Intern drama at marae prompts protest

Labour’s intern fiasco has prompted a protest by Maori feeling shut out of their community’s marae, Awataha Marae, in Northcote.

Encouraged by toots of support from passing commuters, around 20 protesters stood at the traffic lights of Akoranga Drive and College Rd, from 8am till 11am on Saturday, June 24.

Te Raki Paewhenua Maori Committee organised the protest in response to recent media coverage of 82 foreign interns complaining of poor living conditions at Awataha Marae.

Committee spokesperson Raewyn Harrison said this is the latest example of how Awataha Marae is putting business over and above its responsibilities as a community marae.

Currently, Awataha Marae is being run by the Wilson family but community members feel they are being shut out, unable to use the marae for hui, celebrations and tangi. Harrison said the committee is using this recent incident as a means to put more pressure on Awataha Marae to be more inclusive.

‘‘We are calling it the perfect storm,’’ she said.

Awataha Marae chief executive Anthony Wilson said anyone who says they are choosing ‘‘commerce over tikanga’’, hasn’t had the responsibility of paying the bills. Wilson added, it would be inaccurate to say events are not being had at the marae.

‘‘We are solidly booked until next year with a number of events, but, to anyone who says we are unavailable, pick up the phone.’’

Wilson acknowledges he wants to develop and improve on existing facilities, but again this requires funding.

‘‘It is frustrating for us that they are still protesting,’’ he said. ‘‘However, regardless of any water under the bridge, the door is open and will remain open.’’

Correspondence between the two groups’ lawyers show the Wilson family has offered trustee positions to Te Raki Paewhenua Maori committee members and has offered to arrange discussions.

However, Harrison said all applications asking to join the marae’s incorporated have been rejected.

‘‘After Awataha accepts our requests to join the incorporated society, then we will have a chat,’’ Harrison said.

‘‘It is getting to a point where something has to happen, probably at government level.’’ society

LAINE MOGER/ FAIRFAX NZ Protesters gather in Northcote at the intersection near Awataha Marae.