Shane Jones List MP
3 March 2008 Media Statement

Progress under Labour will be sold out by Maori Party

The Maori Party have shown their true colours today with Dr Pita Sharples concession on National Radio that he would sell out the solid gains made under this Labour Government by going into coalition with National, Northland List MP Shane Jones said.

“This is quite bizarre considering that National want to abolish the Maori Seats,” Mr Jones said.

“He (Dr Sharples) has confirmed the worst. A vote for the Maori Party is a vote for National.

“I always knew that sooner or later the leadership of the Maori party will fess up about propping up National. Once campaigning begins in earnest I severely doubt that areas such as Te Tai Tokerau will tolerate Dr Sharples dalliances.

“Hone Harawira will never agree to be a cultural munchkin to the blue rinse brigade.”

“While the Maori Party is thinking about cosying up to the National Party we are rolling out policies that have made and are making a real difference for Maori.”

Under Labour Maori unemployment is currently at 7.7 percent compared to 14 percent when this Government came to power in 1999.

“We are seeing positive and constructive progress being made with Treaty Settlements. Within a month, already two Foreshore and Seabed agreements have been met with Ngati Porou and Te Whanau a Apanui.

“This proves the Maori Labour caucus have been able to deliver in the Foreshore and Seabed area where the act is working.

“The Maori party have never offered a constructive alternative, other than their threat to abolish the legislation which National will gleefully do much to the detriment of our indigenous people.”

ENDS

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