Tame Iti stands for the Māori Party

The Māori Party is proud to announce that Tame Iti will be standing as a list candidate for the Māori Party at this year’s General Election.

“Tame Iti has spent his life fighting for Māori people. He’s been at the cutting edge of social and cultural change in Aotearoa and we’re thrilled to have him on board,” says Māori Party president Naida Glavish.

The Tūhoe health worker, artist and political advocate says he’s standing for the Māori Party because they are focused on the issues that are important to whānau, hapū and iwi.

“I totally support Whānau Ora and I believe that Māori need an independent voice in Parliament. The Māori Party is the only independent Māori voice in Parliament,” says Tame Iti.

Tame Iti believes the Māori Party has also built trust with mainstream New Zealand because of the way they’ve conducted themselves.

“The Māori Party has got credibility. They’ve established themselves as an independent Māori movement that walks the talk. I also support them sitting at the decision-making table of Government, it’s the only way Māori can bring about change. It’s no good moaning on the outside.”

He’s particularly supportive of the Co-leaders Tariana Turia and Te Ururoa Flavell as well as his Tūhoe relation Rangi McLean who is standing in the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate.

“I have supported the Māori Party since Tariana Turia, in a act of political heroism crossed the floor and formed the Māori Party. I support Te Ururoa and Rangi because they are both “kanohi kitea”, people who are seen in their communities.”

President Naida Glavish says having the support of Tame Iti and Northland doctor Dr Lance O’Sullivan who is the New Zealander of the Year 2014 is a huge boost to the party.

“These two people work tirelessly for their communities and their public support for the Māori Party sends a strong messages to the electorates.”

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