May 03, 2023
Jackson disappointed at Whaitiri silence
The co-chair of Labour’s Māori caucus, Willie Jackson, says he’s disappointed Ikaroa Rawhiti MP Meka Whjaitiri didn’t talk to him before jumping ship to the Māori Party.
Ms Whaitiri, who came into the safe Labour seat in a 2013 by-election after the death of her mentor Parekura Horomia, announced the switch at a hui at Waipatu Marae in Hastings this morning.
Mr Jackson says he worked closely with Ms Whaitiri in parliament and supported her when she was first sacked from Cabinet in 2017 over allegations she bullied a staff member.
“She should have made contact with the Prime Minister, which she didn’t, and no contact with some of us. That’s a sad and disappointing part of it but at the same time I don’t want to wish her any ill will. She’s a good person. She’s been a bloody good MP,” he says.
Mr Jackson says yesterday was 10 years since Parekura Horomia was buried.