“Turn your eyes to the north, a young man will rise up carrying the Treaty,” said leader, Ratana Church founder and prophet Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana.
Kereama Pene, an apotoro rehita (senior minister), in the Ratana church believes Mr Hone Harawira closely embodies this prophecy.
“The founder of Ratana carried two books – the Bible and the Treaty. He always believed that one day the Treaty should become the foundation document of New Zealand. Not just a piece of paper.” However, prophecy was also important said Mr Pene
- Hone Harawira said he was humbled by the support and talk that he might be the northern Treaty man spoken of, but he was not actively pursuing it.
- Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia has expressed surprise that an individual member of the Ratana Church has been elevated to speak for its membership. “I would have thought that any position purporting to be the views of Te Haahi Ratana would have come forth from the Tumuaki, Hare Meihana,” Mrs Turia said. I always find it difficult when his great name is associated with political tactics of the day – we need to hold fast to his memory and rise above the lobbying.”
Mr Pene, who is ineligible to vote in tomorrow’s by-election because he lives in the Tamaki Makaurau electorate, is from Te Tai Tokerau. He is campaigning for the Mana Party.
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