"FERNS WON'T CHOKE," SAYS COACH

ACTIVIST ITI CLAIMS PERSECUTION

Well known Maori activist Tommy Iti has defended his actions during last year’s infamous powhiri for visiting Waitangi Tribunal members at a local marae. At the powhiri, the 5 foot tall 120 kilo Iti appeared naked except for a sporran and traditional moko.

Today in court Iti made an impassioned speech saying that the charges against him are oppressive and undermined tribal tikanga. He claims that his actions in brandishing a gun and shooting dead three members of the Tribunal were symbolic and represented the anger felt by his people at Crown actions in the 1860’s.

The trial is continuing.

A sporran