Harawira 'extremely confident' before disciplinary hearing
Maori MP Hone Harawira arrived at a Wellington hotel for his disciplinary hearing today, in bullish mood.
Maori MP Hone Harawira arrived at a Wellington hotel for his disciplinary hearing today, saying he was feeling "extremely confident".
He was greeted at the Brentwood Hotel in suburban Kilbirnie by about a dozen supporters carrying Maori flags and took the time to hongi with each of them before entering the hotel.
One of the supporters yelled out "Kia kaha, Hone".
They carried banners, including one saying "Less John, More Hone."
Mr Harawira refused to comment to reporters on whether he had any faith in the disciplinary process or what he thought of it.
However, he said he expected to be the first step in a long process, which was launched when Maori Party Whip Te Ururoa Flavell lodged a formal complaint over comments he made in a newspaper column that the party was too wrapped up in its coalition with National and was supporting anti-Maori policies.
A person attending another conference at the hotel told NZPA Maori Party co-leaders Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia arrived at 12.30pm, 2-1/2 hours before the disciplinary committee was due to start.
When asked what he thought about the fact Dr Sharples and Ms Turia were there, Mr Harawira said: "I don't care who is here."
"This is just the beginning of what could be a long journey so I am just going to get on with it."
Mr Harawira has so far refused to back down from his newspaper comments, and on Monday he was indefinitely suspended from the party's caucus after the ongoing tensions reached breaking point at Waitangi over the weekend.
The disciplinary committee is being chaired by party co-vice president Te Orohi Paul.
Mr Harawira said this morning he had decided to attend the meeting.
"I will be attending the hearing because of my commitment to the kaupapa of the party and not because of any trust in this Pakeha legal process."
He made it clear he wanted to stay in the party and said it was unlikely he would get booted out because he had huge support within the party all around the country.
The party's co-leaders said yesterday that the door was open, but that Mr Harawira would have to earn back the trust of the caucus.
NZPA
Wed, 09 Feb 2011
Wed, 09 Feb 2011
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Harawira 'extremely confident' before disciplinary hearing
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