Profile on Atawhai Tibble, Mauri Pacific Candidate for Te Tai Tonga

Age - 33 Tribal Affiliations - Ngati Porou, Tuwharetoa, Raukawa

Interests - Te Reo Maori, Maori Development, Maori Social and Economic Independence from the Crown, Treaty Partnership on key strategic issues, Music, Web Page design (http://www.atawhai.allhere.com; and http://www.inaianei.allhere.com; and http://www.mauripacific.allhere.nz)

Education - 5 School C subjects, UE accredited and A Bursary at Hato Paora College; Lawyer (LL.B from Victoria University), Senior Policy Advisor (seconded to Office of Hon Wyatt Creech in 1997 and Hon Tau Henare in 1998), Second year studying Masters in Public Policy

Work experience - Maori Language Tutor, Victoria University 1987-89; Maori Journalist and Reporter, Te Upoko o te Ika Maori Radio, 1989-1991, State Services Commission, 1991-1993, Te Puni Kokiri, 1993-1995; Ministry of Education, 1995-1997; Maori Language Commission, 1996-1997; Office of Hon Wyatt Creech, 1997-1998, Office of Hon Tau Henare, 1998-1999.

Other - Maori Performing Arts/Kapa Haka Ambassador to Chicago 1986, Brussels 1989, Seville 1992. Rapper and Singer Songwriter with Ruaumoko (see Aotearoa Hip Hop Vol 1, BMG) and Gifted & Brown (see Once Were Warriors Soundtrack, BMG)

Why am I standing?

"My stand is to support Tau Henare and help him get back into Parliament. I have seen the impact that Tau has made on Maori politics and agree that we need people independent of the mainstream parties to shake them up so they perform better for Maori. Maori within the main parties have their hands tied. They must tow the party line. This can work against Maori on issues where the mainstream parties won't budge but must. Treaty issues are an example. When the Crown was prepared to join the Recreational Fisherman's Organization to appeal against the High Court's decision supporting Maori customary rights to take any fish from their waters, including trout, it was strong and independent leadership from Tau that stopped this. Tau has also convinced a National Government to spend more money on te reo Maori. This type of leadership and extra influence outside of the mainstream parties helps Maori. We need it! This is what MMP is about! We need to bring back Tau!"

What is my key issue?

Bring back Tau! I am standing to support someone whose strength and passion I admire. I do not agree with him all the time. I am not his lackey. But I do believe he adds value to our political system and if Maori vote me in, they are supporting Tau and bringing him back in."

Contact: 021 662 902 or 04 3892 582 or a.tibble@xtra.co.nz or http://www.atawhai.allhere.com

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