MAORI AGAINST THE TOUR

Tu Tangata, Issue 25, 1 August 1985, Page 13

MAORI AGAINST THE TOUR

Alex Hawke

MATT is made up of a number of Maori organisations centered in Auckland. Formed in early May 1985, MATT sees its role as informing Maori people in New Zealand about the effects of apartheid on the indigenous people of South Africa (AZANIAJ.

Events in South Africa over the past six months have seen a dramatic climb in the number of violent incidents mainly in the black townships. This gives an indication that the tour will certainly incite violent overtones from the South African police, which will in turn affect the black people.

We in MATT fear for the safety of the All Blacks and the black indigenous people of South Africa, and urge the Rugby Union to urgently look at these possibilities.

In our discussions with Maori groups, MATT has found an alarming number of Maori in Auckland pulling

out of rugby, altogether. Although only small at this stage MATT can see disenchantment continuing during and after the tour. Already MATT has 4 junior teams ready to switch to Rugby League in the Auckland area, which has already seen a number of Colleges pull out of rugby.

MATT has instigated a nationwide Maori Against the Tour petition which will be presented to Parliament in early July.

It is heartening to see the NZ Maori Council stand on the Tour issue. MATT would like to see other Maori organisations doing the same thing.

MATT is currently organising a hui in Auckland in early July to decide on future protest action.

All enquiries are welcome, contact: Tamaki House, 70 Anzac Ave, Auckland, New Zealand.