Statement from Tariana Turia
Co-leader of the Maori Party
Tuesday 21 June 2011

Tariana Turia has responded to what a TV3 political commentator has called a “highly unusual” situation with characteristic honesty.

“I made a mistake. I made some comments which have been mis-interpreted”.

“I am the first to say I stuffed up, and I am extremely distressed by the impact my mistake has had on an excellent candidate, Solomon Tipene, and our very strong support team in Te Tai Tokerau”.

“I have been alongside Solomon in hui, on the streets, at the markets, in planning meetings, and I have been greatly impressed by the confidence he has developed and the gentle dignity of the man”.

“I am in full support of him, and the survival and the success of the Maori Party is something that I am absolutely committed to.

“As for the speculation that my comments were indicating a strategic direction – of course I did not support either Labour or Mana – why would I?

“In actual fact we have invested heavily in supporting this campaign and Solomon – we have had party management, leadership and all our members of parliament alongside him every step of the way and we will continue to support our man in every way that we can”.

“People should stop over-analysing and reading far too much into this - and just wait and see what the best poll will say – and that’s the poll on Saturday”

Tariana Turia is at a tangihanga today and will be unable to comment further.

ENDS

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