Ngapuhi leader calls for Harawira resignation
Ngapuhi spokesman and leader of the Matarahurahu hapu – David Rankin – has called for Hone Harawira’s resignation from
Parliament after the MP’s outburst in the weekend in which he said he would not be comfortable with his children having
Pakeha partners.
“This country is built on a partnership between these two peoples”, says Mr. Rankin, “and by making these claims, Mr.
Harawira is threatening that partnership”.
Mr Rankin also accused Mr Harawira of hypocrisy, pointing out that Harawira’s own ancestry includes many Pakeha:
“Harawira has a blind spot”, says Mr. Rankin, “His family even changed their name from Hatfield to Harawira because they
are in denial about their racial identity. The sort of thinking he is representing with his statements belongs only in
an apartheid country”.
Mr Rankin has written to Mr Harawira calling for him to apologise for his comments or resign from Parliament. He
describes the MP as having gone too far and that the electorate is fast losing tolerance with what many perceive to be
racist outbursts.
ENDS