Ron Mark's allegations defy reason and demolish his credibility

Ron Mark’s fantabulous allegations about the police inquiry into the murder of the Kahui twins are a perfect example of why politicians should check their facts before they speak, says Dr Pita Sharples.

“The Police asked me to get involved,” he said. “The police decided to allow the tangi to proceed, and I complimented them for that. I attended the tangi, where I publicly called for whoever was responsible to step forward.

“Others advised the family not to speak, which I disagreed with. In fact, our team of elders actively pursued the truth from the so-called ‘Tight 12’ who refused to talk. Through these visits we learned that whänau members who had not been present at the time the twins were injured were also seeking answers.

“I am really disappointed in Ron Mark’s inflammatory remarks, made while I am in Australia with the Maori Affairs Select Committee. They are totally incorrect and reveal his complete ignorance of the amount of time that I myself, and the elders, spent responding to the police request for our help,” said Dr Sharples.