21 July 2005

“Ngati Pukeko homecoming for Destiny New Zealand’s Leader”

On the outskirts of Whakatane stands Poroporo Marae and it is this marae that the Lewis Whanau call “Te Wa Kainga” (home).

On Saturday 23rd July, as a mark of respect the leader of Destiny New Zealand Mr Richard Lewis will be welcomed home. This day will also mark the official launch of Destiny New Zealand’s campaign to win all seven Maori electorates in this year’s election.

“There are now very definitely three parties that are contesting all 7 Maori seats in this year’s election and we are one of them. Destiny New Zealand represents a new generation of Maori leaders, men and women who have been tried and proven in our communities and who still hold fast to the values of our forefathers” Mr Lewis says.

Waiariki candidate Hawea Vercoe says “Maori deserve excellence, we deserve the best and this is what Destiny New Zealand will provide – why settle for “half-pai”, when Maori can and should have “TINO-PAI”.

Ngati Pukeko kaumatua Julian Tunui is organising the event because “It’s the right thing to do. He (Mr Lewis) is making a very noble stand for our Whanau and we as a Whanau are proud of him. In this day and age our Whanau need support, direction and strong leadership – my nephew is all of the above,” Mr Tunui says.

The pohiri will begin at 9.30am followed by a presentation by Mr Lewis who will give an outline on the organisation and its whanau based policies. Then Hawea Vercoe, the party’s Waiariki candidate will explain why Destiny New Zealand is the best choice for Maori.

All the Destiny New Zealand Maori candidates will be in attendance and they look forward to building relationships at the grass-roots level. There will also be a 50+-man Kapa Haka Team that will be given an opportunity to issue a challenge to present political parties. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

ENDS

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