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Controversy erupted at Waitangi's Te Tii Marae again yesterday, this time involving threats of violence against a camera crew and requests for thousands of dollars to report from the historic site.
The usual throng of cameras was absent as a result of a strict media ban within the marae grounds preventing filming and photographs of the country's politicians and iwi leaders being welcomed.
Marae spokeswoman Karla White said the ban was imposed because of frustration among marae members at past media behaviour and breaches of protocol.
She said the Waitangi Marae Committee had agreed to give Maori Television exclusive rights to film within the marae grounds. The move was designed to cut down the number of film crews present.
The Herald understands that Maori Television paid a koha or donation of $3000 for the right.
However, the money did not appear to protect the station's film crews from threats and intimidation while on the marae.
A Maori Television source, who would not be named, said threats of "wrapping a camera around your head" were made against a cameraman mistakenly thought to be breaching the ban.
It is also understood that a request for further donations were put to Maori Television for a further day's filming. That request was understood to have been declined, with station bosses balking at the cost, believed to be more than $3000.
The Herald declined a request for $1000 to report and photograph during yesterday's ceremonies.
Whangarei's Northern Advocate newspaper declined a request for $2000 for two days' coverage.
Ms White said the donations were to help the marae cover the cost of hosting the thousands who visit the marae and use its amenities and to assist with upgrades.
She said that unlike other Waitangi facilities, the marae funded all its own activities.
Ngapuhi elders declined to comment on the donations.
Maori Party MP and marae member Hone Harawira said he was unaware of the charges.
Labour list MP Shane Jones, who is of Ngapuhi descent, said the approach would never make money.
"It will only undermine the reputation of the marae."
National Maori affairs spokesman Tau Henare said the charges were silly. The media should be allowed to report on the events.
He said while the marae was private property, the gathering was a public event and the marae should expect the media to attend.
