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Maori Party frustration mounts

31 July 2009
Media Statement

Maori Party frustration mounts

Tariana Turia’s sharp criticism of the recent business migrant policy changes reflects growing dissatisfaction within the Maori Party about the Government’s direction, says Labour’s Maori Affairs spokesperson Parekura Horomia.

On Radio NZ’s Waatea News today Mrs Turia criticised the business migrant changes, aimed to ease entry into the country for wealthy migrants.

“It does highlight what a sad country we have become where capitalism is far more important than the people,” she said.

“Of course it is the National and ACT parties which the Maori Party is in Government with that she is really criticising and her comments are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to growing Maori Party dissatisfaction.

“I find it inconceivable that Mrs Turia and her Maori Party colleagues and supporters would condone the type of beneficiary bashing that the National Party has indulged in this week. They should stand up,” says Parekura Horomia.

“Nor, I’m sure, will the party be at all happy with the cuts to the Training Incentive Allowance which sparked this whole debate and which is designed to help sole parents into training so they can get jobs and get off the benefit.

“Maori make up 41 per cent of sole parents on the DPB and if we are to help break intergenerational welfare dependency in some of our communities, such support is critical. As were the Adult and Community Education courses, which have also been slashed.

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“And now we have Don Brash heading the 2025 Taskforce designed to lift productivity and already signalling he wants a return to the Employment Contracts Act, which will disadvantage low income workers in particular. And of course Maori are over-represented in that group,” Parekura Horomia says.

“Not only that, he’s up to his old dog whistle racism again - people leave New Zealand because ‘they’re sick and tired of the political correctness – around race or gender – in New Zealand,’ Dr Brash said in a speech yesterday.

“I can understand your frustration Tariana and I share it. But it’s your choice as to whether you continue to prop up this Government. If you are not happy, you know what to do.”

ENDS

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