Ngahiwi Tomoana: March to the ballot box

Ngahiwi Tomoana, Ngati Kahungunu Chariman

Never ask a woman her age, never ask a child what they want for Christmas and never ask a man who to vote for.

So who are you going to vote for in this very exciting neck and neck stride for stride 2017 election?

From a Kahungunu perspective we insist you all vote and have your say!

Special votes are accepted right up to 7pm September 22 with your enrolment application.

Kahungunu! Hikoi ki te pouka poti - March to the Ballot Box! Karawhiua - Just Do It!

The Labour Government through Rogernomics made tens of thousands of Māori redundant in the 80s and 90s. The National Government through Ruthenasia accelerated the Māori beneficiary numbers and brought in punitive measures against poor whānau.

The Labour Government under Helen Clark stole any chance we had of securing the Foreshore and Seabed. The Māori Party was born from this event with Ngāti Kahungunu starting the hikoi to Wellington.

The National Government under John Key has had little impact on improving Māori housing, Māori employment and Māori Health, however they have embraced the Māori Party in their Government.

NZ First has used pro Māori issues to polarise non Māori against us.

The Green Party in many cases have been more Māori than the Māori Party but seem to have faltered in danger of missing out altogether.

I believe that our whānau will vote for one of the above parties. They all have a history of not listening to or addressing Māori particularly on whānau issues.

Voters should scan the party manifestos to see which will best serve your whānau. In the Ikaroa Rawhiti electorate, is that Meka who gets your tick or is it Marama or Elizabeth?

In the Tukituki electorate, do you give your vote to Lawrence, Anna or Joe Kairau, the only Māori standing in this general electorate?

Over in Wairarapa is it Ron Mark for NZ First?

The most important part of this election for me as the iwi chairman is, "Which party will best look after our freshwater interests, improve water quality, ensure our rights are protected and can never be taken?"

It's a delicious menu of voting choices that is presented in this election. I urge you to make your choice, have your say, because whatever the outcome, the incoming Government is your Government, it is our Government for the next three years.

Our iwi is 62,000 strong. We had an influence in the last local body elections, we can influence this election too just by voting. Hikoi ki te pouka poti - March to the Ballot Box! Karawhiua - Go for it, Just Do It!

Ngahiwi Tomoana is Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated chairman.