Carrie Stoddart-Smith
Candidate for Pakuranga
Māori Party

Healing old wounds a possibility with Ardern and Davis

The dual appointments of Jacinda Ardern as Leader of the Labour Party, and Kelvin Davis as her Deputy presents a unique opportunity to heal old wounds between Labour and the Māori Party.

Carrie Stoddart-Smith, Māori Party candidate for Pakuranga says, “As a political commentator, I have observed Jacinda Ardern consistently demonstrate her strong brand of leadership through pragmatism and empathy, and in her words ‘relentless positivity’. This sets her apart from some of her predecessors, and speaks to the possibility of restoring a fractured relationship between our two parties.”

“Ardern and Davis do not carry the political baggage of some of their colleagues, and it is in this context, that I support the invitation made by Māori Party President,Tuku Morgan for our parties to at least have a discussion about working together for the benefit of our whānau”

However, “Labour and National both need to decide what kind of government they want to be,” she says. “I will not support any arrangements that accept intolerance for political expediency. I will support arrangements that promise to uphold the Treaty partnership, reject intolerance and divisiveness and refuse the regressivsim of increased economic protectionism.”

“The Māori Party has always been open to working with whoever is in a position to form a government post-election. Whanaungatānga – building relationships, is our political currency, and we will continue to strengthen our relationships across Parliament to advance the aspirations of all whānau/families,” says Stoddart-Smith.

She will launch her “Connecting Culture, Commerce and Community” campaign at Te Tuhi Art Gallery, 13 Reeves Road, Pakuranga, on Saturday 5 August, 5-6pm.

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