18 May 2010

Separate body to promote Maori sports wanted

9:07 am on 18 May 2010

The Maori Party wants a separate organisation to promote Maori sports.

Co-leader Tariana Turia says the way the New Zealand Rugby Football Union has mishandled its apology to past generations of Maori players for their exclusion from All Black teams touring South Africa is just a symptom of a wider problem.

She told Waatea News Maori players get poor service from administrators and from Government-funded sports agencies.

She said many young Maori are unable to participate in sport because their families don't have the wherewithall to do so.

Mrs Turia said the rugby union gives no support to the Maori women's rugby team, which is the world's top women's team.