Northland iwi leaders stand together to say “Vote YES”

August 6, 2009

The Northern Advocate reports that leaders from the seven Northland (Te Tai Tokerau) iwi are urging the public to read past the controversial referendum’s wording and vote YES.

“We are voting ‘yes’ as good parents want their children to have the same protection as adults,” Ngati Whatua chief executive Allan Pivac said.

“Our  No1 responsibility is manaakitanga, the care of our people, and our children need to be protected from all forms of abuse,” Ngapuhi chief executive Teresa Tepania-Ashton said.

They are joined by leaders from Te Aupouri, Ngati Kahu, Whaingaroa, Te Rarawa, and Ngatiwai.

Read the full article.