MEDIA STATEMENT
Dr Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia
Maori Party Leaders
August 4, 2010

Maori Party sends condolences to whanau of NZ soldier

The Maori Party is today sending their condolences to the family of Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell from Feilding who was killed in Afghanistan.

“At age 28, Lieutenant O'Donnell was too young to die. He should have lived long enough to be a father, even a grandfather,” co-leaders Tariana Turia and Dr Pita Sharples said.

“His death is a great loss for his family, for his fellow soldiers and the nation.

“War seems not often to be understood until there is a loss of life. Young men and women go to war torn countries and their lives become compromised. We must honour this young man and all those who give service so that others may live lives with freedom.”

Lieutenant O'Donnell, while still only young, had already been recognised with a Distinguished Service Decoration.

ENDS

© Scoop Media