John Tamihere Member of Parliament for Tämaki Mäkaurau

16 September 2005

Maori Party confirm it’ll support the National Party

Tamaki Makaurau MP John Tamihere is calling on Maori to ensure they use both of their votes for Labour tomorrow to keep Don Brash and National out of government.

This morning both Whatarangi Winiata President of the Maori Party and Pita Sharples, Maori Party co-leader confirmed on radio that the Maori Party will back National to go into government.

“The facts are clear. The Maori Party leadership have now stated they’ll work with National both on Mana News and then again on Morning Report on Radio New Zealand this morning,” said John Tamihere.

Whatarangi Winiata (Maori Party President): Well we’ll be doing our best to get as many seats in there as possible and if we are successful with our seven or more and National is not successful in getting a majority…then they will come to talk to us about it and we will go back to our people and we have plans in place to do that, arrangements in place to do that next week. (Mana News, RNZ, 16 Sept)

Presenter: That would appear then that you might consider an approach from National post-election. I just want to get your views on that.

Pita Sharples: What it means is that if there's a chance to discuss our bottom lines with anybody we'll take them and if National is so desperate that they're willing to talk to us.

Presenter: Are you saying they'd have to be desperate to talk to you?

Presenter: Okay, but you're saying your taxi might pick them up if they. if they pay the fare?

Pita Sharples: Oh our taxi's getting. looking good all the time, every day. (Morning Report, RNZ 16 Sept)

“The Maori Party has voted with the National Party, 277 times in Parliament, even the Broadcasting Standards Authority have confirmed this is accurate.

“Don Brash has promised Maori that he will take away the Maori seats whether they like it or not. Don Brash has chosen to use attacks on Maori to increase support for National. We know that our communities have felt the brunt of that.

“Labour has delivered, more jobs, more skills, better pay, better healthcare, and education. Labour promises to continue to work with Maori.

“Lets not put it all at risk, two ticks for Labour is the only way to keep Don Brash and National out of government,” said John Tamihere this morning.

ENDS

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