Te Ururoa Flavell MP for Waiariki waiariki.maori.nz

It is with some concern that I write about the recent desecration of some carvings on the road between Tauranga and Rotorua. These monuments had only been unveiled recently, signalling the working relationship between the District councils, New Zealand Transport Agency and Ngati Ranginui with Ngati Rangiwewehi (my own tribe).

The concern was not so much for the carvings. One was basically chainsawed in half and hacked into. These can be repaired and re-placed in the spot and even strengthened so that someone's chainsaw will come off second best.

No, the concern is for those who did the deed. It is fair to say it was a calculated job. It was done in the middle of the night and with a chainsaw with a clear goal in mind of upsetting people. Well, job well done.

My concern is for the safety of those people responsible. You see, my people, and I am sure those of Ngai Tamarawaho believe the same, believe that desecration of taonga (treasures) like this, comes with a heavy price. That is, those responsible or their whanau will suffer either physically or mentally at some point. What might be viewed with some satisfaction now will come back to those responsible or their families even children in time. For those who might suggest that this is all just superstition, I believe that you do so at your peril.

My suggestion would be for those responsible to free themselves of what will come their way by handing themselves in. As I say, like the famous advertisement on TV says, 'It may not happen today, but it will happen”.

On a more positive note, my congratulations to those who put their names forward for in the local government elections. People do so with the best intention of assisting the community and this needs to be acknowledged. Congratulations to those who were successful.

If there is one concern that remains, it is still around the representation of Maori at the table. Time and time again, we fail in the democratic system to see sufficient status for mana whenua to be in the decision making positions. Being there is about a treaty right so designated Maori seats are a must in the future. I am sure there will be more debate on this in the future.

I welcome your feedback: e-mail: mpwaiariki@parliament.govt.nz, phone: 07 350 3261, PO Box 12028 Rotorua 3045