Is there a 'plastic' vs 'real' Maori divide?

In a NZ Herald article written by Yvonne Tahana dated 25/3/11, a wrangle between two Maori individuals seems to be brewing. The core of the issue wrests around a recent comment made by Human Rights Commission advisor Marama Davidson against David Rankin, a Maori activist who called the recent hikoi an embarrassment (I posted his views in my last post). Labelling him 'pokokohua' on tangatawhenua.com because of his comments, a huge insult in Te Reo, Rankin suggests that Davidson argues from a 'born again' Maori position that purports aroha and manaakitanga but any Maori who seems to think differently from this position has anything but love and care shown to them. An interesting read when thinking about issues of Maori identity and whether or not there is a 'right' or 'tika' Maori way, approach or solution when it is clearly evident that Maori individuals hold variant positions on a number of issues pertaining to Maori.

'Boiled head' curse sparks inquiry over rights adviser

By Yvonne Tahana

A Human Rights Commission adviser has allegedly cursed outspoken Ngapuhi man David Rankin in Maori on an online forum, raising the spectre of a "boiled head".
Mr Rankin has complained about employee Marama Davidson over a series of online posts - the latest of which allegedly included the word "pokokohua".
The term puts someone's head in the same category as food and is hugely insulting.
He alleges that over the past six months Ms Davidson has attacked him for his views which have included criticising Te Tii Marae for charging journalists at Waitangi and calling the hikoi to Parliament over the latest foreshore legislation an "embarrassment" to Maori.
"Considered cumulatively, I believe her comments amount to hate speech. In the latest example ... she wrote on tangatawhenua.com: 'David Rankin - pokokohua! I can't wait to tell him to his face!"'
Mr Rankin alleges Ms Davidson has also used Facebook during work hours to air her views about him.
The complaint was lodged with chief commissioner Rosslyn Noonan.
Mr Rankin draws the ire of some in Maoridom. He is outspoken and variously annoys Maori politicians, journalists and the intelligentsia who say he has no credibility but has mastered the art of the press release.
He also employed a few of his own swear words to criticise Ms Davidson - saying she had a problem with free thinkers who didn't toe a "born again" Maori line.
He had considered hiring a lawyer to start a defamation case. "If you're promoting yourself as part of the Human Rights Commission you do not say to a Maori 'go boil your head'.
"She's been going at me for six months, every time I open my mouth. Sometimes, these arseholes need to know, you open your mouth on Facebook and I'm going to punch you out.
"They feel tough behind a computer screen, but they're too frightened to say it to my face.
"We purport aroha and manaakitanga [love and care] but if someone puts a different point of view they want to kill ya.
Commission spokesman Gilbert Wong said an investigation was under way and would be complete before next Friday.
Part of the investigation would include determining if the comments were made during work hours.

Should the hikoi have gone ahead?

What are your views on the hikoi? Has Hone Harawira pulled his support from it? A fellow activist calls the hikoi an embarrassment...

Maori activist calls foreshore hikoi 'embarrassment'

A hikoi due to arrive at parliament today brings shame to Maori and leaders should call it off, a Ngapuhi activist says.
A hikoi opposed the Government's Marine and Coastal Area Bill left Northland in mid-March and was expected to arrive in Wellington today.
The bill repeals the previous law and gives iwi the ability to seek customary rights and customary title through negotiation with Government or the High Court - although they will still have to prove exclusive use and occupation since 1840.
David Rankin said the hikoi would have no impact on the passage of the bill and protesters should focus on helping quake-ravaged Christchurch instead.
Mr Rankin, chair of the Hone Heke Foundation, said the small hikoi of about 100 people was an embarrassment.
"To most sensible people, this would be a good reason to call the whole thing off but these protesters are not normal and they are bringing shame to Maori."
He said Hone Harawira, former Maori Party MP, had encouraged the hikoi only to withdraw his support when it looked likely to fail.
The bill removes the foreshore and seabed from Crown ownership and makes it a public place - essentially the same as a public domain - with access guaranteed and no one having the right to sell any of it.
- NZPA (22/3/2011)