Plans for a Maori delegation to go to Fiji are ongoing, says Maori Party President

The Maori Party caucus today heard that there is ongoing
support from Maori and Pacific peoples for a Maori
delegation to go to Fiji.

Following the caucus meeting today Maori Party President
Whatarangi Winiata said “We are getting a clear message
that a Maori group should go and visit our Pacific cousins
in this time of crisis to offer the support that our
whakapapa links require of us.”

“Our kaupapa is to support the people of Fiji. Very senior
Maori people have indicated a desire to help if the Fijian
people would like that.”

“This is not an official government visit – this would
be a kanohi-ki-te-kanohi visit – and it has been under
discussion for many months.”

“We have been approached because we are seen as the
independent voice of Maori in the Parliament. We have been
encouraged by the fact people of different political
persuasions have pressed us to get involved and to
facilitate this.”

“There is still more discussion to take place, especially
with the Fijian people.”

“We will keep the public, the government and other parties
fully informed of our plans.”