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Don Brash to return to Waitangi Marae tomorrow

Don Brash to return to Waitangi Marae tomorrow

Ben Strang

Auckland, February 4, 2019

Don Brash (RNZ Photo by Claire Eastham-Farrelly)

Fifteen years after having mud thrown in his face at Waitangi, Don Brash is set to return to the Marae tomorrow (Tuesday, February 5, 2019).

The former National Party leader has been invited to make a speech at the Lower Marae, which will be followed by a panel discussing his views.

Dr Brash, a spokesperson for ‘Hobson’s Pledge,’ which is opposed to racial favouritism, said that he expects to have his views challenged when speaking at Waitangi.

Surprising move

He said he was surprised that the organisers would allow him to speak.

“It’s very impressive indeed,” Dr Brash said.

“I mean, some of our universities don’t believe in free speech, quite clearly, but I am impressed by the fact the Marae is willing to have me speak there. They, I think, would expect me to say some things with which they would disagree, and I think it is a great testimony to them that they are willing to have someone who they think will disagree with some of their views,” he said.

Massey University prevented Dr Brash from speaking at its Manawatū Campus in August 2018, over fears that the event could lead to violence and hate speech.

Initial apprehension

Dr Brash initially thought the invitation to speak on the marae might have been a prank.

“I was approached by a member of the marae and asked if I would speak,” he said.

“I was not sure initially if that was a kosher invitation or it was someone having a prank, but no, I checked it out and it was clear that they genuinely did want me to speak, so I was delighted to accept.”

In 2004, when Dr Brash was National Party Leader, he had mud thrown at him while talking to media at Waitangi.

He said that the incident was sparked by his insistence on having non-Māori media covering the event.

Strong disagreement expected

While Dr Brash has attended Waitangi since then, he admits to some nerves about returning.

“The mudslinging incident I think took place in 2004, from memory. I’ve been on the marae since that time,” Dr Brash said.

“Am I nervous? Well, ever so slightly, yep.

“I would expect some people there will express their strong disagreement with my point of view and that’s their absolute right of course.”

Dr Brash said that he will be speaking on Tuesday, but was not sure if he has been invited as Don Brash, or as a spokesperson for Hobson’s Pledge.

 

 

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