Accuser clarifies on-air remarks

Whangarei MP Shane Reti has been accused of being "threatening" by Alex Wright, from the Pipiwai Titoki Advocacy for Community Health and Safety Group

A community advocate taking politicians to task for their actions has committed her own political faux pas.

Alex Wright, from the Pipiwai Titoki Advocacy for Community Health and Safety Group, wants to put the record straight after being interviewed by Sean Plunket on Radio Live last Thursday.

Ms Wright was on air after she had released a recording of a conversation between herself and Whangarei MP Shane Reti, in which she says Mr Reti's manner was threatening.

During her subsequent interview with Mr Plunket, she was asked if she had ever been a member of a political party.

She said "no", and also replied "no" when asked if her group had ever received donations.

Ms Wright this week emailed Mr Plunket with clarification of some of her answers.

She admitted she had recently joined New Zealand First.

"My reason being that they are the only party that to date has shown genuine interest in our group's plight," she said in the email.

"Please note that while I was talking to you I was representing our group. In hindsight you may have been asking me my personal political alliance which is why I wish to clarify that.

"My personal political stance has nothing what so ever to do with the Pipiwai Titoki Advocacy for Community Health and Safety Group."

Ms Wright said there had been some small donations made to the advocacy group.

"May I remind you again, that in all this we are trying our utmost to get a good outcome for our unsafe and unhealthy unsealed dusty roads for the Pipiwai Titoki communities from any political party willing to assist us."

Ms Wright told the Northern Advocate she had little warning before the interview took place and was surprised at its focus on her having recorded a phone call with Mr Reti.

She hoped the broadcast had highlighted rather than harmed the advocacy group's cause.

The interviewer questioned whether Mr Reti's suggestion the group tone down its protests until after the byelection amounted to the bullying of which the MP had been accused.