PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE MAORI PARTY
18 January 2011
Maori Party President, Pem Bird, said that the Party received a complaint today from Te Ururoa Flavell, supported by
Rahui Katene, Dr Pita Sharples, and the Hon Tariana Turia. The complaint is against Hone Harawira.
“The National Council of the Maori Party has resolved to seek expert constitutional law advice from Mai Chen, Partner at
Chen Palmer, on how to deal with the complaint consistent with the Party’s Constitution approved at the 2010 AGM, 30
October 2010.”
“I have communicated with Hone Harawira to inform him of the complaint, and I have sent him a copy of the complaint.”
“I have also communicated with the Chair of the Te Tai Tokerau Electorate Council, as our Constitution requires.
“Hone Harawira will be accorded natural justice and the right to respond to the complaint.”
“We are seeking an early meeting between affected parties to try and resolve the issues raised by the complaint, as our
Constitution requires. The Council has requested the Te Tai Tokerau Electorate Council to call an urgent hui this
Friday, 21 January.”
“We have invited Hone Harawira, Te Ururoa Flavell on behalf of the complainants, and the Chair of the Te Tai Tokerau
Electorate Council to be present at the hui. It will be chaired by the Party’s co Vice President, Ken Mair. The hui will
be private and confidential to enhance the chances of successfully resolving the issues in the complaint."
“The Council will be in a position to make further comment after that meeting.”
ENDS