31 August 2005
Desperate National Leader Playing Race Card.
The National Party is desperately trying to win this election by promoting greed, fear and racial intolerance,says
Manukau City Councillor & Labour party list candidate Su'a William Sio.
Su'a is responding to National Party leader Don Brash's promise to shake up Maori agencies as part of his
one-law-for-all policy.
"It's disappointing that Dr Don Brash has to revert to divide & rule tactics to try and win this election", says Su'a. "They are desperate tactics and New Zealanders will see through
it. Most New Zealanders don't want anything to do with the kind of politics that is being adopted by National.
"Dr Brash wants to divide our communities through fear, the lowest common denominator. Instead of recognising the
special unique status of Maori and being proud of the contribution of Maori, he kicks them in the teeth. Who else will
he start to bash next? Pacific Islanders, Asians, Africans?"
Su'a says the series of damaging emails leaked from National party sources, showing Business Roundtable backing for Dr
Brash, is embarrasing. "One to have it leaked by people in his own party, and two it shows that even National party
supporters are worried about the radical right wing influence.
"Voters have a right to know just who is pulling the strings behind Dr Brash"
He says that Labour is continuing to gather strength, and New Zealanders are aligning themselves with Prime Minister
Helen Clark who is seen as a symbol for a unified New Zealand, rather than a divided one.
"Her leadership is second to none. She says what she means, and acts on what she says. Her leadership style builds
confidence in the hearts & minds of all our communities," says Su'a. " She has respect for individual rights and at the same time encourages all
of our communities to uphold collective responsibility for the poor, the weak and less fortunate.
"National has no positive agenda"
"Labour believes our country has to move forward together in the interests of New Zealand. Under Labour, Maori are
getting ahead and contributing to our society. That's the way we want to keep it."
ENDS