Friday 16 September 2005

Russell Caldwell - Te Tai Tonga candidate for Progressive Party

Party Vote Progressive for insurance against Maori Party stance

Electors in the Maori electorates should consider giving their Party Voteto Progressive in the wake of the shock announcement today by the Maori Party that it is open to propping up a Don Brash-led government after Saturday, says Progressive Te Tai Tonga candidate Russell Caldwell.

"The Progressive Party is the small party that actually has the strongest track record in promoting industry training and industry and regional development which are so absolutely vital to uplifting all New Zealanders out of unemployment and low-paid jobs," Russell Caldwell said today.

"I think we are known for our proactive no-nonsense approach to development, training and the campaign against alcohol and other drug abuse and I think many people also know how Jim Anderton and Matt Robson have strongly led the coalition government's work in these fields over the past six years.

"The strong economic development progress, and the efforts to reduce the >harm caused by alcohol and other drugs hangs in the balance tomorrow.

"New Zealanders, and that of course includes Maori, can't afford a National-led government. The reality is that National's track record, and its threat to dis-enfranchise electors in the Maori seats, is unforgiveable to most of us"

"Today both Whatarangi Winiata, the president of the Maori Party, and Dr Pita Sharples, the Maori Party's co-leader confirmed on radio that the Maori Party is open to propping up a National-led government and it is absolutely vital that any person in the seven Maori electorates that is against a National-led government should please carefully consider giving your Party Vote to Progressive," he said.

Russell Caldwell's iwi affiliations are Ngai Tahu and Te Arawa. His Ngai Tahu connections stem from Tuturau near Mataura in Southland. His Te Arawa
side is Ngati Whakaue of Maketu.

ENDS

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