Maori Party's explanation is mafia-like

The Leader of the Maori Party Tariana Turia's statement today that it is common practice within Maoridom to keep things in the family, in response to my exposure of nepotism rife at Te Wananga O Aotearoa, is offensive, ACT MP Ken Shirley said today.

"We know that the best example of keeping it in the family is the mafia and we know that it is done for very deliberate reasons. When dealing with taxpayers' money there is no substitute for good governance, high standards of accountability, together with transparency.

"We should all be concerned when the Leader of the Mäori Party makes these expressions and her co-leader Pita Sharples tells us that we should expect lower standards of accountability from Maori.

"The Maori Party is a new political party that wants to be the coalition partner in a future government. They clearly have much to learn," said Mr Shirley.

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