Maori Party not here to take sides - Sharples

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Maori Party not here to take sides - Sharples

3News NZ

Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples

Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples

The Maori Party comes to Waitangi with the issue of its leadership still hanging over it.

It also comes as part of a government that's determined to press ahead with the partial sale of state assets, and that's opposed by many of its constituents.

Speaking to Firstline this morning Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples says he is surprised by the controversy that has surrounded the question of who will lead Prime Minister John Key onto Te Tii Marae .

Dr Sharples says he also supports the Maori Council’s efforts to bring the issue of water rights to the forefront at Waitangi.

“We support anybody who is fighting for any rights and interests in water that they feel their tribe has, or their hapu – their group – that’s what the Maori Party is there for, we’re not here to take sides on any one or the other.

“We also support any Maori pursuing whatever appropriate and available channels there are to achieve their goal of rights and interests.”

Watch the video to see the full interview.

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Comments

15/02/2013 11:40:11 p.m.

jan.. wrote:

Regardless what happened consider Hone Harawira for the Maori Party Leader, thank you Pita for your wise decision on this matter and bless you.

5/02/2013 6:09:11 p.m.

Kathy wrote:

Perhaps that explains your failures Mr Sharples, the Maori party was setup originally to represent Maoridom and fight for its rights. Your failing poll results and Ratana's recent public backing of Labour over the Maori Party shows that Maoridom feels let down by you selling out to the National Party. How can you call yourself the Maori Party if you dont represent Maoridom, the name of your party suggests that you have already taken a side. You just failed to live up to it which is why you lost support. You went from being an activist to being John Keys puppy dog, its such a shame you were a terrific advocate for your people, but lost your way completely once you hopped into bed with the devil. Which is why your party failes to garner 1 percent of the vote when Maori make up 15 percent of the total voting electorate.