Te Ururoa Flavell
Maori Party WHIP | MP for Waiariki

September 7 2011

Flavell: Tuhoe raids a breach of Te Tiriti

Te Ururoa Flavell, MP for Waiariki, has called the Tuhoe raids, and treatment of the people of Ruatoki a breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and is exploring with Tuhoe the possibility of lodging a contemporary claim with the Waitangi Tribunal.

“A great injustice has been done to the people of Tuhoe, they have been labelled terrorists; their children traumatised by the aiming of firearms at school buses and the raiding of houses; and their whanau burdened by these charges for the last four years.” Said Flavell

“These people have been stigmatised. The Crown owes Tuhoe an apology.”

In response to the news that the Prime Minister has said no apology would be forthcoming, Flavell said “I think it’s clear that it was not the people of Tuhoe who were the terrorists in this case, and if the Crown is unable to accept this, then it is time for independent arbitration.”

“I have spoken to representatives from Tuhoe, along with my fellow Maori Party members – we are all united in our commitment to this kaupapa. If Maori are terrorists in our own country, then we really need to examine the legislation here, and the actions of the Crown.”

“My Maori Party colleagues are also looking into other options for ensuring that what is right and just is carried out in this case. In the meantime, I am here for Tuhoe, and to work with them in any way that I can.”

ENDS

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