Hone walks for us all

Hone has quit the maori party. We have a new, unleashed force in politics and Hone will be great as an independent. We can begin to build a waka that can represent maori interests in the way we want. Kia kaha Hone - lets get to the mahi.

Stuff

In a joint statement released after the Maori Party council finished its hearing today, Harawira and Maori Party president Pem Bird said neither wanted to see the party "destroyed by in-fighting". "We have come to the point where it is agreed it would be best for myself [Harawira] and the Maori Party to part ways and focus on issues," the statement said. Harawira would continue to serve as the Tai Tokerau MP and would stand at this year's election as an independent MP or as a member of another party. The joint statement said Harawira would not stand for any other seat and the Maori Party would not stand a candidate for his seat at this year's election.

In his own statement released this afternoon, Harawira acknowledged "the devastation caused to the people and the communities of Christchurch" by the earthquake, which he said was "rightly in the hearts and minds of all New Zealanders" at the moment. He said he was "extremely disappointed" that the findings of a disciplinary committee were released yesterday. "I did not lead the 2004 Foreshore and Seabed March from Te Rerenga Wairua to Parliament that gave birth to the Maori Party, to see it destroyed by infighting five years later, and I understand the vital importance of putting the problems of the past few weeks behind us so that we can all move on," he said. "I am comfortable with the view that we have come to a point where we can all agree that it is best for me and the party to go our separate ways, and to focus on the issues that are crippling Maori people, and indeed Pasifika and Pakeha people living in poverty throughout this country. "I also agree that in the best interests of advancing our people's future, we focus on the issues rather than the personalities, and that we not speak disparagingly of one another."

Well it is done and now we can get on with the job - maori party I will not vote for you - Hone let's get that new maori party sorted bro and let's provide the representation that maori deserve and require.

Update

The hikoi is on and hopefully Hone will be up front

A hui today for a proposed hikoi to protest against the Marine and Coastal Bill have agreed upon official dates for leaving and arriving in Wellington.

The hikoi will be against the Government rushing this Bill through parliament after over 6000 submissions were received and not one change done to it.

11th of March 2011 is the date the hikoi takutaimoana will leave from Te Rerenga wairua.

The hikoi will begin with a karakia timatanga at dawn.

The proposed date of arrival in Wellington will be Tuesday the 22nd March 2011

It will take 11 days to travel the 1100 kms from Te Rerenga Wairua to Wellington

Hat tip tangatawhenua.com via Maui St