The Hon Tariana Turia
Maori Party Co-Leader

20 August 2012

Maori Party saddened by more loss of life in Afghanistan

Aue, te tangi ki nga tama a Tumatauenga kua hinga i te pae o te riri!
Kua heke ano te toto Kiwi ki te whenua o Afghanistan.
Tokotoru nga kanohi e kore ano e kitea, tokotoru nga reo e kore ano e rangona.
E tama ma, e hine, haere, haere, haere atu ra. Haere ki te okiokinga tuturu mo te tangata.
Aue, te mamae i te moumou tangata! Aue, te aroha ki nga whanau pani!
Ka mihi ki nga toa! Ka tangi i te aroha!

The Maori Party extends its heartfelt condolences to the whanau and friends of the three soldiers who died in Afghanistan, and along with the entire nation, mourns their loss.

Tariana Turia, Co-Leader of the Maori Party said “we were very saddened to hear that three more soldiers have passed away in Afghanistan. It is just devastating that so many of our young New Zealanders are being killed overseas.”

“While we do not yet know their identities, we do know that they represented New Zealand and died in a horrific way.”

“These soldiers need to be remembered for the contribution that they have made to our country, and also for their efforts in providing aid in places of need around the world.”

Mrs Turia said “our thoughts are with their whanau and friends at this time, who are surely devastated by the loss of these three soldiers. We join with all of Aotearoa in mourning for them.”

“It was only two weeks ago that we learnt of the passing of Lance Corporal Pralli Durrer and Lance Corporal Rory Malone who also died in Afghanistan. The loss of lives is overwhelming.”

“We are terribly saddened that lives are being lost in a civil war that is not ours to fight. We want to see our soldiers withdrawn from Afghanistan before any more of our sons and daughters lives are cut short.”

ENDS

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