I am Te Aupouri by birth, Ngati Hine by choice and Ngapuhi by affliation. Whakapapa connects me to Ngati Kuri, Te Rarawa, Ngati Rangi, Ngati Rahiri and Ngati Wai. Beyond Te Taitokerau I have ancestry that make Ngati Maru an integral part of my heritage. The most significant part of my pakeha ancestry is of Jewish descent.

I am proud to be Maori.

I stand to represent the Maori Party, because I believe that it has been poorly served in the North and that the Maori constituency from Tamaki to Te Rerenga Wairua deserve better. Those who would lead Te Tai Tokerau into political oblivion must be opposed and defeated. The electorate must be enthused to take back its mandate. It is time to give hope to the disenfranchised, inspire the disaffected and share the achievements and aspirations of the party with those willing to re-new their commitment.

The ursurpation of the Party's mandate in Te Tai Tokerau has been at the expense of those who were rendered into silence by misinformation, bluster and intimidation. I believe the Party must take back Te Tai Tokerau and to coin a phrase this election will be about, repossessing mana.

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I am a strong Maori language advocate and it has been a significant part of my life. I grew up and began my life's education in Matawaia and from there I attended St Stephens School, Bombay. The first part of my working life was in the Civil Service mainly with Maori Affairs. I have a Diploma of Social Work from Victoria University.