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OK, let's put a stop right now to the speculation and conclusion-jumping.
We can state definitively that the LEGO Company is *not* withdrawing,
halting production, or ceasing to market our (extremely successful) Bionicle
products. In fact (as many of you are already aware), the Bionicle saga (and
products) will be continuing in 2002.
Unfortunately, inaccurate and misleading reports have been circulated in the
last couple of days regarding this issue; in addition to the above
clarification, we can also say that this situation has absolutely nothing to
do with the cancellation of the Bionicle software title.
A more official statement appears below.
Play Well!
-- Brad
Brad Justus
Senior Vice President, LEGO Direct
*******
LEGO Company will continue BIONICLE™
Contrary to recent misunderstandings in the Danish and foreign media, the
LEGO Company will not halt production and marketing of LEGO® TECHNIC™
BIONICLE™ products.
Because the current BIONICLE line incorporates some words of cultural
meaning to the Maori, the LEGO Company is developing a Code of Conduct to
ensure the utmost sensitivity to cultural groups. There has been a positive
meeting in New Zealand, where Maori representatives have expressed interest
in participating in the process.
The LEGO Company has agreed that future products in the BIONICLE line will
not incorporate names from any original culture; however, we did not agree
to halt production of the line.
Following is a comment from Roma Hippolite, CEO Ngati Koata Trust and
representative of the Maori people:
“Ngati Koata express regret that reported comments following a recent
meeting between Maori groups in New Zealand and representatives of LEGO have
been incorrect. During that meeting we were advised that the LEGO Company
would withdraw the Maori names from future TECHNIC BIONICLE range of toys
while at the same time continuing to market those products. We have been
impressed by the willingness of LEGO to recognise a hurt was inadvertently
made, and show that in their actions. We are also excited to be able to
work with such a respected multinational company to develop a Code of
Conduct to recognise Maori and other indigenous interests. We feel very
positive that commercial and cultural interests can exist in the world
marketplace.”
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Message has 5 Replies:
 | | Re: bionicle is definitely NOT discontinued
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| (...) Somewhere I hear my son breathing a sigh of relief. Bionicle do absolutely nothing for me, but I gotta say he really gets his money's worth out of his Bionicles. Bruce (and yes, he really, really enjoyed the Guarded Inn, so don't get the wrong (...) (23 years ago, 30-Oct-01, to lugnet.lego.direct)
| | | Re: bionicle is definitely NOT discontinued
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| Whew, this is a sensible outcome. I can go back to humming "Toku Matua" again without thinking irritable thoughts. But then I defy anybody to listen to this "Aotearoan" band, Te Vaka, and not feel cheery! I hope that lady I was helping today finds a (...) (23 years ago, 30-Oct-01, to lugnet.lego.direct)
| | | Bionicle Clarifications (ref: bionicle is definitely NOT discontinued)
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| (...) OK...well, I feel somewhat better at this news. I apologize for taking multiple news stories, from multiple sources, as the truth in this matter, especially when we have such a great direct line to the actual source. Thank you, Brad, for (...) (23 years ago, 30-Oct-01, to lugnet.lego.direct, lugnet.technic.bionicle, lugnet.dear-lego)
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