KEY POINTS:
Government minister Shane Jones' claims that the traditional Maori challenge is degenerating yesterday drew scorn from an exponent who has challenged more than his fair share of politicians at Waitangi.
Arthur Harawira has executed the wero at Te Tii Marae for many years - and says he has never seen growling enter into the challenge at the marae, which Mr Jones has labelled a contemporary addition with gang-like overtures.
Those who performed the wero were not criminals, Mr Harawira said.
"That's what makes me angry - to be tarred with the same brush as those at the bottom of the barrel. Has the guy ever done kapa haka?
"Has he ever picked up a taiaha in his life? I doubt it.
"If he thinks he can do a better job, well do it."
Mr Harawira said while there were some who did not have any training, the vast majority of those who were part of the ritual knew what they were doing and were proud to do it.
Maori Party co-leader Dr Pita Sharples, who has trained young people in the art for 20 years, also weighed in angrily on the debate.
"I was extremely disturbed to hear a Maori member of Parliament describe our young Maori children as acting like 'underfed mutts' and suggesting that gang culture is creeping on to the marae.
"If the concern is aggressive behaviour, personal attacks, personal denigration, humiliation and threats, then one would think that Mr Jones might find plenty of scope for comment in the debating chamber, rather than evaluating marae performance."
He said youth were well versed in all dimensions of the ceremony.
There were nine stages to the wero. Only one was about the physical challenge, the rest were about the spiritual and cultural dimensions.
However, Mr Jones was not backing down. He said the north was the right place to sort out elements which he found intimidatory and menacing.
"I hope we do not see this sort of behaviour at Waitangi this year, and I call upon our kaumatua, kuia and our kaiarahi [leaders] to maintain the cultural protocols that are properly reflective of our mana and culture."
Yesterday at Waitangi, a powhiri for waka paddlers was punctuated by haka from young paddlers who will feature at the celebrations tomorrow.
Maori Party MPs Te Ururoa Flavell, Hone Harawira and co-leader Tariana Turia were all relaxing in the camping ground next to the marae.
But they weren't the only leaders to arrive early.
An iwi leaders forum is being hosted by Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngapuhi and attended by 14 iwi organisations including Tainui and Ngai Tahu.
All are opposed to the Climate Change Bill which affects the interests Maori have in forestry.
Some, such as runanga chairman Sonny Tau, are labelling that bill the biggest threat to Maori since "Rogernomics". They say it interferes with their treaty rights on what they can do with their own land.
The leaders will meet Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen today to present their concerns.
