Hone Harawira, Member of Parliament for Te Tai Tokerau
For the Maori Caucus of the Maori Party
11 October 2005
The Maori Party has wound up a series of thirty hui around the country. The four Members of Parliament have been on a
whirlwind trip to visit as many members as possible within the space of five days.
From Invercargill in the South to Kaitaia in the North, the Maori caucus of the Maori Party has faced up to the people,
seeking their guidance in the crucial stage of the post-election talks.
“We have been thrilled with the reception we have received at each of the hui” stated Hone Harawira, Member of
Parliament for Te Tai Tokerau.
“The hui have told us that this is the first time the politicians have come back to them - after an election - and let
them have a say in the political process”.
“They have told us how much it has meant to them, that we honoured our word, and truly delivered on giving ‘power to the
people’ said Hone Harawira.
“Throughout all of the seven Maori electorates the people consistently expressed their confidence in us, the four Maori
Party MPs, to deliver the best deal that we could for our people”.
“It is truly humbling to be guided by the people who elected us into Parliament, and we will give their advice our
absolute respect” said Mr Harawira.
“Throughout the process we advised our people that the discussions were continuing, and that negotiations have not yet
completed” stated Mr Harawira.
“We go into the final stages of the negotiations with some very clear ideas about the policy priorities and the
governing arrangements our people prefer”.
“It is very clear to us that our people have very strong feelings about the Foreshore and Seabed Bill, and the
constitutional status of Te Tiriti o Waitangi” stated Mr Harawira. “They are also very interested in preparing for the
Maori electoral option in April 2006. We look forward to feeding all of the policy ideas gathered through the hui into
this new Parliament”.
ENDS
Hui were held in:
1. Invercargill
2. Dunedin
3. Christchurch
4. Kaikoura
5. Picton
6. Nelson
7. Wellington
8. Masterton
9. Whanganui
10. Taumarunui
11. New Plymouth
12. Porirua
13. Otaki
14. Tauranga
15. Opotiki
16. Murupara
17. Rotorua
18. Gisborne
19. Hastings
20. Mangere
21. Pukekohe
22. Tokoroa
23. Waitomo Valley
24. Hamilton
25. Te Atatu
26. Kaikohe
27. Kaitaia
28. Whangarei