Media invent a non-story

The Herald reports:

A prominent kaumātua is questioning the Māoridom guidance given to National Party leader Christopher Luxon following social media debate of a potential tikanga breach.

An image of Luxon sitting on a desk during a visit to Ormiston Junior College this week has been shared on social media, prompting a discussion as to whether it was in violation of tikanga.

The prominent kaumatua is an officer of the Maori Party.

As explained by kaumātua and Manurewa Marae board chairman Rangi McLean, sitting on a table – particularly one used for preparing and serving food – is in opposition to Māori tikanga, held for generations.

It’s a school not a marae, and it isn’t one used to prepare or serve food so the entire story is a beatup from start to finish.

Auckland North Shore councillor Richard Hills was among those who took a dim view of Luxon’s seating choice, saying it was “basic tikanga” that wasn’t hard to abide by.

Hills is of course a Labour Party Councillor.