Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
To share his thoughts on current political issues
we cross live now to Waiariki MP of the Maori Party Te Ururoa Flavell.
Hone was in Whakatane campaigning. Are you threatened by his new party?
No. That's up to him.
It is easy for him to travel the country seeking support.
He mustn't have anything to do in his region.
But that's up to him.
There's speculation Annette Sykes will be standing, your thoughts?
Same again. That's up to her.
But no doubt I will know the person who would contest this seat.
The important thing is the policies they promote.
However, one thing about being in Parliament
is that if you are not in government
then you are just given a bag of stones to throw.
That's the direction we are going.
We are focused on the bigger picture for the well-being of our people.
Turning to the Opposition.
Labour and Ratana's relationship - is it over?
That could be true.
I have heard stories about there being some debate between them.
Over the years, different Apotoro have said that the link
between Ratana and Labour has been severed.
We best leave that issue for Ratana and Labour to speak to.
The same thing happened with the Maori Party over these past years.
There are three Labour/Ratana candidates.
What chance do they have?
There are two ways they can go about it.
First, they can contest the Maori seats
but we will be there to stop them.
Secondly, they can get through on the list
but as a previous speaker has said
they are very low on the Labour List.
They can talk about that.
Who knows what could happen?
However, we will see at the end of the year.
Focusing on your own electorate now - Te Waiariki.
What is the importance of the Ahurei after 40 years?
The importance of it is that it calls the descendants of Tuhoe home
from the four corners of the world.
I have attended a number of festivals over the years
and I have enjoyed the celebration of Tuhoe identity and pride.
They gather to compete in sport, to debate various issues
and perform the traditional arts.
It is a very special event.
Tuhoe aren't the only tribe gathering this Easter Weekend.
Te Arawa are also meeting, but not on such a large scale.
However, that is the benefit of the Easter Weekend -
it allows people scattered throughout the country and the world
to return to their roots, to their home.
Te Ururoa Flavell, thank you for your time today.