Internet Mana Party tour coming to Rotorua

Kim Dotcom (left) and Laila Harre, leader of the Internet Party.

The Internet Mana Party Roadshow is set to hit town as part of their nationwide tour.

Leaders of the party Hone Harawira and Laila Harre, supported by Internet Party founder Kim Dotcom and local candidates, will be in Rotorua from tomorrow.

They will attend the campaign launch of Waiariki candidate Annette Sykes at Apumoana Marae at 12pm before holding a public meeting at the Distinction Hotel at 6pm.

"Talking with the people about the issues that matter to them is what Internet Mana is all about," Mr Harawira said. "The advantage of the tour is we get to talk to them where they live."

Tomorrow night's meeting is expected to be part concert with kapa haka performances and musical guests, followed by speeches and an open question session. The roadshow has already toured Northland and Auckland.

"This is the stuff of life," said Mr Harawira. "We need to hear what the people feel about our hopes for Aotearoa New Zealand. It's the people we want to empower to lead the movement."

Of major interest to constituents was how the Internet Mana alliance would work for the good of New Zealand, Mr Harawira said.

"There hasn't been a single criticism of what we're doing. The great thing about this road trip is that it's allowing us to answer the questions that people have in their minds. A lot of people had reservations but they came, they heard, they've been won over. It's been wonderful.

"But the important part about this road trip is that it's encouraging people to come along and listen. When they hear about what we're doing they say, 'That's where I want to be, that's where I want my kids to be, where I want my mokopuna to be'."

Ms Harre said the big response so far was a positive sign for the rest of the national road trip.

"The really clear message from people is that they want to see change, a positive change that will improve the lives of all New Zealanders, not just the select few. Our purpose has always been to give people the chance to be heard and to let them know that their opinions, concerns and ideas are valued and important."