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Shane Jones is campaigning for Labour
in the Tamaki Makaurau electorate.
But some politicians are saying that it's a waste to chase
Maori votes in areas with a large Pacific Island population.
Here in South Auckland, they dance to the beat of the island drum,
but the blood that runs through their veins is Maori.
A mixture of Maori, Cook Islander, Tongan and Samoan.
We have many Maori children.
Even if they are part Cook Island, their grandfather is Maori.
And where there's Maori blood, there's a potential Maori vote.
Whilst these little ones are too young to vote,
the Labour candidate is wasting no time in talking to the parents.
Tell your friends to vote.
Tell them not to be lazy or forget to vote.
Yes, your right. We'll put pen to paper and vote.
On one side, this teacher hails from the island of Manihiki,
and on the other he is Ngapuhi.
He's being encouraged to enrol on the Maori role.
These women understand the power of the vote.
They are on the Maori role,
but whether they see value in what Labour is offering
remains to be seen.
Let's not forget that we all treasure our children,
whether we are Cook Islanders, Tongan or Samoan.
If a chief's food is speech,
it seems this Mangere candidate is on the right track.
Jasmyn Pearson, Te Karere.