[pf] something to take your mind off the waiting.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storyprint.cfm?storyID=159247
  is:

New Zealand's PM in no doubt over plight of Maori

  09.11.2000
   - By AUDREY YOUNG political reporter 

Prime Minister Helen Clark has endorsed the sentiments of ministers Tariana
Turia and Sandra Lee about 19th century devastation of Maori under
colonisation. 

But she reiterated her view that "holocaust" was not an appropriate word to
describe it. 

"As a history graduate, I am only too well aware of the serious impacts
some populations have had on others," Helen Clark said in answer to
National leader Jenny Shipley in Parliament. 

"I say to members of the Opposition in National and Act that their bleating
would have more credibility if they conceded what the coming of our
forebears did to Maori in the 19th century." 

Mrs Shipley was grilling Helen Clark about her instruction to ministers in
June not to use the word holocaust: "That word must never be used again in
a New Zealand context ... and I do not want to see ministers using the term
and causing offence again." 

Now Helen Clark is saying it was merely "strong advice" and not an "edict,"
as Mrs Turia described it. And she says she did not order Mrs Turia to
apologise and would not require Sandra Lee to either. 

National claims that Sandra Lee's use of the word has undermined Helen
Clark's leadership by flouting what was essentially an instruction. 

Mrs Shipley was reminded several times about her own comments in a speech
on crime.  

Race relations had not been enhanced by Mrs Shipley "stereotyping all
Pacific Islanders as people who came through your window," said Helen Clark. 

 Meanwhile, Mrs Turia last night issued an unusual statement headed
"hosting and guesting," said by her press secretary to be about the role of
hapu and iwi in society today. 

"I believe people today do not expect guests they have invited into their
houses to take over the running of their house. 

"Most parents would be embarrassed when their children forget their
manners. I believe the fast-living urban lifestyle changes often result in
people forgetting their manners. 

"For decades hapu and iwi have been pursuing ways in which they can be
polite and responsible hosts within their rohe [territory]. I am sure they
will continue to do so." 

 She spoke earlier to the Schizophrenia Fellowship in Hamilton, jesting: "I
was in two minds as to what my rau kotahi or my multiple self would be like
today.  

"I am here as a Minister of the Crown. I am also who I am of Ngati Apa, Nga
Rauru, Whanganui and Tuwharetoa descent. 

"This of course means I start the day in five minds - my four tribal minds
and me, none necessarily agreeing with each other." 

©Copyright 2000, NZ Herald

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sent to PF by David.
(David MacClement) davd@ihug.co.nz 
http://www.geocities.com/davdd.geo/index.html#top
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