Hobson’s Pledge welcomes an investigation by the Human Rights Commission called for by the New Zealand Maori Council so long as the Commission applies the law, acts independently, and leaves prejudice at the door, Hobson’s Pledge spokesperson Casey Costello said today.

The Maori Council called for an investigation in an invective-ridden media release, which said the call was supported unanimously by 16 districts at a national hui at the weekend.

The Maori Council should be careful of the language it uses because it is more extreme than allegations that have already required apologies and printed retractions, Ms Costello said.

The Maori Council media release ignores the fact that both women and Maori are actively involved with Hobson’s Pledge, she said.

Since the Human Rights Commission exists to resolve disputes about unlawful discrimination, it is difficult to see how our group, which calls for the equal treatment of everybody, can be construed as discriminating against anyone, she said.

Any investigation should look at the actual content of our media releases, public statements, and contents of our website, because this is what we actually say, she said.

Allegations by other parties of what we are supposed to have said, that have appeared in the media, were not created by us, and if they are distasteful, the authors of those allegations should be called to account, Ms Costello said.

Contact

Casey Costello             (027) 532 4959