Maori Party buoyed by the latest results of the Maori Option

Tariana Turia, Pita Sharples, Te Ururoa Flavell, Hone Harawira

4 July 2006

"As we have learnt very quickly in the Whare Miere - it's all in the numbers. We believe just 4000 enrolments are needed to gain another seat" said Dr Pita Sharples, Co-leader of the Maori Party.

The Party's four MPs have embarked on a national tour of Maori communities to promote the Option. Last week the MPs toured through Tamaki Makaurau, Te Tai Tokerau and Te Tai Hauauru. Today, the Maori Party is spreading visits between two electorates; Tariana Turia in Waitotara (Te Tai Hauauru); and Dr Sharples, Te Ururoa Flavell, and Hone Harawira in Turangi and Taupo (Waiariki).

"We want to reinforce that this is the last chance to get more seats until 2012" said Te Ururoa Flavell, Member for Waiariki.

The tour will take in the spectrum of Maori communities and will visit malls, marae and markets. "We realise it's a good time to talk about this kaupapa kanohi ki te kanohi".

The Party considers the positive results of the Option so far reflect the increased awareness among the people of the importance of the Maori vote.

"There is a particularly exciting result in the first time new enrolments" stated Hone Harawira, Member for Te Tai Tokerau. "We are stoked that there are 5469 new enrolments that have gone on to the Maori roll - Maori are on the roll alright!"

"We encourage all Maori to be 'kingmakers' and to join the Roll before the Option finishes in early August".

"The timing is right" said Tariana Turia, co-leader of the Maori Party. "As tangata whenua celebrate our Matariki, the new year, we look forward to a new dawning of political opportunity".

"This Option is all about Power to the People - it is the time".

ENDS

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