26 April 2002
“On Anzac Day in Tauranga the National Party caravan was parked outside the Anzac Day Commemorations at Queen Elizabeth
II Park. In short it was a blatant attempt to politicise an event of great importance to New Zealanders,” New Zealand
First Leader and MP for Tauranga Winston Peters said.
“Bill English is being hypocritical in expressing concerns about Clem Simich’s inappropriate speech at another ceremony
whilst tacitly condoning this affront in Tauranga.
“A large number of citizens and veterans have complained to me about these events and the fact that our sacred day has
been sullied by politicians who cannot see past their petty political agendas. I have told the complainants that they
should make their feelings known to Mr. English who can no doubt hear the likes of PMs Holyoake and Muldoon turning in
their graves,” Mr. Peters said.
ENDS