The Maori Party and the Party Vote

Professor Whatarangi Winiata, President of the Maori Party
Thursday 5 June 2008

Party President, Professor Whatarangi Winiata, has today endorsed comments made by Maori Party Co-leader, Hon Tariana Turia, about the importance of the party vote.

"I've been troubled by some advice that a Green Party politician issued yesterday suggesting that "vote-splitting is the best option for Maori Party supporters", because "otherwise it will be wasted".

"We know that there is only one party that actually offers a platform for the strong and independent voices of the tangata whenua to be expressed" said Professor Winiata.

"Everyone knows that this is the Maori Party".

"Tangata whenua know that the party vote helps decide just how many seats each party gets in Parliament and the Maori Party wants the party vote" said Professor Winiata.

"As the Royal Commission on Electoral Reform predicted, Parliament has become more diverse and representative of modern Aotearoa, and that is something that we should all celebrate - not seek to restrain".

Professor Winiata concluded, "Indeed, in the interests of inclusivity and cross-cultural nation building, we would humbly suggest that two votes for the Maori Party be seen to be in the interests of the country".

ends

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