Harawira discussions for by-election continue
Hone Harawira's plans to force a by-election in the Te Tai Tokerau electorate are continuing, with the independent MP set to speak to the electoral commission.
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Hone Harawira's plans to force a by-election in the Te Tai Tokerau electorate are continuing, with the independent MP set to speak to the electoral commission.
Mr Harawira, who left the Maori Party in February, last week announced that he would resign from Parliament and seek a mandate in his electorate as leader of his new Mana political party.
He met with Speaker Lockwood Smith yesterday to discuss the requirements of a by-election.
"The Speaker was able to shed light on a number of critical issues and directed me to the Electoral Commission on a number of other matters," Mr Harawira said today.
"As soon as I have that information, I plan on meeting with my staff and with the people of Tai Tokerau to let them know what will happen."
Other parties have been scathing of Mr Harawira's plans, calling the by-election a publicity stunt, and a waste of taxpayers' money.
Meanwhile, the Maori Party will hold meetings this weekend with Te Tai Tokerau constituents.
"These hui are a response to a call from a humble majority of respected leaders and elders in the north who want reassurance that our party is still here to support their aspirations," Maori Party president Pem Bird said.
"We want to know from our supporters in Te Tai Tokerau how we can best represent them."
"Regardless of whether or not we stand a candidate in a yet to be confirmed by-election, we must strengthen our party's infrastructure in the north."
There would be two hui held on Sunday, the first at Waitangi Marae in the Bay of Islands and the second at Hoani Waititi Marae in Waitakere.
National has ruled out contesting the by-election, while Labour has not yet decided.
Mr Harawira said it did not matter if other parties did not stand.
"That would be great, as long as I could be returned to the House as the leader of Mana I would be more than happy with that."
NZPA
Wed, 04 May 2011
Wed, 04 May 2011
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Harawira discussions for by-election continue
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