CathNews New Zealand

Labour MP Su’a William Sio has been approached by a minister, concerned members of his church have been coerced to join the National Party without understanding what they were signing.

He says it seems a National Party advocate has taken advantage of the community’s deprivation.

“Congregation members are being approached by a person claiming to represent National who is convincing them to sign forms they don’t fully comprehend.

“They are then being sent letters addressed to them personally saying they are now members of National and must now vote for them”

Sio said he has been urged by a junior pastor of the church involved – who wishes to remain anonymous – to warn Pasifika people about this.

Sio’s allegation is disputed by Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, who says Labour has to produce one of these letters to back up its claim. he said that the National Party did not send out letters inviting people to join the party.

Source

• Scoop
• NewstalkZB
• Radio Australia
• Image: thedailyblog

Additional reading

• Choices lure Pasifika voters away from red
• Labour MP says National challenger falsely claiming Samoan title

News category: New Zealand.