Iwi leaders mobilise against AFFCO

Māori Party Co-leader Dr Pita Sharples says his appeal to iwi leaders to support whānau affected by the Talleys AFFCO lockout has triggered a strong response.

“I have been informed that iwi leaders have been discussing among themselves how best to support their iwi members who are caught up in this dispute,” said Dr Sharples.

“They are clearly concerned about the long-term implications of the dispute, and see there is a lot at stake for workers and their families,” he said.

“Iwi and Māori farmers are a growing force in the economy these days, and they are prepared to flex their economic muscle in this dispute.

“I understand that a group of iwi leaders has sought a meeting with representatives of the Talley family, who own and control AFFCO, to express their concerns.

“I have been told that Māori farmers in various regions across the country plan to withhold stock from Talleys’ AFFCO works, to put pressure on the company to engage in good-faith negotiations to end the standoff and settle the dispute.

“I know how families of working men are hurting, and I am very pleased to see the strong leadership of iwi in support of their grass-roots members in small towns all over Aotearoa. I hope their meeting goes ahead, and I hope further conflict can be avoided,” said Dr Sharples.