21 July 2011

I welcome the Court’s decision and am happy it enables the Executive of the Maori Women's Welfare League and me to move forward in respect of my membership of the Wahine Toa branch and nomination for president of the League.

I am also pleased that the well established branches of Taumata, Wahine Toa and Rangatahi Toa will be allowed to participate in the democratic process of this election, as they have in the past.

I wish to make it clear that this litigation against certain actions of the Maori Women's Welfare League was not taken lightly and was pursued only after all other avenues were exhausted.

I have always been proud to be a member of this important organisation that is now in its 60th year. I intend to continue making a positive contribution to the League and the lives of Maori women and their whanau. And I am confident that I have the necessary skills that are required to advance the aims of the League and am committed to that task.

I now look forward to being involved in a fair democratic process of election alongside the other wonderful nominees. And do so in the strength of my Maori heritage, as a mother and grandmother, and as an individual who has striven to make a positive difference in the lives of all women and their whanau.

Nga manaakitanga a te RUNGA RAWA ki runga i a tatou katoa, (God's blessings be upon us all)

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