The Maori Party has today put out the call, for the perspectives of Pasifika peoples to be heard, as the situation unfolds around Mangere Member of Parliament, Taito Phillip Field.

“For a Party that has benefited from the voting power of Pasifika peoples, the action taken by Labour in relation to Samoan and Cook Island MP, Taito Phillip Field, appears to have been imposed without due consideration of the views of Pasifika peoples” said Mrs Turia, Co-leader of the Maori Party.

“Given the importance of our Pasifika population for the growth of Aotearoa, I was surprised there was only one reference to Pasifika people in the Prime Minister’s Statement to the House” said Mrs Turia.

It is projected that by 2021, Pasifika peoples will comprise 9% of the New Zealand population.

“Labour is walking a fine tight-rope if it believes it can run roughshod over Pasifika peoples” said Mrs Turia.

“It is common knowledge that the Labour success in Election 2005 was greatly assisted by an increase of 4000 votes in the Mangere electorate” said Dr Sharples, Co-leader of the Maori Party.
“While there will be varying views within the community, as there are in any community, local Maori Party members in Counties Manukau have advised us that Taito enjoyed significant support amongst his people; and was respected for his advocacy of issues related to minority populations” said Dr Sharples.

“Clearly the voices of Pasifika peoples are central in this debate” said Dr Sharples. “We, the Maori Party, will continue to call for independent Pasifika voices to be represented in this Parliament. They deserve to be heard”.

“Obviously, from our perspective, the more independent the better!” ended Mrs Turia.

ENDS

© Scoop Media