Dr Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia, Co-leaders, Maori Party

23 November 2006

“Dr Brash made his own decision today to resign. We should respect that as having been a decision he has given serious consideration to” said Tariana Turia, Co-leader of the Maori Party.

“The National Party now has the challenge of choosing its next leader. We wish them well as we would any other party in the House going through what can be trying times” said Dr Sharples, Co-leader of the Maori Party.

“Our thoughts are with Dr Brash, Je Lan and the wider family at such a challenging time” stated Mrs Turia. “A career in politics impacts greatly on family, and we respect the right of their family to their privacy”.

“As a party, we have stood firmly on our philosophy that we have practised in the House, of not belitting others. It is a practice we endeavour to uphold in all spheres of our activity. We will not compromise that practice now. E hara tenei i te wa, he whakaiti tangata” concluded Dr Sharples.

ENDS

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