3 Dec 2019

Iwi angered by cruise ship company's 'pantomine powhiri'

From Morning Report, 8:52 am on 3 December 2019

Iwi have accused a cruise ship company of staging a "pantomime powhiri" for its passengers as they landed in Tauranga.

Footage of shirtless non-Maori staff of the ship with fake moko drawn on their faces performing a half-hearted welcoming ceremony circulated online yesterday.

The company - Princess Cruises Australia - has apologised for the incident.

But mana whenua have labelled it blatantly racist.

Paora Stanley is the Chief Executive of Ngai Te Rangi and speaks to Corin Dann.