To meet or not to meet?

That is the question the Democratic Party must decide

Will the Democratic Party meet in conference before the next election?
Party President Makiuti Tongia says no but that is not the impression gained from a quorum of members who met on Monday evening at the Princess Anne Hall at Tereora College.
Although the meeting to discuss meeting in conference was called by Sean Willis, Assistant President of the Party, Tongia has claimed it was not a Democratic Party meeting as it had not been approved or sanctioned by the Party.
On this issue, Willis told the Herald on Tuesday afternoon that he was within his authority under the Party Constitution to call the meeting.
Willis said it was at the Party conference on 14 September 2009 that Sir Terepai Maoate moved a motion asking that Sean be appointed Assistant President under section 4(a)(viii) of the Constitution (Page 6). The motion was approved unanimously.
As to the agenda for the meeting on Monday, Willis said he met with the General Secretary John Tangi last Thursday and he approved the meeting proceeding.
Willis said the main purpose for meeting was to see what the Punas thought regarding a conference.
The meeting on Monday had a quorum as per section 4(a)(vi) of the Constitution.
Willis said the meeting showed people wanted to talk. The feeling was the Executive and Caucus members were making decisions that were not in the best interests of the party. There were issues that needed to be dealt with in-house said Willis.
CIH-What is the next step?
Willis: A copy of the minutes of Monday’s meeting will be sent to the General Secretary, President, Vice President and each Puna and their reply will be awaited.
CIH-What outcome are you hoping for?
Willis: That they will all agree to have a conference. To set a date. To submit remits. Then we will have a stronger more vibrant Party going into the next election.
Obviously the hope is for a conference before the election. The Party needs to get its objectives, manifesto sorted. It needs a new approach.
CIH-What message do you have for the Party faithful?
Willis: I ask that personal issues be set aside. That members focus on what needs to be done. That members stick to the objectives of the Party. The Democratic Party has a mandate to govern but this obligation is not being met because of the actions of a few.

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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