PARIHAKA FESTIVAL PEACE DRUG INDUCED

The peace at Parihaka last weekend was mainly drug-induced, says
leading South Taranaki Maori warden Imelda Mauriri.

"I saw 10 and 11-year-olds smoking cannabis. I saw parents so stoned
they couldn't find their babies.

"It was disgusting," she said.

"Parihaka is supposed to be a religious and spiritual
festival.

"The organisers and participants have got this confused with being
stoned."

Well over 12,000 people attended the three-day festival at Parihaka
Pa, featuring acts such as Cornerstone Roots, Katchafire and House of
Shem.

She says the prophet Te Whiti o Rongomai would be horrified to see
what's happening at the marae where he practised passive resistance to
government land-grabbing in the 1870s.

"I was there for the three days of the festival. They were peaceful
because so many were stoned. Cannabis was freely available, and herbal
happy pills," Miss Mauriri said.

"I'm very concerned because it's our own Maori people who are
condoning this.

"I'm worried this is the pattern for the future. I'm worried that
young people will be exposed to this drugs culture and think it's
normal. It won't stay peaceful when drugs are involved."

Miss Mauriri says a public meeting needs to be held, attended by the
marae trustees, the festival trustees and Te Puni Kokiri, which put
money into the festival.

"They need to have a good look at what's happening and where the
ticket money goes," she said.

Festival director Te Miringa Hohaia could not be contacted for comment
last night.