No-nonsense approach helps Flavell's message

Te Ururoa Flavell talks to constituents in Kawerau yesterday. Photo / Katee Shanks

Maori Party co-leader and Waiariki candidate Te Ururoa Flavell was in Whakatane and Kawerau yesterday explaining the importance of voting to constituents.

Mr Flavell spent time at Anamata in Whakatane and the Job Centre in Kawerau, capturing the attention of listeners with his no-nonsense style of telling it how it is at election time.

"First you must be registered to vote, then you must think about the right place to put your vote, then you must vote," Mr Flavell said. "And if you don't, you take what comes for the next three years."

At the Job Centre, Mr Flavell discussed the nuts and bolts of Parliament including how many seats a party needed to win, how MMP worked and life as a politician.

"Before I entered politics I was a teacher and I loved being a teacher.

"Then I watched Tariana Turia take her stand on the seabed and foreshore issue and I thought I would really like to support her.

"I was fortunate the people put my name forward, I got in, and I've been in for nine years."

Mr Flavell said huge expectations were placed on politicians.

"Everybody expects you to change the world but it doesn't work like that. If I could go out tomorrow and get you all jobs then I would, but it's a matter of making sure you are in a position to help and to create opportunities when they arise."