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Harawira warns young Maori to refuse to give DNA samples

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Mon, 21 Jun 2010 9:27p.m.

Hone Harawira (NZPA file)

Hone Harawira (NZPA file)

Maori Party MP Hone Harawira is urging young Maori to "just say no" when police ask them for a voluntary DNA sample.

"I've heard of a few cases where young Maori have been conned by police into giving DNA samples even when they haven't committed a crime," he said tonight.

"One young Maori told me the police wanted the sample because one of their relatives `might be known' to the police."

Mr Harawira said it was completely outside the guidelines.

"I am warning police to either drop these Nazi-style tactics immediately or I will be advising these kids to get top lawyers to sue."

Mr Harawira, his party's police spokesman, said he wanted an assurance police were going to be "pulled into line".

NZPA

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Comments

23 Jun 2010 10:31a.m.

Helen1 wrote:

DNA is a legal issue not a free for all debate situation. Treat with care!

22 Jun 2010 03:50p.m.

Hemi wrote:

The great thing about a voluntary sample is that when you change your mind you can ask for it to be removed. There are many safeguards in this system. Storm in a teacup. More important issues to concentrate on Mr Harawira. You are making an issue where there is not one.

22 Jun 2010 02:44p.m.

Miss Mouse wrote:

Being conned by the police to volunteer DNA samples is wrong no mater what way you look at it. DNA is our complete chemical make-up to who we are, and is a violation of human rights.

22 Jun 2010 12:54p.m.

Ruz wrote:

I think what Hone is saying is that in voluntary DNA situations, the Police are tricking young Maori into giving samples when they have the right to say no. I think Hone is right to raise this an insist that the Police comply with the law.

22 Jun 2010 12:01p.m.

Doug wrote:

I'm sure that if what he's saying is true, there would be just as many Pacific Islanders & "white" kids that have had the same done to them.
Harawera needs to focus more on teaching young Maori how to live within New Zealand society rather than trying to get them to despise it.

22 Jun 2010 10:34a.m.

Tallica1 wrote:

I would have no problem with giving my DNA to Police. I don't involve myself in criminal activity so it won't affect my way of life. On the upside, if Police have my DNA, it's another way they can exlude me from any crime that I may be suspected of doing.

22 Jun 2010 10:23a.m.

Jim wrote:

I think the Key words in this story are "ask" (not demand Heir Hone) and "voluntary" (not compulsary Heir Hone).
Hone Harawira and Russell Norman should join forces as they both fly off the handle with scant regard for consequences!!!

22 Jun 2010 09:11a.m.

Hemi wrote:

I must have missed the point. The article says:

Maori Party MP Hone Harawira is urging young Maori to "just say no" when police ask them for a voluntary DNA sample.

That sounds about right, it is voluntary and anyone can so no to a voluntary sample. He is sounding tough over a no brainer.

22 Jun 2010 08:54a.m.

Mike wrote:

If this clown opens his mouth it is to speak shit!!! Just how long must we put up with this guy? Surely the Maori party must feel embaraced with his continued tirade? My teenage son does however find him amussing as he says you never know what he will come up with next!!!!!!

22 Jun 2010 08:24a.m.

dave wrote:

The Police can have mine any time they like. I don't do crime so have nothing to fear from law enforcement officers. What is the problem? Missed the point.