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May 09, 2023
A time for deep reflection; Minister Kiritapu Allan
Waatea Team
Posted On May 9, 2023
Download AudioThe Member of Parliament for Ikaroa Rawhiti Hon Meka Whaitiri returns to the House today, a week after announcing she was leaving the Labour Government to join Te Pāti Māori.
The Māori Labour caucus has remained respectful of their former colleague and her decision to defect saying only that they are deeply saddened by her departure.
Caucus colleague and longtime friend Hon Minister Kiritapu Allan says it’s a time for them all to reflect on their; ‘why we came to parliament.’
“Why are we here? I’m unapologetically from the East Coast. I’m unapologetically, relentlessly in pursuit of what’s right for our people up there on the coast. So you strap you boots on each day, counting the wins that you get.” says Hon Minister Kiritapu Allan.
Te Pāti Māori and Meka Whaitiri herself, have also refused to be goaded into a tit-for-tat spate by Pākehā media and opposition Parties.
Meka Whaitiri says joining Te Pāti Māori is her ‘hokingamai ki tōnā whakapapa’. She is expected to be supported in her return to Parliament by the Co-Leaders of Te Pāti Māori and her whānau-whānui.
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