Cannabis party will pursue Justice for all

The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party, runners up on the night, congratulate Tariana Turia for her resounding victory in the Te Tai Hauauru by-election.

The Party however is quick to say that 2.5% support for its 'single issue' should not be seen as a dismissal of the cannabis law reform amongst Maori.

"We appreciate the electorate's desire for a strong Maori voice in NZ politics".

Party Leader Michael Appleby said he was delighted that a Maori leader supportive of decriminalisation has been re-elected so decisively.

"We encourage Tariana to pursue harm minimisation as a core part of the Maori Party's policy development", he said. "We strongly identify with the concerns of 'access to justice', and fair and equitable treatment of the people."

The ALCP was running to ensure that the issue was not swept under the carpet. "Our party takes pride in precipitating the election which has led to such an outpouring of support for social justice", said Mr Appleby.

Candidate Dun Mihaka said that Mrs Turia was an honourable woman, and he wishes her Maori Party well in its quest for a united NZ.

"This has been the best campaign I've been in", said Mr Mihaka, "thanks to support from the people involved in the ALCP - sharing ideas, and traveling from one end of the country to the other, to express solidarity."

The Cannabis Party will pursue 'bridge-building' with the Maori Party and others:

"We particularly appeal to the Maori Party to take on board the strong sentiment we noticed amongst constituents for non-criminalised marijuana, and a cessation to the herding of young Maori through the courts and prisons."

"The by-election has been a fine practice run for both the Maori party and ourselves in the leadup to this year's local body elections, and the much anticipated 2005 general election", said Mr Appleby.

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