I couldn't ignore Margaret Hills' letter in the Weekend Sun as it is another good example where ignorance is bliss.
In regard to Mr Harawira and Mr Bradley, as with all cultures a few squeaky wheels do not make a majority.
Contrary to education received by many middle aged ‘Kiwis' – the majority of Maori did not sell off their land and is especially insulting to local Maori. Perhaps Margaret Hills needs to educate herself on the local history of the area she lives in.
I'm an East Coast Maori whose family has been and still is today, responsible for educating many Maori and Pakeha alike.
Yes, we fortunately managed to retain our land of which some is leased to Carter Holt Harvey for forestry, some has cattle on it and is sold to McDonalds, manuka is harvested for manuka oil and I meet people, mainly Pakeha, who camp and have enjoyed camping in the campground on our land for over twenty years. Just to name a few things we do with our land.
Maybe at present, East Coast Maori are more concerned with something slightly more pressing than tourism opportunities, like helping protect our coastline from oil drilling to ensure our pristine coastline remains and can continue to be enjoyed by all New Zealanders and tourists in the future.
Regarding encouraging our children in education. To quote Margaret Hills 'their land also bounders much coastline” should read ‘their land also borders much coastline', as this is the correct terminology.
What's the old saying, ‘tidy your own backyard before you go judging your neighbours or others'.
L Kemara, Mt Maunganui.