Maori Party candidate Pakilau ʻO Aotearoa, Manase Lua, said this evening he had been attracted to the political group partly because of the similarities and shared values.
“I believe that this is the only party that is based on familial ties (whanau), traditions (tikanga) and spiritual values (wairua) often embodied in Christianity,” Lua told Kaniva News.
“We also share ancestral links with Maori, something they proudly acknowledge.
“So my Tongan culture is in harmony with Maori culture, moreso than compared to the two major parties in particular.”
In an official statement for the Maori Party, he said: “I stand for closing the inequalities for Māori and Pacific peoples that successive Governments have failed to do.”
Lua is standing for the Maori Party for Maungakiekie in this year’s elections.
Maungakiekie has a diverse electorate with a strong Pacific population as well as European, Asian and Maori.
Lua said support for himself and other Tongan candidates standing for the Maori Party was growing.
“More and more people are finally realising that Labour has not done anything for us,” he said.
“They have been in opposition for nine years, yet have backed around 80% of the legislation that has been approved by this National Government in the House.
“Now what that tells you is that it is far better to be in Government to influence policy and funding, than throwing stones in opposition.
“Maori have gained well over $2.5 billion in direct funding in the last nine years, some coming to us Pacific through Whanau Ora and other things. A little bit of something is far better than a whole lot of nothing!”
Lua said he said he encouraged people, especially the young, to vote in this year’s election.
Married with four children, Lua has worked in the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs and Ministry of Health Disability Services Directorate.
His family came to New Zealand in 1975.
His mother, Sela Mounu-ki-Uoleva, came from the village of Vainī, Vaini, Ma’ufanga, Lakepa, Faleloa.
His father, Siosifa Motu’apuaka Ngauamo Lua, came from Felemea, Fakakakai.
They became overstayers and Lua has since described himself as “a son of the dawn raids.”
His family left Auckland to avoid being deported and lived with a Māori whānau in Awarua, near Kaikohe.
Lua was appointed by Lord Maʻafu as one of his kau matapule in New Zealand earlier this year.
He has the heraldic name Pakilau ʻO Aotearoa.
Lord Ma’afu is the estate holder of his village of Vaini i Tonga.
The main points
- Maori Party candidate Pakilau o Aotearoa Manase said this evening he had been attracted to the political group partly because of the similarities and shared values.
- “I believe that this is the only party that is based on familial ties (whanau), traditions (tikanga) and spiritual values (wairua) often embodied in Christianity,” Lua told Kaniva News.
- “We also share ancestral links with Maori, something they proudly acknowledge.
- Lua is standing for the Maori Party for Maungakiekie in this year’s elections.
For more information
No illusions about challenge of elections, says candidate Manase Lua
