Maori Veteran humbled by support for cut pension
A Maori war veteran's fight to get his pension reinstated has garnered support from as far away as Canada.
Selwyn Clarke, 88, was forced to beg on the streets after his pension was suspended in November when he failed clearing his warrant to arrest.
Now the Restore Selwyn's Veteran's Pension Facebook group has got almost 3000 likes, raised $1500 and the petition has over 2500 signatures.
Ngati Kahu chief executive Anahera Herbert-Graves says they have received calls of support and donations from the Veterans' Associations of Canada, America and Brisbane's Returned Services League.
"It's been very, very humbling.
"They cannot believe we would treat one of our heros this way."
The former soldier, who served in the 28th Maori Battalion, didn't turn up to court for being trespassed by police for occupying Kaitaia Airport last year. Police issued an arrest warrant after he failed to appear in court and his pension was subsequently cut.
Clarke found out his pension had been stopped when he couldn't pay his telephone bill. He immediately went through his possessions looking for items to sell at the Kaitaia markets. He didn't make much money, so he put out a donation box and sign his daughter made for him.
"I can't make enough out of this gear. So I thought I better ask people to help me. I'm beyond working and the injuries I received during the war are starting to play up more on me now."
A Ministry of Social Development spokesperson says Clarke needs to go into the district court to clear his warrant, which he refuses to do.
Herbert-Graves says Clarke's pension is part of the wider issue of sovereignty.
"He is responsible to his whanau, his hapu and his iwi, not only for what he does but for the impact he has on them. That's why he can not go into that court. The impact of our rangatira conceding, then we're all gone."
Written by Sarah Harris. First appeared on Stuff.co.nz.
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