December 13, 2012
Tariana Turia to retire at election
Māori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says she will leave parliament knowing she has made a difference.
The Te Tai Hauauru MP says she won’t contest the next election, opening the door for younger members to try for parliament.
She says initiatives like Whānau Ora are showing Māori they can determine their own futures.
"And if we ask nothing more of any government than to work alongside of us rather than continuing to tell our people how to be, rather than continuing to get into contractual arrangements with them, but to give them the freedom to be who they are, and more importantly to take control back over their lives. I think if any government realises that and works towards it, this country will be the better for it," she says.
Mrs Turia says she is looking forward to spending more time with her family and hapū.
Co-leader Pita Sharples will stand again in 2014 to ensure continuity.
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