such as increased crime and graffiti had me gobsmacked. Two years on, to hear the building of the kura is progressing smoothly and on time is very pleasing.

But we still have a way to go. Recently, I was advised about a Tauranga City Council worker – a parking warden – who deliberately targeted a marae where a tangi was held and cars were ticketed. Add to that, his racist behaviour by deliberately mispronouncing Maori words in front of Maori work colleagues and making homophobic comments about his workmates.

These are some of the serious issues outlined in an investigation where the complaints were upheld – in particular, racial harassment. Yet, that employee is still in his job. Unfortunately, it appears from reports I have received that council has done nothing to address the offence caused. I hope to be advised otherwise – but in my mind, if strategies to address prejudiced behaviour are not taken up – in effect, the council would be condoning the behaviour.

When I think back to the young people at the policy wananga and their pride in the dual nation that we are today, I feel content in the fact that the racism experienced by the whanau of Te Whare Kura o Mauao is one of only a few cases and such incidents are slowly diminishing. However, we cannot ignore those few cases and must ensure that negative misconceptions and stereotypes by all parties are addressed.

So for now, I am happy to conclude by wishing Te Whare Kura o Mauao all the best in their upcoming establishment and I look forward to the positive achievements that the Bethlehem community – and all of Waiariki – can be proud to proclaim. You know, kura kaupapa and whare kura are for everyone, not only Maori. I am told that the kura is due to be completed in early 2012.

I welcome your feedback. Phone 07 3503261, email mpwaiariki@parliament.govt.nz or post to PO Box 12028 Rotorua 3045.