Waka Huia - Meng Foon

The Māori way is different to the Pākehā way. Meng’s talent is his ability to use his words so that he treads easily. That is his skill. Meng is of the new world and of the old world. He can communicate with the elders and the children on the street.

– Tā moko artist Derek Lardelli

Most of us will not go into the council to fight for our beliefs but he is in there as an advocate for our issues.

– Charlie Pera, on Meng Foon looking after his Māori constituents

People envy Meng because of his ability to walk in both the Māori and Pākehā worlds. Many Māori envy him for his ability to speak Māori. Pākehā envy him because they can’t speak Māori but this Chinese can.

– Te Rūnunga o Ngāti Porou Chairman Apirana Mahuika