Hone Harawira MP - On The Year

Kia ora koutou

It’s nearly Christmas and what a year it’s been. I started it as an MP for the Maori Party, ended it as the MP for MANA, and went through one helluva rollercoaster ride getting from one end to the other.

I began with a strong and public plea to the Maori Party to be more independent, and to oppose National’s anti-social initiatives. That didn’t happen and the dispute that followed led to me leaving the Maori Party, and launching MANA in April to take up the issues I had raised.

Two months later I won the Tai Tokerau by-election and returned to parliament on behalf of MANA. Six months after that I increased my majority in holding the seat in November’s general election.

And as the year draws to a close, I’d just like to make a few comments about those who stood against me and with me over the past 12 months.

Kelvin Davis – I don’t think he was meant for politics. Bright and focused, but too intense and too used to being in charge of the classroom, he couldn’t help scolding people who didn’t agree with him and blamed the people for his loss. But a real talent and I sincerely hope he finds a new path where his energy can add value to the north.

Waihoroi Shortland – I’ve known him for more than 40 years, and he’s never once had the decency to tell me what he thinks about the things I’ve said or done - until he decided to stand against me. Then all of a sudden, he’s slaggin’ me off in the media every single day like I was the devil! Sad fulla …

And then there have been the people - the people who are struggling, and will struggle a whole lot more under this National / Maori Party / Act government. The gap between the rich and the poor will get worse over the next 3 years, and we need to take action to protect the vulnerable and to reclaim the wealth lost to foreign interests.

And that’s why I am proud to lead MANA, because now I have a mandate to take up that challenge in the house, and we have a movement to take that challenge to the streets

I am grateful for the support I have had from the Greens over the past 6 months and I look forward to working closely with them over the years ahead. I am comfortable that I can work with Labour regardless of who the new leader is. And I am open to working with the Maori Party as well.

In closing, let me thank all those round the country who had the courage to make MANA a real player. With nothing but passion, commitment and will, you got more votes for MANA than Act got.

And to those all over the north who have given me the mandate to continue, and in particular to the people of the far north who continue to believe in ourselves and our future, thank you too. Thank you for the challenges, for the rebukes, for the reminders about who I am and where I come from, and for the support and the confidence you have in me.

May you all have MANA Christmas, may those you love be happy, and may we all have the strength to make our hopes and dreams a reality in the new year.

Hone

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