January 24, 2013
Treaty petition remembered at Ratana hui
Mana leader Hone Harawira says this year’s Ratana hui has been a welcome reminder of the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi.
This year’s celebration of the birth of movement founder Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana has been overshadowed by Te Ururoa Flavell’s challenge for the Māori Party leadership, with Mr Harawira adding fuel to the fire by proposing a Mana-Māori Party merger with himself in charge.
But he says far more important is the commemoration of TW Ratana’s 1932 petition asking for the Treaty to be recognised in law.
"The issue that is most important is honouring TW's commitment to the treaty, and ensuring we never forget how important his role was in trying to keep the treaty alive at a time when most Maori were struggling simply to survive," Mr Harawira says.
Copyright © 2013, Uma Broadcasting Ltd