MEDIA STATEMENT
Friday 31st January 2014

Good news for Teina Pora

The Maori Party is pleased that Teina Pora has been granted the opportunity to appeal his convictions at the Privy Council.

“We are so happy for Teina. It’s been over 20 years since he was convicted of the rape and murder of Susan Burdett, and with all the question marks over the original handling of the investigation it’s a huge relief that he will have his case heard again,” says Te Ururoa Flavell.

“There has been significant doubt cast over the actions of police in their original investigation, so much so, that last year the Maori Party called on every possible avenue available to seek justice for this young man, including looking at the option of a Royal Prerogative of Mercy.”

“We still want an investigation into the circumstances around the handling of the original investigation, but we understand that the first priority is to let Teina have his case heard.”

“We need a justice system that preserves justice, not impedes it. Teina has put a human face on what injustice looks like for many of our young people of colour in the system. We need to look closely at what happens here, and ensure that it does not happen again,” says Te Ururoa Flavell.

“We wish Teina, his whanau and his legal team good luck.”

ENDS

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