Vote and Remember Them this Week: Don’t wait for ANZAC Day or Women’s Suffrage Day.

“Our Grandfathers went to war to protect our right to vote – New Zealand women also fought for the right to vote: We honour them all when we do so,” says Greytown community leader, Paora Ammunson who's standing for the Wairarapa District Health Board this year.

“Remember them this week, don’t wait for ANZAC Day or Suffrage Day.”
Paora is urging all Wairarapa people to have their say and vote in the local body elections. Electors have to get their voting papers in so they arrive by the deadline (Sat 12th Oct). Today’s the last day to post papers in otherwise they should be dropped off in person.

“We should never forget that our elders were thinking about future generations: we are that generation. Voting is the least we can do to honour them and if we don’t like what choices are available, thanks to their sacrifices we’re able to do something about it.”

Paora is the chairman of Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union, Papawai Marae and serves on the boards of Wairarapa Moana Incorporation, Kahungunu Asset Holding Company, Kokomai Arts Festival and Greytown’s Cobblestones Trust. Wairarapa’s 2013 sports volunteer of the year he tutors kapa haka in schools across the valley, coaches rugby in Greytown and leads Papawai Marae’s adult kapa haka group. Paora says healthy communities are grown in our sports fields, communities and homes.

“My ancestors gave the very first lands in Wairarapa for hospitals to be built on, hospitals designed to care for us all no matter who we are or where we live,” says Paora.

“I've been serving Wairarapa communities most of my life: it would be an honour to help protect their health and safeguard their future.

“I Love this Place. I’m proud to come from Wairarapa – on my Maori and Scandinavian sides – and I’m lucky to bring my family up here. I also feel very strongly about bringing our communities and peoples together to support everyone as well as those with specific needs.”

Voting papers must be with local councils by Midday on Saturday 12th October – in the mail by Wednesday 9th October.

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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>>