Maori Party Labels One Man, One Vote Supporters as Racist
The Maori Party’s approach of bullying and intimidation against those who have stood up for one person, one vote, in
Rotorua, is a dishonourable act by Members of Parliament that should know better. Democracy Action, a pressure group
which champions democratic values is calling-out Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell for his intimidatory comments regarding the Rotorua District Council vote to accept unelected members onto Council committees.
Democracy Action Chairman Lee Short says:
“We all accept that reasonable people can have differing views on race-based appointments onto local councils, but for a
Government Minister to label those who stand for democracy as ‘racist’ is frankly outrageous.”
“We call on Mr Flavell to withdraw his offensive remarks. Bullying and intimidation have no place in democratic debate."
“The Rotorua Council should have conducted a referendum on this issue. For a constitutional change such as this, the
consent of all the citizens needs to be sought."
ENDS