‘Dial a Maori’ service criticised
PA Auckland A tourist gimmick, “Dial a Maori” service, was unfair and belittling to Maoris and Europeans, said the Race Relations Conciliator, Mr Hiwi Tauroa, last evening. Commenting on an Auck-land-based telephone business which will provide a Maori warrior or a threeman Maori welcome party for anyone wishing to impress visitors, Mr Tauroa criticised the company. The “Dial a Maori” service was launched by Peter Bidois and Ngamaru Raerino, who charge $l3O for organising a welcome party, and $3O for a warrior. Mr Tauroa said, “It belittles not so much the people involved, but many Maori people because we Maori people would not advertise a service like this.
“If most European people wanted a Maori they would just know one. It would be a relationship-type thing rather than an advertisement.”
Mr Tauroa said his office had received no formal complaint, and said anyone would have a lot of trouble sustaining one under the Race Relations Act.
But Mr Bidois is unrepentant.
“We are starting to charge for Maori things. We have been giving them away for far too long,” he said.
“We have a product. God gives you something, you make use of it.”
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Press, 24 June 1983, Page 2
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199‘Dial a Maori’ service criticised Press, 24 June 1983, Page 2
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