Union Runanga To Promote Interest in Maori Electoral Option

CTU RUNANGA MEDIA RELEASE 03 April 2006.

The Runanga of the Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is right behind the coalition of Maori organisations formed to promote the Maori Electoral Option.

"This is an education campaign to strengthen informed decision making", said Sharon Clair, CTU Vice President Maori. "It is an opportunity for Maori voters to decide how they want their electorate representation in Parliament to look."

"We are pleased to be working along side other Maori organisations and individuals to raise awareness and education on the Maori Electoral Option, and to promote the Maori Option. We need just 14,000 transfers from the general role to the Maori Roll to get an eighth Maori electorate seat in Parliament," said Sharon Clair.

"The coalition plans to hold further hui and door knocking, and we are aiming for the eight seat by Easter," said Sharon Clair.

Ends.

Note: The coalition launched an educational campaign today that will run for 4 months, encouraging dialogue and learning about the Maori Electoral Option. Members of the coalition include the NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi, Te Mana Akonga (the national Maori tertiary students association), the New Zealand Nurses Organisation and Te Tai Tonga Maori Party electorate. A Car-koi is due to arrive at Parliament at 11am tomorrow.