27 November 2009 Media Statement

Maori Party criticism misguided

Senior Labour MP Parekura Horomia today rejected criticism of Phil Goff’s speech.

“Phil’s my mate. I’ve known him for more than 20 years and he isn’t a racist,” Parekura Horomia said.

“The comment by Pita Sharples that Phil didn’t have the right to talk about the foreshore and seabed shows exactly why he does need to comment on it.

“The reaction from the Maori Party and others is expected because Phil is raising legitimate questions.

“It is a pity that we can’t talk about these things without being accused of playing the race card,”

ENDS