Maori Party Statement on Death of Rod Donald

Kua hinga te rakau nui i te waonui a Tane. Kua hinga tetehi poutokotoko mo te taiao. Ahakoa tenei mate ohorere, e te rangatira, haere, haere haere atu ra.

Kia koutou te whanau pani, me te Pati Kakariki, nga manaakitanga me te aroha ki runga i a koutou, me ki, tatou huri noa i te motu.

The Maori Party today expresses its sadness at the tragic death of Green Party Co-leader, Rod Donald.

"Our first thoughts were immediately with his partner Nicola, and his three daughters, Holly, Emma and Zoe" said Tariana Turia, Co-leader of the Maori Party. "To lose a loved one, at such a young age, will be a huge shock for all his family".

"Rod and I entered Parliament at the same time, in 1996" stated Mrs Turia. "although it would be in the last two years that we have worked closely together".

"I totally respect the significant imprint Rod Donald has made in the history of this nation. His passionate and fearless advocacy for environmental and human rights issues earnt him our utmost admiration".

"The Maori Party expresses our sincere sadness at the loss of such a principled and dedicated man" said Dr Pita Sharples.

"Rod absolutely believed in the values and principles of the Greens - as being in the very best interests of the nation. His loss will be enormous".

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