13 March 2008

Family Party not concerned at Niu FM appointment

The Mangere-based Family Party says it is not concerned over an alleged conflict of interest with the sister of William Sio, Labour's candidate for Mangere, being employed by Niu FM as its news director.

Party leader Richard Lewis says Vienna Richards is clearly qualified for the role and he is confident she will manage it integrally.

"We've probably got the most to lose out of the arrangement because we're pouring a heck of a lot of time, energy and resource into Mangere, which we believe we can win through our local boy, Galumalemana Jerry FILIPAINA. I just have to trust that Richards will manage the role professionally and integrally and I believe she will," says Mr Lewis.

The Family Party has door-knocked over 14,000 households in Mangere and believes the electorate is looking for change.

"We've done some very hard yards on the ground in South Auckland already and from what we're being told door to door is that Labour has moved too far from traditional Pacific values. They want change and consistency between a party and its local MP that together reflect the conservative values of the electorate. The Family Party hopes to be that vehicle," he said.

He says the anti-smacking bill was the last straw for many Pacific people who are now looking to the Family Party to reinstate traditional family values and protect parental rights. Richard Lewis will contest the Manukau East electorate. Deputy leader and former MP Paul Adams will also contest East Coast Bays.

ENDS

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