Thursday 6 November 2008 1.30pm;

‘A New Dawn in Politics for us all’:

Derek Fox, Candidate for Ikaroa-Rawhiti

Veteran broadcaster, and Ikaroa-Rawhiti candidate for the Maori Party, Derek Fox, has today spoken of the heart-rending inspiration that the victory of Barack Obama brings for the people of Aotearoa.

“In over four decades of covering ‘historic’ events across all media, this moment in time is absolutely exceptional” said Fox.

“It is a moment of profound hope; of the momentum that mass movements for change can bring; of the unique challenge met by the people of America, to reach deep in their souls, and believe, their country needs them, once more”.

“History was written in the long, winding queues signalling the excitement of voters saying, ‘yes we can’.

“The Obama story brought together all generations, all cultures, firmly believing that faith can win over apathy; that optimism breeds success; that the anticipation of a brighter future is a promise that they could commit to”.

“One feature which I found remarkable was the strength of the young people who pitched in to pick up the call of the campaign. This is a generation which we know in Aotearoa is also our brightest prospect for change – the young people who know that they want to be players in a better world”.

“Obama’s success means many things to Maori in Aotearoa” said Fox. “It reminds us of the huge strength that comes from collective energy; the power of the people. We have been saying to our whanau, this too, is our time, to pitch in, to bring all our whanau to the polling booth; to do this because we can and want to look after each other, to look after our nation”.

“I am so uplifted by the promise of this time” said Fox. “Obama’s vision for change is one which tells the world, we rise and fall together. We must heal the divides that have held us back from being the best we can be – and that is a vision, that we too in the Maori Party, believe is right for our land”.

“This Saturday, we can bring to Aotearoa, a new dawn, where every voice must be heard. We in the Maori Party draw strength, just as Barack Obama said, from the enduring power of our ideals – the aspirations and inspirations of our ancestors that we know will create and shape a better nation for us all.

“All that we need now, is two ticks to the Maori Party to have a chance to also make that difference for all of us here at home”.

Ikaroa Rawhiti Roadshow Derek’s statement brings to an end, the week long journey through the electorate of Ikaroa-Rawhiti. The bus headed off from Te Araroa on Sunday and travelled throughout the East Coast, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, and finishing today in the Hutt Valley and Wainuiomata.

“There were some very sad sights throughout the trip” said Fox. “Long stretches of isolation and poor communication, inadequate telephone services; and shocking roads, marred by washouts, potholes and slumping”.

“It was depressing to see our elderly folk living in sub-standard housing; and I met families who had suffered four generations of unemployment and benefit dependency.

Even today, in the capital city, in the suburb of Naenae, there was a bread-van giving out bread to the poor. It was just so moving - these are the real issues facing our people.

“I heard today, that the number of food parcels handed out at Downtown Community Ministry’s food bank continues to increase and I can absolutely believe it”.

Poverty must not be overlooked as the nation forms a new Government” ended Mr Fox.

ENDS

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