BOOK REVIEW

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Tamihere John, “Black & White”, Reed Auckland NZ, 2004.

Reviewed by Peter E

A major politician in NZ, John Tamihere, a qualified Lawyer, is currently under attack again – another example of the NZ love of attacking “Tall Poppies”.  Here is a book that will give you an insight into him and the current problems he faces. It is very readable.

John has been the subject of many vociferous and vicious campaigns since he stood out against Feudal Maoridom to establish an “Urban Maori” Iwi. He has championed the right of urban Maori (who have lost touch with their Iwi, Hapu and Whanau) to share government compensation for serious infringements of the Treaty of Waitangi – in both versions.  He is totally opposed to the feudal Iwi system that puts millions of dollars into the hands of some “Lineal Leaders” – who keep it tight in their own family; cream for the “cussies”, nepotism of the first order.

Released just before the start of the latest raucous campaign, Tamihere has written a book which  should be read by all Kiwis, used in schools, and on put prominent display in Tourist Centres. Powerfully, he shows the reality of life for those Maori who have been seriously disadvantaged by successive governments.  He makes clear the reasons and justification for payment of compensation and seeks open and transparent investment of such monies in the future.

I would be surprised if his book was not read, and its contents leaked, before publication.  The latest attack on him suggests that he is not open and transparent himself – a rather amazing coincidence were it so. Suffice to say, as a psychologist and Kaumatua, I believe at the worst, he made a human error for which he will carry no ongoing stigma.

Born in 1959, the 11^th child of 13 born to a Maori father and Irish Catholic mother John may well be Prime Minister a few years from now.

 -- PER

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