Gallagher’s view sad, outdated
An influential Ma¯ori leader has termed Sir William Gallagher’s Treaty comments ‘‘outdated, privileged and sad’’.
Waikato-Tainui chairwoman Parekawhia McLean said New Zealanders should not allow such opinions to go unchallenged.
Sir William, chief executive of the internationally recognised Gallagher Group, in a speech to businesspeople said the Treaty of Waitangi papers on display at Te Papa were fraudulent documents and the concept of the Treaty itself was a rort.
‘‘Waikato-Tainui, together with the people of the Waikato region, have worked hard for decades to build a society where everyone’s rights are respected and where diversity and culture are celebrated,’’ McLean said.
‘‘Mr Gallagher’s views are sad and disappointing in the 21st century, especially coming from the head of a respected and influential Waikato company.’’
A statement issued at 5pm on Monday by Gallagher Group said Sir William’s view was a personal view and did not represent the views of the company
‘‘Sir William has advised he is not available for media inquiry and is directing those interested to the book Once We Were One, by Andy Oakely, Truss Publishing, for further background to his views.’’
The Gallagher Group chairman and chief executive spoke at a Christmas cocktail function hosted by the Waikato branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD).
About half a dozen of the 100-strong audience walked out during Sir William’s speech.
The institute invited Sir William to speak in front of members, including Chartered Fellows who are Ma¯ori and work with iwi.
Professional director and chairwoman of the Federation of Ma¯ori Authorities Traci Houpapa was in attendance and said Sir William’s comments, especially on the Treaty, were factually incorrect.
‘‘I did not agree with him and, as I looked around the room, I could see that not many people agreed with him either.’’
While she accepted the right to free speech, she said Sir William’s comment can be dismissed as a comment from an individual with a way of thinking from an old era.
‘‘We’ve had people like Sir William voicing their viewpoints and having very strong comments around te reo, around Ma¯ori and the Treaty – all of which are largely baseless and ill-informed or factually incorrect.
‘‘We’ve come such a long way – why would we have this old thinking coming through yet again from a generation that aren’t necessarily well-tuned or engaged with what’s happening now in New Zealand?’’
She said Ma¯ori were significant contributors to the strategic success of the NZ economy.
They have strong partnerships and strong relationships with both the Government and the private sector.
‘‘Ma¯ori primary industry assets represent a significant portion of what keeps New Zealand going, the backbone of the New Zealand economy.’’