Mana Supports the Silent Leaders Challenge
MANA Leader and Tai Tokerau MP, Hone Harawira
Thursday 31 July 2014
“Tomorrow I will be participating in a challenge to break the silence about hearing loss”, said MANA Leader and Tai
Tokerau MP, Hone Harawira.
“I’m doing it to feel what it is that those who are hearing-impaired face every day” said Harawira “and if by doing so I
can help in a small way to promote the kaupapa and hopefully improve the quality of life for the one in six New
Zealanders who have some type of hearing loss, then I’ll be happy.”
“So if you see me wandering around the Secondary School Kapa Haka Finals in Gisborne tomorrow wearing a bright yellow
pair of ear muffs, it’s because I want to experience how devastating it will be to watch the kapahaka but not be able to
hear a thing!”
“That’ll be tough enough, so please don’t give me a hard time, give me a wave or a high five ‘cause it’s a really cool
kaupapa.”
The Silence Leaders Challenge looks to increase workplace and community understanding and empathy for those who are hard
of hearing and will contribute to raise funds for the vital work of The National Foundation for the Deaf.
ENDS