When Tom Phillips died, Ngāti Maniapoto rushed to the scene in their petrol-powered wakas to perform a karakia. This was a absolutely pointless. Tom was a white Kiwi bloke. No one asked for Māori spirituality to be wrapped around his death. Mana whenua do not own grief. Communities can mourn without someone else’s cultural theatrics being imposed being forced down their throats. Enough with the constant need to make everything a Māori ritual. There is no wonder the phrase Māori fatigue is popping up everywhere.
Spokesperson Patrick Maikuku insisted the ceremony was “the right thing to do” and promised ongoing support. Most people are not interested in performative ceremonies or cultural signalling. They want grief to be about the person who died, not some show of spiritual posturing.
Meanwhile, Oranga Tamariki’s Waikato Regional Commissioner Warrick Morehu confirmed that planning has been in place for the children’s return.
“The Family Court are actively running this case, and we will comply with the directions they will give us,” he said.
Morehu added the children are settled and being properly supported. His team, he said, is experienced, dedicated, and ready to respond to whatever needs arise.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and Police Minister Mark Mitchell, also spoke. They praised the actions of officers involved in Marokopa and visited a recovering officer, noting he “has got a tough pathway to recovery, but there is a pathway to recovery,” while thanking his family for their support.
The message is simple. Stop turning every tragedy into a Māori spiritual performance.
Exactly, more than "over it". Every time a something happens maori are there to perform a karakia or put a rahui in place. It should not be compulsory everywhere as it appears to be now. Give us a break, but of course they wont.
100% tautoko Matua. Karakia to clear the land my arse