Press release
For Immediate Release
From
Mike Jones and Mavis Boynton

Monday 21st November 2011

Te Ururoa Flavell Refuses to Attend Hui at Kaingaroa

Kaingaroa community leaders are disappointed by the decision made by Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell not to front a debate this coming Thursday that had been organised for Waiariki candidates including himself, Mana’s Annette Sykes and Labour’s Louis Te Kani.

This is the second no-show from the Maori Party after candidate Tina Porou didn’t arrive at a public hui at the Knox Presbyterian Church in Whakatane.

Mike Jones says the people have a right to hear from candidates who might be representing them in Parliament.

“Te Ururoa’s decision not to turn up is disappointing and is depriving voters of their democratic right to hear their stance on particular issues. We might be a small community here in Kaingaroa, but that shouldn’t mean that we don’t deserve to hear what the candidates have to say.

“Given that he is our current MP, it is particularly disheartening.”

Mavis Boynton says alot of hard work and effort has gone in to making this debate happen.

“We have been contacting our community to ensure a good turn-out. The event was well advertised and we printed fifty flyers.

“Our people had questions they wanted to put to the candidates about issues that affect us here in Kaingaroa. The only reason we were given for his decision not to show was because he felt intimidated by Annette Sykes in a debate.

“Well I thought that was why we voted them in - so they could present our views in Parliament and debate them with other parties. I find his response a bit weak and I have huge concerns about his ability to represent Waiariki if he won’t front a debate because he can’t handle Annette Sykes debating skills.”

ENDS

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