Metiria Turei
Metiria's experience over the last 20 years ranges from anarchist activism to establishment party politics, being unemployed to practising as a lawyer. But through all these different stages of her life she has been motivated by a need to remedy injustice - "being the most useful for the biggest number of people". She is humorous, questioning and courageous: "Ideas are meant to be tested," she explains. "Some people can't cope with having their ideas challenged, but I have no problem with it."
I am passionate about the Green kaupapa, in all its different forms and expressions. I have good political instincts, honed by the Party's values, which guide my judgement. I think that I am a good advocate and relish the opportunity to represent our Party at this national level.
Work and life experience
Member of Parliament since 2002.
Previous employment: Resource Management Lawyer, 3 years. Previously employed as a decorative plant attendant, research assistant at the DSIR and coordinator of the Palmerston North Workers Unemployed Rights Centre. Also been unemployed and on the DPB.
Qualifications and training
LLB (1999).
Political background
Green member since 2000, Executive Networker (Akld), Provincial Coconvenor (Akld), Member of Parliament.
Policy Interests: My primary experience is in Maori political and legal issues such as fisheries, treaty settlements and more recently foreshore and seabed. Also experienced in Resource Management Act issues from a legal point of view. I have significant experience in justice issues, unemployed rights, civil rights, family law and issues for young people. I have some experience in the education area, special needs and teacher union issues as well as a developing understanding of Green economics in all its forms. I have no areas of significant disagreement with any Green Party policy.
Community and other involvement
Te Hunga Roia Maori, Maori Lawyers Association Co-President, involved with Anarchist Movement, McGillicuddies and NORML. Also been on the Board of Trustees of a Primary School as well as various Maori movements and organisations.
My experience over the last 20 years is very broad and ranges from anarchist activism to establishment party politics, unemployed to lawyer and lots in between. But through all these different formations I am motivated by the desire to remedy injustice. All people are entitled to self determination - their right to be responsible for themselves and their communities, whether it be the struggle for a Te Tiriti-based nation or young people seeking an identity and future other than the blind pursuit of consumption.
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