Have your say: Theatrical touch

The Kaitaia Airport occupation show a bit of theatre is sometimes needed to draw attention to legitimate grievances, says a reader.

Apropos the "pop-up" or "pop-gun" brothers up in Kaitaia: their "occupation" pales into insignificance when compared with those perpetrated against Maori in the 19th and 20th centuries by the dominant Pakeha regime.

The legal system has always been loaded in favour of those in power - the "haves".

Our history has generally vindicated those Maori who stood up for their rights and refused to be rolled over by the incumbents. This was true at Parihaka, Bastion Point and the Ureweras.

Maori are all too cognisant of the fact that a bit of "theatre" is often essential to force the controlling regime to confront unpleasant facts. Whina Cooper well understood this. Tama Iti and the Harawiras have not been popular figures but they have at least opened eyes.

Winston is the supreme thespian. Nobody can attract media attention more skilfully.

I'm sure the Ngati Kahu activists have legitimate grievances. That they choose to use "illegitimate" methods is largely due to the context within which they are obliged to operate. In the past it has taken a mix of pressure from below and enlightenment from on high to redress imbalances and assuage resentments.

The Treaty settlements have gone a long way to ameliorate past injustices. The indemnities have been substantial, if not final. Wisely invested, compensatory payments have hugely benefited Ngai Tahu and Tainui among other iwi. They had to wait an age. Why dance to a breakneck political agenda? Ngati Kahu choose to postpone their gratification. Who knows, maybe the delay will be to their ultimate advantage.

My advice is: concentrate on the substance rather than being diverted by the style and sub-plots. A one-day stand is healthy for us all. Kia kaha, Ngati Kahu.

Tony Clemow
Kamo

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