"It's an outrage that Labour denied the opportunity for Parliament to officially recognise David Tua's huge success and
wish him well for his weekend bout against Lennox Lewis," said Opposition Pacific Affairs Spokesperson Arthur Anae
today.
In the House today Labour refused to give the National list MP leave to move a non-controversial motion relating to
boxer David Tua.*
"Let's not forget that it was Pacific people who put Labour into power. By not getting behind such a significant day for
Pacific people, Labour is insulting everyone who is so proud of David.
"David Tua is proud to call himself a Samoan New Zealander. The Government should be proud to give him the due
recognition and praise. But sadly, unlike other New Zealanders, they don't seem to support his success.
"Labour's Pacific MPs must be very disappointed with their Party. Like me, they each proudly wore an ulafala (a red
Samoan necklace) in the House today. "
Samoans around the world are wearing ulafalas and plenty of others are getting behind the Tuaman. Amongst the novel ways
of supporting the 27-year old boxer is a nation-wide email campaign that will ensure many New Zealanders wear Hawaiian
shirts to work tomorrow.
"It's a big disappointment but there'll be little colour in Beehive offices tomorrow."
Ends
*Point of Order Mr Speaker I seek leave to move a non controversial, non debatable motion relating to David Tua. I move
that Sunday 12 November will be the greatest day in the history of the Samoan and Pacific people when David Tua, a proud
Samoan New Zealander, will step into the ring to contest the world heavy weight boxing title against Lennox Lewis.
Stepping into the ring is a victory into itself, for a young man born on a tiny island nation - a speck in the Pacific
ocean. David Tua has put New Zealand onto centre stage of the world.
May God give him strength to bring the heavy weight title of the world, home to New Zealand.
David Tua, we are all proud of you and your achievements. God bless you. Malo le Taumafai Ia Manui Lou Aso Alofa Le Atua
la Te Oe