Hon Tariana Turia
Co-Leader of the Maori Party
29 June 2009 Media Statement

Maori Party understands frustration of kaumatua group

The Maori Party says everyone has a democratic right to protest but targeting individuals who work for the state in their homes is not the way forward.

"We certainly understand the frustration but do not support the targeting of individuals who work on behalf of the State," Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia said in response to a statement by some a group of mainly Maori elders to carry out a month-long campaign of ‘direct action’ aimed at highlighting growing calls for Maori self-determination.
"We accept that there is no desire to create fear and that this action is about justice denied,” Mrs Turia said.

“The party certainly supports the kaupapa behind Tass Davis' call for action regarding the huge consequences felt by tangata whenua through successive governments inaction on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and specifically the interpretation of the articles by the State and its agencies.

“And it is not the first time the judiciary has been personally targeted. Family Court judges have been targeted in the past by men's rights groups or father's rights groups, totally frustrated with the system.”

ENDS

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