Jones and Taylor agree

Sir Ian Taylor writes:

Matua Shane Jones and I often agree to disagree on various issues, but one thing we do share is a willingness to kōrero about our differences.

Because I don’t speak Te Reo Māori, our discussions are always in English.

This came to mind when I read how angered Matua Shane was over the decision at Dame Tariana Turia’s tangi to bar non-Te Reo speakers from paying their respects. Dame Tariana tirelessly served all her people, with or without Te Reo, and on this matter, the minister and I are in complete agreement. …

At her tangi, a single language created division instead of fostering unity.

At the very least, that opportunity should have been extended to the three prime ministers who came to honour Dame Tariana on behalf of the nation.

Matua Shane captured the essence of this when he said, “So what if they had spoken English — expressions of aroha and sadness are universal.”

It was very sad that the hosts of the tangi prevented three Prime Ministers from paying their respects to Dame Tariana. I hope it doesn’t happen in future with similar occassions.