David
SHEARER
Labour Leader
29 June 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT
Labour Leader hails win for Meka Whaitiri
The Labour Leader David Shearer has tonight congratulated Meka Whaitiri on her outstanding victory in the Ikaroa-Rawhiti by-election.
“Meka Whaitiri ran a fantastic campaign. I’m incredibly proud of her and her team’s efforts. Once again the Labour Party
has demonstrated just what a formidable campaign machine it has.
“Meka has big shoes to fill, but I know she will continue the hard work and legacy of Parekura Horomia. She will be a
strong voice for the people of Ikaroa-Rawhiti, and is a great addition to our Labour caucus.
“I also want to acknowledge the campaigns of the Mana, Maori and Green parties. This by-election was hard-fought, but
focused on the issues and was contested in good spirit.
“Tonight’s victory lays a great platform for Labour in the Maori seats in 2014. Only Labour has the sort of policies on
jobs, housing and the cost of living that will make a real difference to the lives of voters on the Maori and General
Roll alike.
“But now is not the time to get ahead of ourselves. Tonight is a night to congratulate Meka Whaitiri and celebrate her
victory,” says David Shearer.
________________________________________