AUCKLAND: Mana Party leader Hone Harawira says the health and welfare of Maori has gone backwards over the three years that National has been in government. Harawira said Mana could work with the Greens or Labor but ruled out working with the National and ACT. On Saturday, Mana party launched their campaign from South Auckland to coincide with Guy Fawkes. Supporters chanted “remember, remember, the fifth of November.” MC Martyn “Bomber” Bradbury said it marked the sending of a clear message to parliament that the resistance had started. Known as a radical MP by many, Harawira said he had been meeting Pakeha (non-indigenous New Zealanders) who were showing support for his party. “I'm not actually that used to shaking Pakeha hands,” he said. Harawira has previously; spoken exclusively about poor Maori and Pacific Islanders, however now there were more poor Pakeha. “We are not just a party for Maori, we can no longer be a party just for Maori,” he said. This change in direction for the party comes as a surprise to some since two years ago, Harawira described Pakeha as “ripping us off for centuries” among other derogatory comments, in an email to ex-Waitangi Tribunal director Buddy Mikaere. Mana aims boosting presence in parliament, Mangere candidate James Papali'I has set the ambitious goal of 15 to 20 MPs after the November election. BM
