Bob Edlin: A Maori leader’s comment on government funding for marae...

It’s the recognition that matters – a Maori leader’s comment on government funding for marae

Aperahama Edwards, a bigwig among the Ngatiwai, has a reputation for being strong on flexing Maori muscle and championing Maori sovereignty.

He popped up at the Far North District Council meeting last week, to speak as Chair of the Ngātiwai Trust Board and Co-Chair of Te Kahu o Taonui.

He said he was delivering a clear message:

Bob Edlin: Waitangi........

Waitangi – where a welcoming ceremony can involve being spat at and silenced (depending on your Treaty politics)

The several reports which seemed to rejoice in attempts to silence ACT’s leader at Waitangi this week included this article in The Spinoff headed David Seymour and the half-heard speech.

Politics reporter Lyric Waiwiri-Smith said: