And further lets take a closer look at what is being said by the Petersen whanau and their individual supporters.They call themselves the hapu of Ngati Aukiwa.They are simply one whanau who belong to this hapu albeit an extended one.But there are significant and larger whanau of this hapu that do not and will not support their views.These others make up the larger number who are Ngati Aukiwa and we stand firmly beside the iwi.To the younger ones of the Petersen whanau may I say it takes enormous courage to publicly oppose your kaumatua and kuia especially given the ill-health of your elders but do try to get them to think about the future of yourselves and their precious mokopuna. Be brave and remind them that this raruraru can only end in bitterness and heartbreak for those they have decreed must carry their burden into the future.
Let us leave the past behind us and move forward together now.