12 Sep 2011

Support for commission to protect Maori culture

7:31 pm on 12 September 2011

A Maori designer who claims his work has been copied is supporting a Waitangi Tribunal recommendation to set up a commission to protect Maori culture.

Joseph McEnteer has sought legal advice after the sportswear company, Nike, designed a shirt featuring an English rose with Maori-styled details.

He says the logo is similar to a piece he created years ago.

Nike says it's investigated the allegations and it believes any similarities between Mr McEnteer's designs and the rose on the Nike rugby t-shirt are coincidental.

Mr McEnteer says a Wai 262 report recommendation would work well not just for Maori, but for everyone.

He says it would be a forum for companies such as Nike and designers to dispute matters relating to Maori cultural designs.