Hon Tariana Turia & Dr Pita Sharples
Co-Leaders of the Maori Party

5 May 2009 Media Statement

5th Anniversary – from hikoi to coalition

The Maori Party today are celebrating the 5th anniversary of the arrival of more than 30,000 people on Parliament steps in protest of the then Government’s foreshore and seabed bill.

“On this day five years ago, we were labelled ‘haters and wreckers.’

"It seems such an irony that the people who called us that aren’t here today and we are – doing everything we can to ensure the voice of Maori are heard in Parliament.

"History has been made in just five years – from the birth of the Maori Party to the strength of the independent Maori voice now recognised with five MPs and two Maori Party ministers in Government across a range of significant sector portfolios.

“We remember the passion and the fury of all those who were compelled to hikoi to Parliament five years ago today.

“And we know that, so long as we are in touch with our people, we will continue to grow stronger and stronger and advance Maori interests for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

“The current review of the Foreshore and Seabed Act that was agreed by the Maori Party and National in their relationship agreement, is a testament to their commitment to address the concerns of all of those people who marched,” the co-leaders said.

“Media commentators and political analysts have said we’ve brought a new dimension to New Zealand politics. We don’t believe it’s new, we’re just saying things that many Maori have been saying for a long time but no one seemed to be listening before we arrived here in Parliament on 27 July 2004."

Heads up: Tariana Turia is taking questions from members of the public on the foreshore and seabed issue, Maori seats and Fiji. The deadline for submitting questions is this Thursday by 5pm. Questions should be emailed to turia.video@parliament.govt.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media