Resignations dissappointing and unnecessary

“The resignation of Merepeka Raukawa-Tait comes as no surprise but the resignation of some members of the Wairarapa Electorate Committee is disappointing and unnecessary,” Party Leader Graham Capill says.

“Within days of the election, finger pointing and recriminations had begun, orchestrated by a discredited Australian campaign volunteer.

“What motivates this individual or who has underwritten his protracted stay in New Zealand since the election is unclear but there is ample evidence of his malice towards the CHP,” observes Mr Capill.

Party officials in the Wairarapa have repeatedly been asked to provide an independent audit of their accounts. To date no such statement has been received. Therefore various Committee members were put on notice by the Party Board, which also advised the Leader to replace Mrs Raukawa-Tait as Deputy Leader if she continued unsupportive and hostile.

“I have been hesitant to take this advice, because I think Merepeka has much to offer in the political arena. Sadly, however, she has proven to be fickle in the face of defeat and has chosen to ignore advice, therefore a parting became inevitable,” Mr Capill said.

“Allegations of financial mismanagement at National level lack any credibility. Audited accounts are available and Party members have been provided with a summary,” Mr Capill continued.

“This has been a sad chapter in the Party’s history but I am confident that most members will remain loyal and arrangements are already well advanced for the Party’s next National Convention scheduled for August 2003 in Nelson,” Mr Capill concluded.

© Scoop Media