Maori Party Announces Dynamic Lineup to contest 2011 Elections
Pem Bird, Maori Party President
Saturday 28 October 2011

Maori Party President Pem Bird, is proud of the quality and the diverse strengths of the Maori Party team fronting up for Election 2011.

“We have some amazing new talent that has been attracted to the party list, headed off by award-winning actor and journalist, Waihoroi Shortland. Waihoroi (‘Wassy’) is known across the globe for his performance as Shylock in the Maori Merchant of Venice, and more recently in ‘Boy’. He has strong networks right across Te Tai Tokerau and of course brings a particular strength in the revitalization of te reo. We are delighted he has decided to use this high profile to ‘take back Te Tai Tokerau’; a decision that has been strengthened with the decision of Josie Peita to stand in the Northland seat”.

“Our list reflects the high priority we place on the next generation taking us into the future; with new solutions to bring us forward”.

“Within this group we have candidates with fresh experience of health promotion, and whanau ora (Fallyn Flavell and Tim Morrison); the General Manager of Te Arawa River Iwi Trust (Tina Porou) and Te Papa Takaro o Te Arawa (Paora Te Hurihanganui) ; a barrister committed to justice reinvestment (Davina Murray) and a researcher/political commentator (Kaapua Smith). These young people express the energy, the intellectual breadth and the commitment to whanau, hapu and iwi we need for our future”.

“Each of our candidates, list and electorate, bring with them a solid grounding in their communities and a passion to make a difference”.

“Wheturangi Walsh-Tapiata and Awanui Black are very well known throughout their rohe, while Tom Phillips has a national profile as a Ratana Apotoro. We appreciate their determination to stand up for the vision of the Maori Party as being ultimately in the best interests of their people”.

“We are proud of our list of candidates who represent a grounding in kaupapa Maori and te ao Hurihuri.

“The list also reflects some of the key priorities advanced by the Maori Party. We have successful business people such as Daryl Christie; people who have spent a life time committed to education (Josie Peita, Tamai Nicholson and Aroha Rickus); and candidates with a commitment to addressing violence and advancing social justice (Tamai, Davina).

“Our four general candidates (Awanuiarangi Black, Tom Phillips, Josie Peita and Aroha Rickus) have likewise dedicated themselves to promoting the kaupapa of the Maori Party across communities where Maori Party interest has been particularly high.

“This is an important election for us and the quality and calibre of our candidates continues to mark out the Maori Party as a party that is prepared to carve out a prosperous and exciting future for our nation”.

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