Media statement

Embargoed until 10am

Saturday 20 September 2008

Dunne urges Pacific peoples to change voting pattern

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne today urged Pacific Island voters to shift their traditional voting allegiance from Labour to a party that will actually do something for them.

Speaking at UnitedFuture'slaunch of Pulotu Selio Solomon's campaign for the Mangere seat, Mr Dunne said for too long the Pacific Island vote had been taken for granted by Labour and there was very little the Pacific community had gained from that loyalty.

"UnitedFuture, on the other hand, is genuinely committed to a multi-cultural New Zealand that seeks to welcome and include all races and is focussed on policies that will maintain and lift the living standards of all New Zealand families.

“Pulotu Selio Solomon typifies the new generation of Pacific Island New Zealanders who are well educated and impressive community leaders, dedicated to making a real difference for their communities.

“He is an outstanding candidate for Parliament, which is why he has been placed at No 5 on our party list.

“The clear message we keep getting is that Pacific people no longer see thermselves as merely voting fodder for Labour, just for the sake of it, but rather are looking to cast their vote not only in the best interests of their dcommunity but also in what is the best interests of New Zealand, their country,” said Mr Dunne.

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