Mihaka promises memorable contest in Te Tai Hauauru

The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party has selected Maori activist Dun Mihaka to represent the Party in the July 10 Te Tai Hauauru electorate by-election. Mr Mihaka will be delivering his nomination form at the Chief Electoral Office Wellington at 10am Tuesday.

"With Dun's track record and mana for fighting injustice and oppression, he is the perfect advocate for our cause".

"We are proud to have Mr Mihaka as our representative", said Party Leader Michael Appleby. "He has made major contributions to Maori culture, particularly the resurgence of Te Reo (Maori language), and has campaigned for recognition of Maori land rights notably the landmark Bastion Point protest."

The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party supports the partnership ideals of the Treaty of Waitangi (as acknowledged in the Party's 1996 foundation document).

Mr Mihaka states: "I see the ALCP as the foremost human rights party, in tune with the reality of grass roots New Zealand."

"The R18 policy of the ALCP is particularly positive for Maori, as getting rid of marijuana Prohibition is the first most crucial step to stopping the cycle of systemic discrimination against youth, poor and Maori."

Mr Mihaka is appalled by the statistics of Maori being arrested at four times the rate of non-Maori.

The candidate also notes that cannabis harm reduction issues are not mentioned in the latest Maori Health policies. The ALCP believes this is a strange omission, given that cannabis use is admitted by one in six surveyed.

"It is high time these issues were brought out into the open and honestly debated - I will be making sure they are", said Mr Mihaka.

"I see this campaign as platform-building for the 2005 general election."

The Party is pleased to make their announcement in conjunction with the Dawning of the Maori New Year. "It is symbolic of our hope for the dawning of new political freedoms for all New Zealanders", said Mr Appleby.

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