Press Release
How genuine is the Maori Party?
MANA President Annette Sykes
Tuesday 31st January

“Many of our people are asking how genuine the Maori Party is when it comes to opposing the government’s plans over the sale of the Crafar Farms and stopping their partner from ignoring Treaty rights involved in SOE’s” says MANA President Annette Sykes. “Despite losing two seats and our people’s repeated calls to walk away from National and ACT, the Maori Party continue to dice with death by supporting the two right-wing parties. It is quite sad actually – from the glory days of 2005 when they united our people to 2012 when they overlook our people for the baubles of office”.

“Over the issue of Section 9 of the SOE Act the Maori Party should terminate its relationship with National and ACT. This is one issue where they need to make a principled stand. It is the Fiscal Envelope and the Foreshore and Seabed of 2012. I am happy that the Maori Party oppose moves to get rid of Section 9 but they need to be genuine with their challenge. The Maori Party repeatedly stated during the election campaign that they would rather be in the tent than outside, that they wanted to stare their opponents in the eyes when they sat around the cabinet table. It would seem that their presence in the Beehive lacks sting as the Tories continue to erode what little rights Maori have”.

“Walk away Maori Party. End the relationship and make a principled stand”.

ENDS

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