Commonwealth Games - National Radio, Morning Report, 14/03/2006

I'm unsure why this story didn't receive greater coverage in the media. I heard it briefly mentioned on National Radio earlier this week and expected a bit more coverage to ensue. The New Zealand Commonwealth Games team in Melbourne sought permission and were welcomed onto the Games' village by an aboriginal representative. The move was defined on National Radio as a 'cultural' statement. ---snip--- Chef de Mission Dave Currie says team members saw it as a mark of respect to seek permission from the traditional land owners before moving in. ---snip--- It is however really more of a political statement than anything else. The team sought permission from a group of people, whom the Australian Government continues to deny full recognition. Whether you agree or disagree with the move, one has to admire the team members standing up for their principles in a country to which they would expect a mostly hostile response (though they didn't seem to get any sort of response). The media should have reported this story more widely in this country, which would've encouraged important debate surrounding aboriginal issues in Australia, and what attitude New Zealand / New Zealanders should take towards them.