24 May 2004

Matt McCarten Alliance Leader

Alliance Supports Tariana Turia In By-Election

At a meeting of the Alliance Council last week, the council discussed the recent moves to form a Maori Party and the upcoming by-election.

At the meeting the council endorsed the formation of the new Maori Party as having positive potential for an independent political voice for Maori and fully supported the Alliance Leader, Matt McCarten and other party officers assisting in the by-election.

The Council also resolved to request support from Alliance members for the by-election either financially or giving their time.

The council will seek advice of members for what support the Alliance may give the Maori party after the by-election.

Matt McCarten has agreed to act as Tariana Turia's campaign manager and the party's general secretary, Gerard Hehir, has agreed to take on another key campaign role.

Matt McCarten will be speaking at the Tainui this morning on the campaign.

ENDS

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