Marae official threatens politician

A war of words between Winston Peters and Te Tii Marae officials at Waitangi ended with the NZ First leader being threatened with arrest.

Peters announced yesterday morning he would not go on to the controversial lower marae out of protest at the way Te Tii had handled events leading up to the Waitangi Day commemorations, including a ban on media covering the two days at the marae.

‘‘We’re not going to go that’s it, and I’m sorry about that. I think common sense will soon prevail here . . . but you cannot move this around the country as if Waitangi didn’t happen on February 6, 1840,’’ he told media outside the entrance to Te Tii.

Peters has been coming to Te Tii for six decades and in a political role for the past 40 years – this is the first time he has not gone on to the marae.

‘‘What’s going on here now is not part of tradition . . . it’s an abomination to Maoridom, it’s an abomination to history and to the significance of this event.’’

While Peters was answering media questions he was asked by marae officials to move off the grass at the entrance to Te Tii and back on to the road.

One official said to Peters: ’’Can you please move off the marae grounds before we get the police to remove you.’’

Peters replied: ’’You go and get the police and try it, go on.’’

The heated exchange continued, with the official demanding Peters and the media move because the area immediately outside the gate was Te Tii property.

‘‘I’ve heard you, it’s not marae property, what law are you citing?’’ Peters threw back. ‘‘Maori law,’’ was the response. Peters – who is notorious for berating the media – summed it up saying: ’’You know it’s a bad time when I’m sticking up for the media.’’

Earlier yesterday, Labour Party leader Andrew Little finally ended speculation broadcaster Willie Jackson was joining the party when he confirmed, with Jackson at his side, that the former Alliance MP was running in this year’s election.

Only hours after his candidacy went public, Jackson was already embroiled in a public spat with his new colleague, Labour MP and domestic and sexual violence spokeswoman, Poto Williams.

On her Facebook page Williams demanded Jackson apologise for an interview he did three years ago, which was slammed by some as victim blaming and supporting rape culture in light of the Roast Busters revelations.

Jackson said he would speak to Williams and apologise again and admitted he had made a ‘‘mistake’’ and conducted the interview too ‘‘casually’’.

On whether he would have preferred a seat over the list, Jackson said he came in a bit late and those decisions had been made and he completely backed the MPS in the Maori seats.

Jackson had long been tipped to run for the Maori Party in the Tamaki Makaurau seat held by Labour’s Peeni Henare.

Little has criticised Prime Minister Bill English for not coming to Waitangi this year and said regardless of whether he comes to Te Tii or not, he should be there on the country’s national day.

However, Little confirmed yesterday he would not return to Te Tii if a ‘‘media blackout’’ was in place.

Little would always attend Waitangi Day but said the events leading up to it were for all Kiwis and Te Tii needed to open up their marae to media to allow all New Zealanders to be involved.

– Fairfax NZ