Maori Party Welcomes launching of new Ainu Party in Japan

Co-leaders of the Maori Party, Dr Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia, have today expressed their support for the establishment of an indigenous political party in Japan.

“The Maori Party congratulates the Ainu community for their determination to take their policy priorities and concerns into the political landscape in Japan".

“We are delighted to acknowledge Shiro Kayano, the leader of the Ainu Party, and to extend our best wishes for their launch on the 21st January.

“The recognition of the voices of the Ainu community has achieved momentum in Japan through the establishment of a Parliamentary Committee to investigate the rights of the Ainu, headed by former Prime Minister, Yukio Hatoyama”.

“Our seven years experience in the Maori Party has confirmed how important it is to create the space for the voices of tangata whenua in national and local politics. Our mission has always been to ensure that ‘every issue is a Maori issue’; and that ultimately we know that what works for Maori, is in the best interests also of Aotearoa”.

“We join with other indigenous political movements across the globe, to welcome the formation of the Ainu Party, and to extend greetings of solidarity to the wider Ainu community in their determination to make a significant contribution to the political destiny of their land.