Maori Party Calls for Immediate Review on Government application of tikanga Maori in Government Policies, Procedures and Practices

1 November 2005

Dr Pita Sharples today announced that the Maori Party will be calling for an immediate inquiry into the use of tikanga across the state sector.

“We will be seeking ways to undertake a comprehensive review of the application of tikanga Maori across the state sector, including within Parliament” said Dr Sharples.

“We have already initiated that review through asking a wide range of departments about their use of the concept of powhiri for welcoming guests into their organisation” said Dr Sharples.

“In my role as Co-leader of the Maori Party I will be taking to the Maori Affairs Select Committee, the Maori Party’s call for an inquiry into all cultural practices endorsed and adopted across the state sector”.

“Questions have been asked by tangata whenua, as to whether the use of tikanga across the state sector, is for the benefit of the state, more than for the benefit of the people?”

“The Maori Party has brought a strong and distinctive Maori voice into Parliament. As part of this, we believe the consideration of how the State uses and applies tikanga, is an appropriate issue for us to give priority to”.

ENDS

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