Oh dear – calling a Maori MP perma-tanned
March 8th, 2012 at 1:00 pm by David FarrarIn the House yesterday:
Simon Bridges: You’d be complaining.
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE: The perma-tanned member opposite argues that this is a legitimate power of Government, but he flies in the face of the fact that 90 percent of New Zealanders would say that when only one in five burglaries is being closed by our boys and girls in blue—
Hon Judith Collins: I raise a point of order, Mr Chairperson. I do not think it is appropriate for a member of this Committee to refer to a member who happens to be Māori as “perma-tanned”, and frankly I think it is offensive.
The CHAIRPERSON (Eric Roy): I nearly pulled the member up. It is out of order, and I would ask him to desist from using that kind of referencing to another member.
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE: I withdraw and apologise, and it was absolutely nothing to do with the member’s ethnicity, of which I was henceforth unaware.
Simon may live in Tauranga, but no that is not a tan – it is his skin colour.
Imagine if a National MP had said that of a Labour MP? I’m sure it would be with the Human Rights Commission by now.
Incidentially for those wondering Simon’s father was Ngati Maniapoto, and Simon is related to former Labour Minister Koro Wetere.
March 8th, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Does Simon Bridges actually care?
Or are the people around him taking ‘offense’ on his behalf?
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 1:08 pm
You know I’m really glad that we had our last FEC hearing yesterday before I saw that photo. I do not not need to be thinking about Mr Chairperson in the spa when appearing before the select committee.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
Oh dear – Calling John Key “Jew Boy”…
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
Non issue Just another New Zealander who cares the shade.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Why Lord, why did they choose David Shearer?!
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 1:15 pm
henceforth? I think he means hitherto.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
> a member who happens to be Māori
I understand Christian Cullen was also Maori, that’s the rugby player, not the horse…though the horse was dark skinned and the rugby player wasn’t.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 1:33 pm
Collins played this just like a Labour/Greens MP would have, which is a pity.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Surely having a perma tan would have to be better then been perma retarded like Mr silent T.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
> Simon’s father was Ngati Maniapoto
Ah, so Simon’s father was a whole tribe?
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
You should see the number of white aborigines in Oz. Mind you most of them are academics troughing off govt grants…….
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 1:39 pm
Judging by the jizz on his chest, Simon was having a good time when this was taken.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
Cunliffe has a history, having been pulled up for loudly mimicking Pansy Wong’s accent in the past.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
Cunliffe… “last woman on earth” comments about Judith Collins, “greasy little fulla” about John Key, now “permatanned member” about Simon Bridges. This is a man who thought he’d be a good leader for a party that plans to lead a government? I bet he and Mallard are good mates.
I don’t have anything really against a bit of a sledge, but if you’re a front-bench MP of a major party you should really know better. These people have been in parliament so long that they think they are bullet proof, and can do as they please. And they can, the party list system will protect them.
No wonder they chose Shearer as leader, this guy is flat out offensive.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 2:08 pm
Kind of interesting. If his skin colour was just because he’s in the sun a lot, would it be OK to call him perma-tanned? If so, then why would it be wrong to do the same because he’s Maori? What if he’s light brown because he’s Maori, and darker brown from being in the sun a lot?
In other words, how stupid is all this. It was a reasonable, and mildly amusing, description of him. Like saying “the large MP from” or “the gorgeous MP from” or “the lying cheating MP from” (that last referring to Winston of course). Sure, there’s no need for it, but if you only use the words you need then everyday conversation gets pretty boring. I don’t begrudge Judith for raising it – we’re all sensitised to it. But it raises the question of why we let our society become this way.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 2:11 pm
I wondered if he was really referring to Bridges’ fondness for personal grooming
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 2:12 pm
The fact that Cunliffe got humiliated in the leadership battle then given the arse on the shadow finance role yet hasn’t quit proves what a lot of people suspected. He can’t get a job outside parliament and/or is a spineless c**t with no self respect.
On reflection maybe he does have the right traits to lead the Labour party.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 2:21 pm
That Bridges is a sexual chocolate…
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 2:25 pm
Collins played this just like a Labour/Greens MP would have, which is a pity.
So what? Why do Labour get to cry racism at the highest decibel at the slightest hint of an insult, but the Nats just have to suck it up? Fuck that, highlight silent T’s hypocrisy and demand his colleagues not sit silent – if this was a Nat, then Labour would be screaming blue murder and demanding the Nat resign or be fired.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 2:30 pm
It wasn’t racist. It was ignorance (of Bridges’ ethnic make-up) and rudeness (immature name-calling).
There are some politicians who don’t act like children constantly, right? Somewhere?
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
What does National have to suck up, Bevan? Where is the hypocrisy here?
He was called up on it and he apologised immeadiately.
So what are you so outraged about?
It clearly wasn’t intended as racist remark, but a silly remark. Hands up who knew that Simon was Moari. I didn’t.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 2:38 pm
Cunliffe’s last comment about his lack of knowledge of Simon’s ethnic background, just shows how ignorant he is. Or it was another calculated put down.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 2:45 pm
What does National have to suck up, Bevan? Where is the hypocrisy here?
He was called up on it and he apologised immeadiately.
I’m not saying they have to suck it up – read the question again.
So what are you so outraged about?
Who says I’m outraged?
It clearly wasn’t intended as racist remark, but a silly remark. Hands up who knew that Simon was Moari. I didn’t.
So what? My point is if the shoe was on the other foot, Labour would be screaming about this as loud as possible until the offending MP was fired or resigned regardless of whether it was an innocent mistake. MP’s should be held to the same standard regardless of which party they belong to.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 2:45 pm
Mmmm – a maori who is able to get voted in on a general house….
