By 3 News online staff
Mana Party leader Hone Harawira has launched a stinging attack on the Government over its decision not to attend a national hui on water rights.
Writing on Facebook last night, Mr Harawira implied the Maori Party was controlled and led by Prime Minister John Key.
"Notice how John Key says none of his Maori MPs are allowed to go to the National Maori Hui on Water ... and two minutes later Tariana Turia and Pita Sharples say that they're not going," says Mr Harawira.
"Not hard to see who's the REAL leader of the Maori Party!"
Maori Party leaders Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia have said they are unlikely to attend the hui at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia, which is expected to be the biggest gathering of Maori in decades.
"Time John Key realised a few home truths like (1) he can tell his little house n****rs what to do, but (2) the rest of us don't give a shit for him or his opinions!" writes Mr Harawira.
The term, coined by African-American activist Malcolm X, is used to describe a slave whose relative level of comfort (compared to other slaves) leads them to supporting the power structures which keep them in slavery.
"Oh yeah, and Mr Prime Minister ... when you say that there won't be a national hui on water, please understand that if we want a national hui we're going to have one. OK? And when you say you're not coming, please note ... nobody invited you anyway!!"
Mr Harawira says it's likely criticism from Maori will see Dr Sharples and Ms Turia change their minds, or at least send Te Ururoa Flavell along to the hui.
"They'll have to clear it with John Key first though," writes Mr Harawira, "but if they come I'll still be happy to see them - they need to see how pissed off everyone is with these asset sales."
The comments attracted hundreds of comments, debating whether the use of the term "house n****rs" was appropriate or offensive.
Mr Key has ruled out meeting the Maori Council or attending the hui, saying the Government will deal with water rights on an iwi-by-iwi basis.
The Maori Council says it is "99 percent likely" they will use court action if the Government ignores the Waitangi Tribunal's rulings.
3 News
source: newshub archive
