Hon Tariana Turia and Hon Dr Pita Sharples
Co-leaders of the Maori Party
Monday 21 November 2011

Maori Party Co-leaders are delighted with the latest Digipoll showing Rahui Katene in a clear lead in Te Tai Tonga.

The poll of 400 Maori roll voters released today, reported Rahui Katene holding the seat with support from 46% of voters polled. The poll recorded Rino Tirikatene (35%); Dora Langsbury (10%) and Clinton Dearlove (9%).

“Rahui Katene has been universally acclaimed as a hard worker, devoted to her constituency” said Mrs Turia.

“What this poll shows, is that Maori voters realise it's better to be making a difference than merely making a noise. They want results, they want accountability; and they want someone who can deliver – and that’s what Rahui Katene and the Maori Party have demonstrated over these last three years.

“The lead is a clear reflection on the preference from Te Tai Tonga voter for their representative to be sitting at the table fighting for Maori, rather than relegated to the opposition backbench, throwing stones” ended Mrs Turia.

“The poll indicates that despite their obvious concerns around government performance (55% do not believe the government is heading in the right direction); Te Tai Tonga people realise it’s better to have someone right there, able to take up their issues and act on them, than to have a representative languishing in political oblivion” said Dr Sharples.

“These results are very encouraging. They show us the seat is ours to be won - but the close result makes it all the more important for our supporters to get their whole whanau out to vote on the day!”

ENDS

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