We have that doppy Green MP denise Roche pushing a dedicated maori seat on what used to be called Environmet Waikato because apparently she thinks maori cant get voted onto anything.
Maybe Bridges isnt a normal maori – I think he is Ngati Mystery
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 2:54 pm
“Maybe Bridges isnt a normal maori” — What does a normal Māori look like?
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
i guess Cunliffe just thought he was some young fella loving life and spending time at the beach.
really, its not that bad. benefit of the doubt.
as DPF says though – if a National MP did it.. all shit would break loose and that is the issue.
everyone already cunliffe is a douche bag
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 3:03 pm
Sounds like SOMEONE hasn’t seen Utu.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
I think it was his Grandfather who was Maori. It is all set out in his maiden speech. Anyhow Simon is due to be a father quite soon if it has not already happened.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
As I think has been pointed out, here on Kiwiblog, Simon Bridges is not a Maori MP. He is an MP who happens to share some Maori heritage and ancestry. The difference being, he doesn’t make a point of waving his Maori-ness about the place. He does the job as would anyone, and looks out for constituents and citizens of any ethnicity. I believe it was phrased as being “incidental” rather than “definitive” in his political career.
That doesn’t make it ok to make jokes and slurs about his ethnicity or appearance.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 3:16 pm
So Labour have used homophobic references for Finlayson. And racist references for Bridges. Have they resorted to religious based abuse for the hat trick?
Mathers should be glad she’s on Labour’s side, otherwise they’d be calling her a “retard” or a “mong” or similar.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 3:16 pm
Sensible thread for an insensible post. May as well get into the spirit:
What is that on Bridges’ chest? Is it his or someone else’s?
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
“It clearly wasn’t intended as racist remark, but a silly remark. Hands up who knew that Simon was Moari. I didn’t.”
That is a good question. I certainly was aware of this but I follow politics a bit. I find it hard to beleive that Cunliffe was not aware that Bridges was Maori. Maybe Cunliffe thinks real Maori say bro every tenth word.
How many others were aware of Bridges heritage?
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Oh well, the Greens are calling proposed welfare reform racist and anti-woman, so no surprise that someone else on the left thinks a maori who supports national can’t be a real maori.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
If Cunliffe didn’t know Simon has Maori ancestry then I’m a banana…and as others have said, he is not the kind of guy to be making use of his heritage…damn fine bloke actually…
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
“I was henceforth unaware” …> from now on, I know nothing? Is he chanelling Sgt Schultz? Hitherto is the word he was looking for
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 3:52 pm
Calling Simon Bridges perma-tanned is fair enough, the guy looks like Whitey so it’s an easy mistake to make. “Of which I was henceforth unaware,” though? That’s unforgivable – the Speaker should have climbed over the seats and smacked him in the chops.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 4:11 pm
This lack of professionalism in parliament is one of the main things wrong with politics. In this case, it seems like Cunliffe didn’t intend to be racist, but the point is, he shouldn’t have been referring to another member using an intentionally belittling term in the first place. Even if he WAS just referring to the guy having a tan. It just brings down the tone of the entire institition, and distracts attention away from the job that they are all paid to do. Bad form Cunliffe, and every other MP that wishes to trade in pomp, insults and posturing rather than serve the electorate.
However, complaining that it would have been played upon worse if the insult had been used against a Labour party MP? That seems a little unwaveringly partisan of you David.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 4:11 pm
What is that on Bridges’ chest? Is it his or someone else’s?
Residual foam from the spa – look at the water behind him.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
petty ,childish racist stuff from Cinliffe..Is he still smarting from missing the top job? If he has to sink this low it is time he walked. With that sort of raging talent , he will be in demand somewhere.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 4:21 pm
Bevan>Residual foam from the spa – look at the water behind him.
Why is there foam in the spa? Has he been shampooing his hair in a jacuzzi?
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 4:22 pm
“That seems a little unwaveringly partisan of you David.”
No way. If that remark was made by an National MP the Race Relations Commissioner would have plenty to say.
If such a remark had of been made lase term by an ACT MP there would be editorials and opinion pieces for a week in the Herald.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
Spot on there Chuck….
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
My wife took one look at Bridges’ pic and immediately identified him as Maori, Something about the lips and nose, she said.
Very intelligent woman, I mean look at who she married?
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 5:14 pm
DrDr – a normal maori – according to lots of people especially those who want dedicated maori seats on town and regional council- is one who cant vote or get voted onto anything.
Brdiges cant be normal – hes got voted in to Parliament………….
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
Plenty Maori do not want special privilege. Sir Ralph Norris appears to have done okay for himself without play a Maori card.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 5:49 pm
Why is there foam in the spa? Has he been shampooing his hair in a jacuzzi?
Never cleaned your spa pool have you?
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 6:05 pm
Cunliffe has always been smarmy.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 6:10 pm
The issue is not that silent T called Bridges “perma tanned”. The issue is that Silent T lied.
Cunliffe would have been well aware that Bridges is part Moari, to now deny thathe knew is a blatant lie and something that might yet blow up in his face.
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 6:12 pm
Was Silent T standing behind him?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nznationalparty/3574474843/in/photostream/
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 8:10 pm
BB, I find it hard to beleive that Cunliffe was not aware that Bridges is part Maori. How could that be proved?
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 8:22 pm
Hmm, there is an interesting post on this website about the goings on of Mr Bridges and a certain Labour MP
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=welcome#!/pages/New-Zealand-Pakeha-Party/125734190814084
Vote:March 8th, 2012 at 9:19 pm
Was he in parliament for Bridges maiden speech? or out name calling somewhere else?? As someone else said he has history in mimicking Pansy Wong’s speech.
Vote:March 9th, 2012 at 11:26 am
No wonder Cunliffe has a silent “t” to his name.
Vote: