Tupperwaka

I've been interested in the reporting of the Waka Maori - dubbed the 'tupperwaka' - that is being built for the end of the Rugby World Cup.

The government is contributing $1.8m to the project, and Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples has come under fire for alleged 'cronyism' after the contract to build the giant plastic waka was awarded to Ngati Whatua o Orakei, which happens to be the biggest hapu in his electorate.

While $1.8m might seem like a lot, Sharples pointed out that an inflatable rugby ball had cost $10m to tour the world.