Lots of opinion about the Mana Internet party alliance so I thought Id give my 5c worth. Over the past century and longer, Maori politicians and parties have stood for or formed alliances with non-Maori political entities. In 1905 Apirana Ngata represented the Liberals (forerunner to the current National Party). The Ratana Movement formed an alliance that endures still with the Labour Party. In 1979 Matiu Rata left the Labour Party and formed Mana Motuhake which later joined the Alliance. In 2006 Tariana Turia left the Labour Party as well and established the Maori Party. At the following election the Maori Party went into coalition with the National Government - an arrangement that is still in place. Earlier this week, the Mana Party joined with the Internet Party to form Internet Mana. This is the latest development in a long history of Maori forming alliances with non-Maori political entities. Mana have been strident in their criticism of the Maori Party National Party coalition since their establishment. In fact it was quoted as one of the drivers for the establishment of the Mana Party. Just as I believed and trusted that some very capable Maori people ( Whata Winiata, Tariana Turia, Pita Sharples) had made a considered decision to join with National and tipuna such as Ngata, Rata, Tirikatene had made a similar decision to add their mana to non-Maori entities, I am trusting that Hone, Annette and the Mana leadership have made a similarly considered decision to follow in the political footsteps of their Maori political forerunners. Do I know if it will work? No! Like all of us, I will wait and see. I wasnt entirely convinced about the Maori Party coalition with National but I have to acknowledge the gains they have made particularly over the past three years and the impact they are having on the governance of Aotearoa New Zealand. I will give the same grace to Mana and wish them all the best. Both parties are now in alliances with very similar entities and from my perspective no one occupies the moral high ground. Therefore the accusations of selling out and the attendant nastiness that has been a hallmark of the last two elections in Maori electorates should rightly become a thing of the past and the proactive advocacy of Maori issues for the betterment of our nation will hog the headlines. Ngahiwi Apanui
Posted on: Wed, 28 May 2014 20:53:32 +0000
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