*This article was originally published by thisquality. Permission has been granted for it to be republished by Southern Cross News.
Don Brash has confirmed Hobson’s Pledge funded vehicle hire for travel linked to a figure associated with the Heal the Nation movement, in a leaked email sent to thisquality.
Corina Shields, who was one of the main funding recipients for Heal the Nation’s Givealittle page, approached Hobson’s Pledge seeking support for travel across the North Island.
The former Reserve Bank Governor, writing on behalf of Hobson’s Pledge, confirmed the organisation made a financial contribution after being contacted about the travel plans.
“More recently, Ms Shields advised us of her intention to encourage greater Māori engagement with the principle of legal equality by visiting marae around the North Island. At her request, a contribution was made toward vehicle hire for that travel,” Brash said in the leaked email.
Shields had previously assisted Hobson’s Pledge during its campaign opposing Māori Wards.
“… During Hobson’s Pledge’s campaign opposing separatist Māori Wards, Shields offered informal assistance because she shares our belief that, in a democracy, every citizen should have equal political status. She appeared in a limited number of social media posts relating to that campaign, which has since concluded.”
In the same leaked email, Brash denied Hobson’s Pledge had any formal involvement in Heal the Nation or its hikoi.
“Hobson’s Pledge has not sponsored, endorsed, or been involved in any wider campaign activity. Our support extends only to the principle that all New Zealanders should enjoy equal political rights under the law.”
The leaked email confirms Hobson’s Pledge provided funding toward vehicle hire after being approached, while maintaining it had no role in organising or supporting the wider hikoi.
