April 05, 2016
Maori Party support for Clark UN bid
Support from an unusual place for Helen Clark's bid to become secretary general of the United Nations.
The former prime minister has confirmed she's after the top job.
Her creation of the Foreshore and Seabed Act as a response to Maori customary rights claims led to widespread protests and the creation of the Maori Party.
But Maori party co-leader Marama Fox says that's what happens when politicians have to choose between what's right and what's popular.
She says as the head of the United Nations Development Programme for the past seven years, Ms Clark has been advocating for the rights of indigenous people, women, equity and fairness.
"Having been removed from the burden of prime ministership and party political policy, she is able to advocate for the rights of people, for the human rights of human existence, so I have seen a change in the way she has conducted herself in the UN and I support her as someone who would be credible in the top job," Ms Fox says.
She says with her experience on the world stage, Helen Clark would probably respond differently now to a foreshore and seabed type situation.
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