Labour’s move to give Te Puni Kokiri the power to audit Government Departments to ensure they are delivering to Maori is merely a sop to the five Ministers of Maori Affairs, said New Zealand First MP, Ron Mark, today.

“This work is already being done at the Select Committee audit process and by the Audit Office itself. If the Government is not satisfied with the work being done by the Committees and the independent Audit Office it should change the laws they work under – not create another tier of bureaucracy.

“The fundamental problem for Maori is that many Maori are failing Maori – not the rest of New Zealand.

“Look at the huge Tainui settlement and the money that has been wasted by foolish spending which has been of no benefit to Maori. Where is Te Puni Kokiri and its auditors?

“Look at any successful Maori and you will find a number of common denominators, caring parents, education and attitude – not special projects or politically correct audits pandering to “cultural needs.”

“Maori need jobs and the education and qualifications to achieve in the 21st century. They do not need another team of politically correct bureaucrats who will only create jobs for themselves and achieve nothing for Maori,” concluded Ron Mark.

ENDS.

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