23 June 2005

Where New Zealand First Goes This Government Follows

Rt Hon Winston Peters says the government has once again followed New Zealand First policy announcements with a knee jerk policy reaction of their own to make it appear that they are actually doing something about race relations problems. Mr Peters comments follow the government’s announcement today that twenty government programs will be changed to ensure that they are based on need and not race. This comes in addition to the Prime Minister’s acknowledgement yesterday of the need to set deadlines for lodging Treaty claims.

A similar knee jerk reaction from the government occurred after the release of New Zealand First’s immigration policy last month, he said.

“Making changes to race based policies was a fundamental aspect of our Treaty policy which we released on Tuesday, as was the need for the role of the Minister of Race Relations to actually do his job. Now we finally see some action – minimal as it may be – after New Zealand First takes the lead.

“While the changes being proposed today are a necessary first step, particularly in the area of health, there is still much more work to be done.

“While the approach of following New Zealand First’s policy leadership is encouraging, what it really shows is just how rudderless and devoid of original ideas this government has become.

“This election will be about leadership on tough issues, and New Zealand First is the only choice for those who want real change,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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