Te 10 o nga ra o Whiringa a Nuku 2013
Poroporoaki

Kua poko te whetu marama o te raki, kei te noho nga iwi o Te Tai Tokerau i roto i te pouri.
E Tapihana, kei hea koe kua ngaro atu nei? Kei te tangi matou i te mamae!
E te whanau pani, kei te tangi hoki matou i te aroha ki a koutou.
E nga morehu kua mokemoke nei, huri noa i te motu, e tangi, e tangi ki to tatou rangatira, ki to tatou kaiarahi, ki to tatou hoa pumau. E Tapihana, haere, haere, haere atu ra!

The Maori Party shares grief at the passing of Tapihana Shelford

The Maori Party shared their grief today at the passing of Tapihana Shelford who was a personal friend and confidant to Maori Party Co-leader, Tariana Turia.

“I had a great love for the man we all knew of as Dobbie.  He worked on our marae for many years and was always committed to supporting the people.   He was also very close to all my children, and our family are grieving such a significant loss to the Ratana movement and indeed to the motu,” says Maori Party Co-leader Tariana Turia.

“I know that Dobbie thought the world of Helen Clark, and sustained a deep abiding respect for her.   While loyal to his Labour roots, Dobbie was also a bridge builder – someone who was prepared to talk across parties in the best interests of our people. Right up till the end he would text me or call me with his latest proclamation about the state of the nation. In turn what I loved most about him was that he was a person I could sound things out with, and know that he would always have wise advice to share.”

“He was an astute politician - his family’s association with politics over many generations gave him a unique perspective which I found invaluable.  He would frequently draw comparisons between me and my aunt, the late Iriaka Ratana.   Dobbie was fascinated at the connections we had as Morehu, as MPs for Western Maori/Te Tai Hauauru and ultimately our decisions to cross the floor in pursuit of better outcomes for our whanau, hapu and iwi.”

“Dobbie never allowed politics to get in the way – he realised the importance of being able to sit at the table of power and he wanted there to be a tangible difference for all of us.   He even attended the Maori Party AGM in Tamaki, much to our delight! While death brings with it heartache, our love for Dobbie will remain forever strong in our memories.   Our greatest sympathies are extended to his parents, his whanau, hapu and iwi as we mourn the loss of such a beautiful man.”

Moe mai ra ki to moenga roa e hoa.

ENDS

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Trial Over 'Anonymous' Donations: John Banks Resigns As Minister

ACT Leader John Banks today confirmed that he has stood down from his Ministerial positions following today’s decision at the Auckland District Court.

“Last week I indicated to the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff that I would offer my resignation should the matter relating to my 2010 Mayoral Electoral return be committed to trial,” Mr Banks said...

“I intend to continue in my role as ACT Leader and MP for Epsom, and ACT will continue to support National on matters of confidence and supply. More>>