Maori quite lazy, says Michael Campbell

Michael Campbell

Golfing champion Michael Campbell has singled out Maori as inclined to be lazy.

Speaking on Radio Sport to host Brendan Telfer yesterday, Campbell said all people had some talent, but had to be determined to use it.

"For some reason, I think some New Zealanders don't want to use that talent, or nurture that talent to do something with their lives.

"A lot of Maori people as well as Pakeha, especially Maori I think, are quite lazy and look, I'm the first one to admit that too. I'm quite lazy too in some circumstances."

His comments echo those in the Boston Globe soon after he won the US Open: "We have an understanding that a lot of Maori people back home are trodden on. They are very much a race that sometimes gets lazy. I'll admit to that too."

Maori educator and Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples said it was a pity Campbell had singled out Maori, but he was entitled to his view.

"I don't wish to cross swords with Michael at this stage. He's riding high and deserves it. If it was something major I'd cross swords with him. I think he means well and is just identifying with his own people and perhaps wishing we didn't have some lazy people."

Former netball and rugby representative Louisa Wall said she wouldn't say Maori were lazy, "but we do take our talents for granted".

She said Maori were now achieving in fields new to them, such as science, as recognition for Professor Garth Cooper's liver work proved.

At Campbell's press conference on returning to New Zealand on Wednesday, he said he wanted to encourage people in all areas not to be lazy just because it was easier.

"We've got so much talent in this country and I want to make sure people don't waste it."