Protest assertion 'absolute rubbish'

The claim by Te Runanga o Te Rarawa chairman Haami Piripi that Broadwood Area School students had helped overturn tables at last month's meeting with Statoil representatives in Kaitaia has been rejected by principal Pani Hauraki as "absolute rubbish".

Mr Piripi was quoted last week as being unhappy that a group of 10 students, who had arrived at Te Ahu with their teacher, had been involved in overturning tables (Tikanga 'trampled by protesters,' August 28).

Ms Hauraki said students from her school would not dare behave in such a manner.

"Their teacher was with them, and every comment I have heard is that their behaviour was impeccable," she said.

"I was horrified to read what was said about them. Students from this school don't do that sort of thing. They were perturbed by what they heard, and they weren't impressed with the leadership displayed - they were concerned that people were not being listened to - but they were accompanied by an admirable teacher [Ra Heke Laupa], and they simply wouldn't do that sort of thing."

The students had been closely following the drilling proposals, and were adamant that there should be no negative impact on the environment treasured by everyone in the Hokianga and the Far North.

"Senior students wrote a very stirring, emotive haka, performed at the 2014 Tai Tokerau Festival. This is the manner in which our students protest," Ms Hauraki said.

Dante Pomare (Year 11) said Mr Piripi's accusation was unfair and untrue.

"We did not touch one table. We were there to observe the proceedings so we could form our own opinions on recent developments involving oil drilling in Northland. At the time that the tables were being pushed over, our teacher wasn't even in the room; he was doing an interview with Te Karere," he said.

"Once the hostility became more intense we moved out of the way and let the people do their thing. I personally do not disagree with the protest, but I know better than to show such aggression to manuhiri with our school symbol emblazoned on my chest. Our kura has taught us better than that. Even if we wanted to be involved with the protest, we couldn't have because we each have a responsibility to uphold the name of our kura.

"We did nothing wrong yet our school has been slandered. We have proof of not being involved with the incident, as one of our students recorded the event on her phone. Should anyone doubt our innocence we have a video confirming it.

"Good leaders reflect on what is best for the people they represent, and have the humility, wisdom and intelligence to listen to and consider them, skills that the chairman of te runanga is obviously lacking."