Statement from Professor Whatarangi Winiata, President of the Maori Party

Sunday 8 November 2009
Professor Whatarangi Winiata has advised that a hui of Hone Harawira, members from Mr Harawira’s electorate and the leadership of the Māori Party is being planned in Te Tai Tokerau electorate later this week, probably Thursday afternoon.  The purpose of the hui is to discuss the controversy following Mr Harawira’s return from Europe. 
Professor Winiata has been in discussion with Mr Harawira; the co-leaders and the co-vice presidents of the Māori Party over this weekend.  The Professor is hopeful that the parties involved will agree on arrangements to dispose of the issues by the end of the week, at the latest.

"Obviously it is in everyone's interests to address the concerns swiftly.   We acknowledge the severity of this situation - the hurt that has been caused by Mr Harawira's outburst, and we seek to remedy this, relying on the expression of kaupapa tuku iho (inherited values) as a foundation for all that the Party does. 

"These recent incidents are inconsistent with the standards of behaviour, the kaupapa and tikanga that our party is based on.  We have asked Mr Harawira to consider a number of actions which we hope will address the offence that has been caused".

"Our intention is to resolve the current controversies concerning Mr Harawira, a creative, talented, intelligent and energetic person who has the potential to be a very effective politician for the Māori people and for the Nation" said the Professor.

ends