MEDIA STATEMENT
Tariana Turia
Co-Leader
14 December 2010
Turia saddened by Pansy Wong resignation
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says the Party is saddened by today’s resignation of Botany MP Pansy Wong.
“Pansy is one of the most hardworking and honourable MPs that I have worked with during my time in Parliament.
“I have greatly admired her dedication and commitment to her electorate not to mention to her ferocious work ethic as a
Minister of the Crown.
“I have worked with Pansy in the Disability Issues portfolio and her tireless work in advocating for people with
disabilities has been greatly appreciated by me, and even more importantly by people throughout the disability sector.
When Pansy took on an issue, her energy was irrepressible and her enthusiasm engendered my utmost respect.
"I know that Pansy took great pride in being New Zealand's first Chinese Cabinet Minister; and that her determination to
uphold the collective honour of Asian New Zealanders was a huge motivator in her journey.
“I mihi to her for her loyalty to her constituency and her resolve to do well by them.
“What I am most saddened about is the systematic attack that Pansy has been subjected to, during the past few weeks in
Parliament.
“I hope those MPs throwing stones are very confident they could withstand the same scrutiny if they find themselves in
the same position.
“I would like to wish Pansy well for the future and thank her for the commitment and passion she has shown during the
past 14 years as a MP.”
ENDS