Mallard questions schools using karakia and not Lord's Prayer

5.00pm

Race Relations Minister Trevor Mallard has questioned why some schools encourage prayers in Maori and discourage them in English.

Mr Mallard has been reluctant to talk about Maori policy since taking up the appointment a fortnight ago, but today said "politically correct schools" were using Maori to "cleanse" practices they would otherwise frown upon.

His comments were part of an interview on National Radio that began as a discussion on his desire for secular state schools.

Mr Mallard acknowledged that some schools recited karakia (prayers in Maori) before assembly but not the Lord's Prayer in English.

"It is an interesting call that I think we do need to try and get our heads around... That is the point we have got to in a lot of our politically correct schools," Mr Mallard said.

"I think it is inconsistent and wrong and it is disguising things because it is done in Maori language... In some schools things which would not otherwise be acceptable become cleansed and I am not sure that's right."

Mr Mallard said he wanted to have a "discussion" about what is appropriate for schools.

Labour Maori ministers appeared reluctant to be drawn on Mr Mallard's comments with Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia not replying to requests for comment and his associate Tariana Turia declining to get involved.

Labour's Maori caucus were taken by surprise by Prime Minister Helen Clark's appointment of Mr Mallard and have demanded weekly meetings with him.

Mr Mallard was given a wide brief under his new title of race relations minister.

Helen Clark said the role was necessary now that the issue had been brought to a high level by National's leader, Don Brash.

Mr Mallard is in charge of the review designed to ensure the Government's policies and programmes are based on need and not race.

Race relations has been a heated issue since Dr Brash last month called for all races to be treated equally.

- NZPA