January 24, 2013
Shearer extends Ratana visit
Most of the other politicians have left Ratana, but David Shearer is sticking around for what is known on the pā as church day.
The Labour leader was asked by movement leaders to attend on what is the actual birthday of founder Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana.
He says it is an acknowledgement of the relationship between Ratana and Labour that stretches back to the 1930s.
"Last year when I was on the marae, I made a pledge to further the relationship so it's not just us turning up once a year to celebrate the prophet's birthday but it's more than that, so we've had the tūmuaki and kaumatua to parliament this last year, we're doing more than what we have done in the past and we're keen to have that dialogue and continue that relationship," Mr Shearer says.
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