MEDIA STATEMENT Pem Bird Mâori Party President Friday 14th December 2012

Maori Party President pays tribute to Tariana Turia

Maori Party President Pem Bird has praised Tariana Turia as one of the most influential New Zealand leaders of her generation. "Her courage and determination inspired a whole new movement that is continuing to change the political landscape. The silver lining to today’s news, I guess, is that it will be incredibly exciting to see the kaupapa she helped create being passed on to another generation."

Mr Bird said that Mrs Turia has spent her whole life fighting to make Aotearoa New Zealand a place where all its citizens can reach for their dreams. "What drives her is a passionate understanding of the importance of strong whanau. So it is no surprise to me that it is her own whana's wishes that have finally persuaded her to this decision."

Mr Bird warned officials and politicians from other parties not to relax at today's news. "Knowing Tariana, she is not going to slow down over the next two years: in fact, she will speed up, because she knows how much remains to be done. Look out!"

ENDS

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