Hon Tariana Turia and Hon Dr Pita Sharples

Maori Party Co-Leaders

7 November 2012

Māori Party welcomes re-election of Obama

Māori Party Co-leaders Dr Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia have welcomed the re-election of Barack Obama as President of the United States.

“We congratulate President Obama and look forward to a constructive relationship between the US and Aotearoa on issues of concern to us,” said Dr Sharples and Mrs Turia.

“While direct comparisons have limited value because of the different political systems, President Obama’s policy priorities in the last term generally aligned with the Māori Party’s, for example in health care reform and protecting vulnerable citizens from the effects of the economic downturn,” said Mrs Turia.

“More importantly, many of the contacts we have had with First Nation Americans and Alaska Natives indicate they generally support President Obama, and believe that he understands their issues and works hard to support them among all his other priorities as President,” she said.

"It was during his first term that President Obama announced the United States’ support of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People; and articulated his belief that tribal leaders must be part of the solution to problems and have a seat at the table" said Dr Sharples.

"His presidency has established a new era in strengthening relationships between the US Government with indigenous Americans including 'consultation and co-ordination with tribal governments'. We acknowledge President Obama's demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusiveness as the hallmarks of a maturing nation" ended Dr Sharples.

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