Well as taxpayers you subsidise the symphony orchestra and the ballet.
They are both a net burden on the taxpayer. People are saying the last big Maori cultural centre went bust. It did - probably because some skinny arsed pommy sheila wanted to showcase brown people.. And it was all too twee.
The Uber waka is about Maori showcasing what they think is the essence of their culture , both traditional and modern. It is their story.
So to all those who say that NZ should not fund the waka. Well apply the same logic to the Ballet and the Symphony orchestra and chop their funding as well.
Orchestras and ballets are not unique to NZ. Maori are. They are a selling point for the country.
Will the Waka get tourists to come here - of course not. Will it get them to come again and have a longer lingering look. If its done right - yes.
Will it showcase something that is uniquely NZ? yes. Can it be used again? yes.
Each iwi has the chance to promote its region. I think that Ngai Tahu will be all over this opportunity as it gives them a unique spring board to promote their growing network of tourism ventures in the South Island.
Maori have the drive and passion to make this a success.
And can some journalist with a bit of time on their hands please ask Shane Jones to provide evidence of where he has added value to any Maori owned assets. He has always played with other peoples money. And we want to see the evidence where his "skills" have added value.
The kumara vine is awash with concern for the Maori fisheries enterprises.
Go on- have a look - ask some hard questions - there is definitely something fishy going on.
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