Face of the Day

The family of a Rotorua kuia whose image was used on a Hobson’s Pledge billboard without her permission say the political lobby group has trampled on her mana.

Ellen Tamati’s photograph showing her moko kauae appeared on the Hobson Pledge’s billboards with the words: “My mana doesn’t need a mandate, vote no to Māori wards”.

The widow’s family said their nan “fundamentally disagrees” with the billboard’s message and Hobson’s Pledge never asked her permission.

Hobson’s Pledge has removed the billboards after complaints but the widow’s family says they have only offered a “backhanded apology”.

Tamati’s granddaughter, Anahera Parata, told the Rotorua Daily Post her nan was emotionally drained and upset from what had happened.

NZ Herald