PROFILES OF MAORI ELECTORATE CANDIDATES

1.
Candidate Name:
Angeline Ngahina Greensill

Electorate:
Tainui

Campaign Co-ordinator:
Mere Takoko & Teowaina Ihimaera

Candidate Background:
-Tainui, Tainui Awhiro, Ngati Porou
-LLB/TTC
-University Lecturer: Geography/Colonial Treaties & Tribunal Lands
-Kaimahi for Tainui Hapu Environmental Issues

Mana Maori personal statement:

It is of the utmost importance that we, whanau, hapu, and Iwi Maori have independent kaupapa Maori driven representation in the 2002 Parliament. Mana Maori Movement is the only Party standing this year that can guarantee Maori an independent voice on matters affecting Maori.

Over the years we have become marginalised in our own land and have participated in marches, and protest action against the continued loss of our inherent rights to land, resources and decisionmaking. I believe that by strategically voting Maori, we can all influence the outcome of this election and ensure Maori candidates who will not compromise Maori kaupapa, tikanga, mana or self-determination regain Maori seats in the House.

"As an elected member of Parliament I will work hard to network and empower people within the Tainui electorate. I will also support the 98% Maori who made a stand against genetic modification of our Indigenous flora and fauna; DNA, our whakapapa. I am committed to supporting policies that empower Maori through the devolution and equitable distribution of; housing, education, social and employment services to whanau, Hapu, Iwi Maori."

2.
Candidate Name:
Ken Mair

Electorate:
Te Tai Hauauru

Campaign Co-ordinator:
Piripi Haami

Candidate Background:
-Whanganui Iwi
-Manager Maori Health Services
-Union Representative, Industrial Relations Consultant
-Advocate of Te Tiriti, Constitutional change, Tino Rangatiratanga & Justice
-Human Rights Advocate

Mana Maori personal statement:
Over the last decade, Maori leaders have been advocating for constitutional change - the ratification and adoption of Te Tiriti o Waitangi within supreme and domestic law. As an advocate for Maori self determination, I believe it is absolutely essential that Maori are not discarded in the unfolding debate of the potential of a New Zealand Republic.

"As an elected member of Parliament, I will be committed to empowering whanau, Hapu, and Iwi in regard to understanding we have the right to make our own rules and regulations within our own Iwi infrastructures, ensuring the wellbeing of our environment and all taonga handed down to use by our tupuna . I have been personally involved in running issues ranging from land (Pakaitore), te reo, Justice, te Tiriti o Waitangi, rangatahi, in particular at the national level. I will ensure that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is recognised as the founding Magna Carta of this country. Irrespective of any constitutional changes, I will ensure that Maori retain our rights as Tangata Whenua and Treaty Partners. We are not an ethnic minority, we are Tangata Whenua."

3.
Candidate Name:
Glenis Hiria Philip-Barbara

Electorate :
Te Ika Roa Rawhiti

Campaign Co-ordinator:
Walton Walker

Candidate Background:
- Ko Ngati Porou me Ngati Rangi nga Iwi
- Kaimahi : Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o nga Uri o Maui
- Kaimahi : Reporua Marae, whanau and hapu.
- Project Manager for Row 4 Kidz.
- Contract researcher.

Mana Maori personal statement:
As the mother of four Maori speaking children I have a personal as well as political interest in the participation and empowerment of Maori in mainstream and kura kaupapa education.

"As an elected member of parliament I will be committed to ensuring equal opportunity to further develop and sustain Maori wananga based learning from kohanga reo to post -graduate levels. I do not believe student loans encourage our people to pursue further education."

4.
Candidate Name:
Rihi Vercoe

Electorate:
Waiariki

Campaign Coordinator:
Te Weeti Te Kaapo

Candidate Background:
- Ngati Awa te iwi.
- Maori Social Services provider.
- Nga Mahi te hapu.
- Marae Committee.

Mana Maori Personal statement:
Maori people have the opportunity to become a political force to reckon with. If we strategise and elect persons in all seven Maori electorates that are independent of the mainstream parties, we will hold the balance of power in parliament. Our tipuna were great strategists and although this snap-election has taken many by surprise, we can still achieve kotahitanga.

"As an elected member of parliament I will endeavour to work toward the restoration of Maori values. Inherent within our society are traditions that can more effectively faciliate our ability to create laws that work for us as opposed to those that work against us."

5.
Candidate Name:
Jacqui Amohanga.

Electorate:
Te Tai Tonga.

Campaign Coordinator:
Jasmine Kaa

Candidate Background:
- Ko Ngati Maniapoto me Waikato nga Iwi
-Ko Ngati Kaputuhi me Paretekawa nga Hapu
- Environmental researcher
- Advocate for the rights of the unemployed and low income people.

Mana Maori Personal Statement:
I have vast experiences in working within the Te Tai Tonga Electorate areas of Wellington, Christchurch and Chatham Islands in many social services areas. Many of the social service agencies that assist with the empowerment of people being able to make decisions for themselves are still operating after 15 years.

I have also been a strong advocate in political policies in areas of housing, education, immigration, employment, health, environment and justice. My involvement includes advocating strongly about the Maori values associated with Genetic Engineering that will have potential impacts on our value systems. I am particularly concerned about the corporate changes within the Social Services agencies particularly Maori where resources are being targeted predominantly in the administration and non Maori accreditation process rather than to the meet the needs and wellbeing of those it is intended for.

"As an elected member of parliament I am committed to working towards increasing Maori driven empowerment opportunities and initiatives."

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