Tua to make politics decision by April

  • Breaking
  • 24/01/2014

By 3 News online staff

Former heavyweight boxing champion David Tua says he wants to take advice from his Samoan chiefs before deciding if he should make a foray into politics.

In an interview with Matheson Sports Media, Tua says all he wants to do is serve the community and "do something good for youth".

Tua confirmed he has met with the Maori Party twice, and once each with Mana, The Conservative Party and Labour who are all trying to woo him to their side.

"Each party has strong views towards Pasifika politics. But I don’t want to stand just for Pasifika. I do believe that the pacific voice is invisible in politics, but I equally believe that there are Palagi, Maori, and other ethnic groups within New Zealand who may want to be part of the change movement that I want to bring."

He believes it is too early to decide for or against a stint in politics because he needs to hear what matai in his community have to say. He says he will make a decision no later than mid-April.

"Politics is politics, but the values you stand for need to be very clear. You are not there making deals for yourself, you’re there making the best deal for the people", he says.

Tua says his policies will focus on the community and wants to hold town hall-type meetings with people.

"It’s the people who are affected by policy, so I think they should have more say in its creation."

"David Tua is not running for David Tua. My only agenda is to be community focused. That’s what I stand for. Representing your community is a powerful and humbling thing"

He is not sure what the top issues in his community are, but believes some will likely be housing issues, health and education.

Tua agrees with the so-called 'anti-smacking law, saying physical discipline might have worked "back in the day", but things have changed.

"It’s about finding balance between what works and what doesn’t. I think there’s a fine line between discipline and abuse. Smacking your kid with an open hand? There has to be other ways."

He believes the law honours children who have died violently "at the hands of those they trusted the most".

Tua doesn't think he'll lose his ability to influence policy if he joins an established political party rather than creating his own.

Any political movement he joins will need to address issues important to the people he represents, he says.

3 News

source: newshub archive