Marae Digipoll Endorses Hard Work of the Maori Party

Tariana Turia and Dr Pita Sharples, Co-leaders of the Maori Party

Saturday 23 September 2006

The Maori Party today is uplifted by the Marae Digipoll results which they describe as demonstrating the endorsement of an independent Maori voice in Parliament.

“We are humbled that our constituency have recognised the efforts we have put into taking our responsibilities seriously” said Mrs Turia. “It has only been possible from the continuing support that we have received from a wide range of people throughout Aotearoa”.

“The Digipoll survey is a tribute to the voices of the voiceless - the people who have previously been discarded in the hurly-burly of holding onto power” said Mrs Turia.

“We know too, that many people have supported us for the way in which we refuse to take part in personality politics and the belittling of others” said Dr Sharples, Co-leader of the Maori Party.

“We are particularly delighted that the Maori voting constituency on the Maori roll have overwhelmingly endorsed our efforts to date” said Dr Sharples.

Maori on the Maori roll gave 52.6% support to the Maori Party, the next nearest party was Labour on 36%.

“The sitting Maori Party Members in the four electorates of Tai Tokerau, Tamaki, Waiariki, and Te Tai Hauauru, are pleased that there has been such a significant increase in the people’s confidence in their performance compared to the equivalent 2005 polling results” said Mrs Turia.

“We are in here for the long term” said Mrs Turia, “to address all those issues that affect Maori people. We are a womb to the tomb party and we will not shirk from the responsibility of demonstrating the hard work that goes with rangatiratanga”.

“We have made a high priority of returning to the people” said Dr Sharples. “We don’t wait for election year to remember the people - our commitment is to bring these issues forward at every opportunity”.

“As we celebrate this first year as a team” concluded Dr Sharples, “it is only fitting to thank the people who have made our success possible - who invite us into their life, in order to become the best servants that we can to represent their issues in the House”.

ENDS

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