I just came from the Civic Opening for the Pasifika Festival. Prior to the concert beginning, there were formalities in the VIP tent. Unfortunately the turn out was poor – probably because the Auckland City Council only made the decision to run this at the end of last week. Our Pasifika leaders were there along with members of the City Council and of course that soon to be GONE (thank goodness) Auckland City Mayor was in attendance.
Pasifika people are very good with the protocol and demonstrate the respect that should be afforded to our Tangata Whenua – Maori. Unfortunately it was the Auckland City Council staff and the Mayor that undertook the formal proceedings that unfolded in the VIP tent. None of those that spoke acknowledged Ngati Whatua or the Chairperson of the Ngati Whatua o Orakei Trust Board (who was there) – Grant Hawke. The only person that John Banks acknowledged was the one National MP in the room – Nikki Kaye (over and over again…to the discomfort of our Pacific community present). The only other thing that I recall John Banks rambling on about was the Mayoral race (as if anyone in that tent will be voting for him!). John Banks couldn’t even bring himself to say a simple ‘Talofa Lava’…I guess any language other than those stemming from European countries would be too much to ask of him.
They then closed those formal proceedings and then attempted to return to mix and mingling with their glasses of merlot. The music had started up but unexpectedly Grant Hawke took to the podium. He was as respectful as always but obviously disturbed by what had just unfolded. He pointed out very clearly the special relationship between Maori and Pacific and the support that Ngati Whatua have always demonstrated for Pacific and the Pasifika festival. He also pointed out very emotively the disappointment he felt from Tangata Whenua having been completely overlooked and ignored during these proceedings – and rightly so. As an onlooker I was almost reduced to tears out of embarrassment for what had unfolded. Following the speech from Grant Hawke – one of our Pacific leaders took to the podium and provided a formal apology for the complete disregard for Ngati Whatua that was demonstrated by the council – it was a genuine gesture and I’m sure it was accepted by Grant Hawke, but everyone in that room was still left feeling incredibly uncomfortable and embarrassed.
