Carmel Sepuloni

A political stitch-up seems to have been negotiated which has seen the unfortunate politicisation of Auckland's popular Pasifika Festival, Labour List MP Carmel Sepuloni said today.

"For the first time in the history of the Pasifika Festival, officials have been instructed that no Labour MPs are allowed on the main stage to address the crowds," Carmel Sepuloni said.

"Officials have been told the only politicians allowed to speak on stage at the festival are Auckland Mayor John Banks and Prime Minister John Key.

"Yes, the Auckland City Council is running the event so John Banks has every right to speak to those enjoying the festival, but for an order to go out to ban Labour MPs from addressing the crowds is just petty."

Carmel Sepuloni said staff running the festival have been very uncomfortable carrying out the orders.

"They're just doing their job, I can understand that. But it's saddening for me to see a festival like this being politicised," Carmel Sepuloni said.

"In the past all political persuasions have been welcome on stage at Pasifika. But in the year of Local Body elections it seems the incumbent is trying to screw the scrum.

"As for John Key being the only other politician to speak. Well, I guess it's a nice change to see someone from National at Pasifika.

"The Pasifika Festival is a chance for Islanders to hear from their own people regardless of their political, religious or personal persuasions," Carmel Sepuloni said.

"It's not chance to play petty politics."