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RNZ News
3 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Rotorua kuia caught up in Hobson's Pledge's anti-Māori ward campaign
Don Brash said Hobson's Pledge is not pushing anti-Māori campaigns Photo: supplied / Facebook Hobson's Pledge says it will remove the image of a Rotorua kuia it used in a campaign against Māori wards. Ellen Tamati had no idea that her face was used on an anti-Māori wards campaign until it was plastered on Hobson's Pledge's billboards around the country. After she was contacted by her mokopuna at 1:40am on Wednesday, Tamati spoke to Aukaha news, revealing her devastation. "I'm lost for words, that's not me, that is not me." The billboard shows a picture of Tamati - a wāhine Māori with a moko kauae - with the words 'My mana doesn't need a mandate - vote no to Māori wards', which indicates those are her own words. "The mana is everything in those Māori wards and we need it," Tamati said. The billboards have been seen at numerous locations around the country, including Rotorua, Hamilton, Whangarei and Christchurch. The kuia from Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Rongomai and Ngāti Tawhaki revealed the sacredness of her moko kauae, saying it meant more to her than what had been advertised. "This carries everything," she pointed to her kauae. Ellen Tamati in front of a Hobson's Pledge campaign using her face without authorisation. Photo: Supplied / Aukaha News Anahera Parata is mamae that her Nan is the main feature. "All my life, I have only ever known Nan to be pro Māori, a very staunch supporter of Te Paati Māori, everything Māori. Even at her age she's still giving back to her iwi. "To me that's damaging, not just to Nan but to our whole iwi - I can't imagine being Nan having to face our iwi when her face is being plastered over billboards supporting a message that none of us believe in. "I'm very hurt and angry. I don't know how they think it's right... it's illegal. You picked the wrong whānau," Parata said. As of 10.45am on Wednesday, the Advertising Standards Authority had received more than 30 complaints regarding this campaign. The image was taken at Waitangi Day this year by an Australian-based photographer Rafael Ben Ari who goes by 'ChameleonsEye'. It is on iStock and Shutterstock. Hobson's Pledge purchased the iStock image labelled 'Mature adult Maori woman with Ta moko tattoo stock photo'. Hobson's Pledge leader Don Brash. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly The group's leader Don Brash told RNZ they thought it "fair to use" and all rights to use it in public-facing materials were secured, although Tamati was clear that there was no consent given. Hobson Pledge said the intent was to promote an important conversation about democratic fairness and equal voting rights for all New Zealanders, and was saddened to see this billboard had caused personal upset. Brash, who had not seen Aukaha News' video, said the group were instructed to take the billboards down. "I think it is taking place, may have already taken place, but in case the instructions are taken down immediately." He said the message came from knowing some Māori who did not want Māori wards and they would be doing social media work with a group of Māori next week. "We haven't asked them to be on billboards to be honest, but that may be the next step. "We're not pushing anti-Māori campaigns of course, I mean that's totally misleading. "We simply believe all New Zealanders should have the same political rights and I think a great many Māori of course agree with that." Brash said the photo was only used for this campaign only, and would "endeavour to contact the woman concerned and offer our apologies". "Come and see me," Tamati directed towards Hobson's Pledge, "but the damage has been done," she said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
28-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Groundbreaking Work Starts On Golden Mile
Press Release – Wellington City Council Mayor Tory Whanau says the upgrade of Courtenay Place one of the capitals main retail, commercial and entertainment areas is a game-changer for Wellington. Work to revitalise Courtenay Place as part of the Golden Mile upgrade starts later this week, with a blessing/karakia marking the first stage of redevelopment today. Redevelopment work starts Sunday 4 May, and includes the construction of new pedestrian and bike crossings, weather shelters, and improved footpaths. This phase of the project is expected to take around eight months to minimise traffic disruption in the area. Mayor Tory Whanau says the upgrade of Courtenay Place – one of the capital's main retail, commercial and entertainment areas – is a game-changer for Wellington. 'Today we turn the first sod on a project that will revitalise the heart of our city and create a vibrant, accessible, and thriving environment for all,' says Mayor Tory Whanau following the blessing and sod-turning ceremony. 'This project is an important investment in our future. We will be working closely with businesses, residents and stakeholders to rejuvenate our city centre and ensure its positive impact for generations to come.' A dedicated team of Council staff and contractors will be available throughout the project to actively engage with residents and businesses, and provide prompt support for any concerns that may arise. 'We're supporting businesses affected by the project with things like direct contact with the construction team to solve issues quickly, clear signage to help customers access businesses, noise control like safety fencing, and tailored mentoring and training through WellingtonNZ and the Regional Business Partners Network,' adds Mayor Whanau. Most of the construction work will be done during the day, and some work will take place at night to minimise disruption to transport routes and businesses. Wellington City Council Manager Transport and Infrastructure Brad Singh says the revitalisation of Courtenay Place is part of the $116 million Golden Mile project, jointly funded by Council and Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency. 'Revitalising the central city will mean disruption in the short-term, but in the long-term, residents, businesses and tourists will benefit from better infrastructure, increased numbers of visitors, and world-class amenities. 'We'll improve traffic flow and bus reliability, create wider footpaths and dedicated bike lanes, add more public seating and outdoor dining areas, include cultural design elements developed in partnership with mana whenua, and increase native planting. At the same time, we have also budgeted to spend up to an additional $23m upgrading pipes under the Golden Mile.' The Golden Mile project also includes essential infrastructure upgrades like installing new pipes, replacing slippery pavements, and enhancing the road for smoother traffic flow. The design, created in partnership with mana whenua, celebrates the city's unique cultural history. Features include ngā ūranga – interactive sculptures where people can sit, relax, and share kai – and paving patterns that evoke the city's hidden awa (waterway). Once this section is completed, and a contract for further Golden Mile construction is signed, work on Courtenay Place itself can begin in late 2025 or early 2026. 'Wellingtonians, through five consultations since 2016, have consistently made it clear they want more pedestrian spaces, better public transport, and fewer private cars in the city centre,' says Mayor Whanau. 'We will prioritise pedestrians, public transport, and green spaces – making the heart of our city accessible, safe and welcoming.'
