Waiariki MP gutted at Urewera sentences

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Maori Party MP for Waiariki, Te Ururoa Flavell, is at odds with the recent sentencing of half of the so-called Urewera Four Tame Iti and Te Rangikaiwhiria Kemara.

“I am shocked. I cannot believe that after such a long and drawn out process, the stress and pain inflicted on those associated has only been exacerbated by the fact that two of the four will be spending a further two or so years in prison, away from whanau, and away from the commitments to their communities.”

“Tame was mentioned in court as being compared to Nelson Mandela, well, this is the final comparison and isn’t it similar.”

“Just last week Tame and I discussed pursuing an inquiry, whether that be a Ministerial Inquiry or a Royal Commission Inquiry, and I intend to follow this through.”

“Not only do I encourage an appeal, but I’d also like to encourage the public to compare the sentences to those with similar charges and make their own judgement.”

“The Police apology today to the community of Ruatoki following their pursuit of long prison sentences for the defendants, is nothing more than a slap in the face to all concerned.”

“This was never just about the charges or the offences. This was about Tuhoe and the mess caused in the lead up to this sentencing. How can you justify a botched case? Cover it up by giving a harsh sentence.”

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