Karakia incident avoidable with a bit of courtesy?

The opinion piece “Karakia ignorance insults Ma¯ori” (Monday, December 5) from ex-editor Craig Cooper would have more impact if it was less emotive and more informative.

The first thing I did upon reading the article was to check my understanding of a karakia.

Having done so, it seemed to me that it was entirely correct for a karakia to be given before the Kaipara District Council’s meeting commenced.

However, as this was the first meeting of the Kaipara District Council with a Ma¯ori ward representative present and therefore a most appropriate opportunity for a karakia, wouldn’t it have been courteous to have gained the support and understanding of the mayor before the KDC meeting rather than “ambush” him?

Perhaps this did happen — I don’t know. But the ex-editor did little to bridge the “racist ignorance” he referred to.

Moana Alexander,

Havelock North