Ngāti Ruanui demands apology for 'shameful' Shane Jones comments

𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝟏𝟓 𝐌𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Ngāti Ruanui is seeking the support and intervention of the Governor-General, following the shocking display of arrogance by Minister Shane Jones.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui Trust Tumu Whakaae Haimona Maruera Jnr said it was an extraordinary step that reflected the gravity of Minister Jones repeated insults.

“This request centres on comments made by the Minister regarding our intellectual capacity.

“This is not the first time the Minister has made disparaging comments referencing Ngāti Ruanui in the New Zealand Parliament.

“When a minister of the crown uses the debating chamber to insult a Treaty Partner, and does so while hiding behind legal immunity, the relationship risks being fundamentally fractured.

“We are now calling on the Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, as the Crown’s representative, to encourage the Minister to apologise to Ngāti Ruanui.”

Ngāti Ruanui has taken action through legislation to present our opposition to seabed mining.

Despite the odds stacked against us we have won every court process including the Supreme Court in rejecting the seabed mining proposal.

The seabed mining proposal was also rejected through the Fast Track Consenting Legislation

Maruera Jnr said the comments were an affront to the 2003 Settlement Act, which was built on a foundation of mutual respect and a formal Crown apology.

"To have a Minister of the Crown suggest in the highest court of the land that our Iwi lacks intelligence because we hold a different view on the extraction of minerals is authoritarian and shameful.

"It is an attack on the mana of our entire Iwi."

“Ngāti Ruanui actively participates in parliamentary processes often through Select Committees and we offer professional and respectful comments.

“It is shameful a Minister treats us in the way he has.”

Ngāti Ruanui also lodged a formal complaint with the Speaker of the House following the remarks.

Ngāti Ruanui also seeks an apology from Parliament for the way in which we have been treated.

“In what can only be described as a shocking display of arrogance by the Minister.”