January 16, 2018
King walks back Labour attack
The Maori king has pledged his unconditional support to Labour and its Maori MPs – despite going all in at the election to purge them in favour of Maori Party candidates.
The turnaround was signalled in a speech given on King Tuheitia’s behalf at the weekend’s Kokohinau poukai in Te Teko by former New Zealand First MP Tuariki Delamere.
He said the king acknowledged Maori voters spoke loud and clear in last September’s general election, when it was the Maori Party that was turned out of parliament.
“For 2018 the real world of Maori representation at the governing table is with Labour and the trust that Maori have made with Labour must be honoured and respected,” Mr Delamere said.
“Therefore King Tuheitia wishes it to be known that it is incumbent on him and he believes incumbent on all leaders of te ao Maori to work with Prime Minister Ardern and her ministers and the Maori members of parliament to achieve outcomes that benefit not only Maori but the whole of Aotearoa.”
He said the Kingitanga intends to maintain and open transparent dialogue with the Labour Party, especially regarding economic and political issues.
Mr Delamere says the king believes Maori have too often got trapped into a focus on the past rather than looking to the future and he sees his role as supporting and encouraging them to go into the future with confidence.
The hui was also addressed by Maori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta, who outlined the Government’s 100 day plan and how that could affect Maori.
Tuariki Delamere’s speech is at < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuMw4CUJoLQ>
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