Maori condemn paint attack on port statue

A prominent Maori statue at the entrance to Tauranga harbour has been painted white by anonymous vandals.

The 2.7m bronze of Maori sea god Tangaroa was defaced sometime during the chaos at Waitangi, local Maori say.

Situated about 50m offshore in Pilot Bay, it can be reached by boat or by wading at low tide.

Police have received no complaints but Maori have condemned the vandalism as a "stupid act by a stupid person" and suggest a small group of malcontents is to blame.

"There are stupid people in all races and stupidity isn't worth commenting on," said Ngati Ranginui iwi chairman Colin Bidois.

Paul Stanley of Ngaiterangi said he was saddened by the act.

"People on both sides of the fence can do some pretty disappointing things. There appears to be a lot of discontent from a small fraction of society.

"People deface it because they don't have the gumption to front up in person. If there is an issue with Maori, come and see us."

The statue was erected in 1976 to commemorate the establishment of the Port of Tauranga and to honour the pioneers, both Maori and Pakeha, who helped create it.

Tangaroa stands on a rock pedestal, crouching with a taiaha in his right hand and a mere in his left, to guide people into the port.

- NZPA