Thursday 20 May 2004

Powhiri for Destiny NZ - Ngati Pukeko Marae, Whakatane.

The leader of Destiny NZ political party, Richard Lewis, has been invited onto his home marae in Whakatane on Saturday 29th May for a special powhiri to acknowledge the party and his role as leader.

Mr. Lewis was invited back to Whakatane following a successful public meeting at the Whakatane War Memorial Hall in April. The meeting was attended by more than 200 locals.

Of Ngati Awa and European descent, the powhiri will be a significant occasion for the party leader.

"This is a very special occasion for my family and I, and we will be taking a delegation of Destiny NZ supporters and representatives to celebrate this event. My brother (Nigel Lewis) also plays a crucial role in the Destiny NZ team and we are both looking forward to spending time with the whanau in Whakatane," says Lewis.

Destiny NZ's delegate for Waiariki, Mr. Hawea Vercoe, also has strong family connections to the Ngati Pukeko hapu and will be attending the powhiri. Destiny NZ is expecting to take many of its key Maori delegates who will contest the Maori seats at the next election. Launched in July of last year, the party intends to contest many of the 69 electorates at the next election.

"One of our major strengths as a political entity is that our Maori and non-Maori delegates are strongly unified in our Christian founding values. Furthermore, we all understand and respect the position of Te Tiriti O Waitangi as a significant founding document in our nation. Primarily, our passion is for families and our mission is to see New Zealand families succeed in every aspect of life," says Mr Lewis.

Starting at 10.00am on Saturday 29th May 2004, the powhiri will be held on Ngati Pukeko Marae, Rewatu Road in Whakatane.

ENDS

© Scoop Media