TVNZ bankrolls Iti's Waitangi trip

KIA ORA: Tame Iti and John Key at Te Tii Marae. TVNZ paid for accommodation and petrol to get the Iti whanau to Waitangi.

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Television New Zealand is defending paying for petrol vouchers and accommodation to help Maori activist Tame Iti and his family attend Waitangi Day celebrations.

Broadcasting Minister Trevor Mallard said yesterday that he was very surprised by the move but would not interfere because it was an operational matter. He would seek assurances at their next meeting, however, that the state broadcaster was acting within "acceptable business practices".

TVNZ spokeswoman Megan Richards confirmed last night that Close Up paid for two nights' accommodation in Paihia for Tame Iti's son, Toi, and his young family.

It also funded one night's accommodation in Paihia for Tame Iti, and a petrol voucher - for an undisclosed amount - was given to the Iti whanau to cover the costs of travel to and from Waitangi.

In return, the Itis had agreed to interviews for tonight's Close Up programme.

Ms Richards said there was nothing unusual about the support given to the Iti family - TVNZ regularly assisted people appearing in its programmes with accommodation and petrol vouchers.

Tame Iti and his whanau arrived at Waitangi yesterday as security appeared to have been stepped up before the arrival of leaders.

Several diplomatic protection squad officers were seen as Waitangi's lower Te Tii Marae welcomed MPs, including National Party leader John Key.

But there was no attempt to keep people back from Mr Key, who greeted Tame Iti with a hongi and a handshake. Iti faces 11 firearms charges, laid after police raids in various parts of the country on October 15.

Toi Iti told The Dominion Post last night that he did not want to be drawn into a debate on the ethics of TVNZ contributing toward the family's costs.

It was not easy for a young family to travel to Waitangi. "It is not easy to go off to tangis, to hikoi. There is the misconception Maori who do these things are unemployed bludgers.

"We want to show the nation it is difficult. You have to pack the kids up. You have to prepare for a few days to go away and do these things."

He understood other families were involved in the Close Up programme. "I am not sure who they are, but I know they cover the spectrum. I think there is a Pakeha family. I think we are just one family. We did let them come into our lives."

He said his family had worked closely with the programme for the past two days.

His father had not made a cent out of being an activist. "Why does he do it? He believes passionately in what he is talking about. It is not because he is getting some sort of pay cheque ... over it."

- © Fairfax NZ News