Sir Terepai Maoate KBE ‘opens up with honesty’

Sir Terepai Maoate KBE shares his side of events at the Democratic Party Conference 2010.

With the intent of bringing Peace and Unity amongst the Democratic Party, Sir Maoate KBE knew that he had to try and convince the eight members of parliament who supported him, since his resignation in 2009, to attend the Democratic Party Conference recently held at the Assembly of God Church in Takuvaine on the 2nd June 2010.
With only two days to consider whether to attend or not, the process taken to weigh up the consequences of attending or not attending the Conference were seriously thought through, says Sir Maoate KBE. Whatever, the response was going to be towards us by Conference organisers and delegates, says Sir Maoate KBE, we wanted it known that we were genuine about our attempts and efforts to try and find ways to bring closure to the rift within the party.
The need to stop blaming and start building bridges amongst ourselves, explains Sir Maoate had to be done. If one side is not willing to negotiate fairly and continue to dictate their terms, then what do we achieve? Absolutely nothing says, Sir Maoate KBE. So, coming to the Conference was our way of saying, we are calling a truce and let’s deal with it honestly.
If there was a moment to remember during the Conference, says Sir Maoate KBE, it had to be the moment when newly elected President Sean Willis was reminded by me that he had not acknowledged the fact that the two factions had come together on the day. It was at this moment said Sir Maoate KBE, that I emphasised to Sean, the importance of us being united. If we were only going to acknowledge the 6 and not the other 9 members of parliament then I should stand up with the other 8 and leave the conference. Collectively, Sir Maoate KBE candidly told the times, we already have 15 secured seats for the upcoming General Elections. These 15 seats need to be secured to ensure a majority Win for the Democratic Party. This is of utmost importance right now.
I have to thank the remit tabled at the Conference, which suggested the present Government should continue through to upcoming Elections 2010/2011, says Sir Maoate KBE. It was a profound moment, exclaims Sir Maoate KBE, given it allowed me an opening to discuss the issues of the nine and six members of parliament coming together.
Over the last 6 months or so the media has sensationalised and manipulated various events leading up to the Conference, Sir Maoate KBE tells the Times. This has most certainly widened and strained our relationships amongst ourselves within the Democratic Party. But we need to smarten up and deal with it to the downfall of those that want to see the Democratic Party divided. I will make certain that this does not happen.
Many of us have sacrificed financially and personally towards the success of the Democratic Party. There is no way that I personally will allow anyone or group to come in and take for granted the hardships we have trailed to keep the Democratic Party alive and debt free, says Sir Maoate KBE.
Bringing better balance and fairness amongst the Democratic Caucus team members is crucial and this in many ways is dependent on how our Prime Minister, Jim Marurai co-ordinates us within his Cabinet. If we are not serious about coming together and treating each other with respect, then we may as well hand it over to the Cook Islands Party or the newly established Te Kura O Te Au, says Sir Maoate KBE.
As spoken by our newly elected Party Leader, Robert Wigmore, says Sir Maoate KBE, we are not 6, we are not 9 but we are 24 punas. The words of our newly elected leader are sincere, and we need to live up to it by putting them into action, says Sir Maoate KBE. There is a General Election to be won and we must quickly make up with each other and get on with preparations, says Sir Maoate KBE. Time is short, he emphasised.

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