Northern Ratana put their forces behind Mana

Northern Ratana put their forces behind Mana

Posted on June 17, 2011 by admin in News

The northern arm of the Ratana Movement have organised a hikoi through Auckland in support of Harawira.

Ratana, a Maori spiritual movement based near Wanganui, has traditionally held strong links with Labour although Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia is the current electorate MP for the area.

Kereama Pene, a senior minister in the movement, said the hikoi aimed to spread the word about the “most relevant political force for Maori in this country” – Mana.

[quote]We believe that Mana is the vehicle to unite all people who are struggling, who are impoverished, who cannot find that life-line in the major political parties.”
Harawira was the only Tai Tokerau candidate to understand the issues. Our movement has spoken – we will help Hone Harawira in his quest to lay down the foundation of a new political party that carries our people’s hopes, dreams and aspirations.”[/quote]

The by-election, on June 25, was called after Harawira split with the Maori Party and then resigned from Parliament.