22 June 2011

Inquiry into status of Māori and Pacific children a win-win

MPs from across the political spectrum are joining forces to support a crucial inquiry into the status and wellbeing of Māori and Pasifika children.

The Aotearoa Equality Group, convened by Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei and Rāhui Katene Māori Party MP for Te Tai Tonga, and also involving Labour MP Louisa Wall, is applauding the Māori Affairs Select Committee decision to hold this much-needed investigation into the health, education, and social services profiles of Māori and Pasifika children.

The Aotearoa Equality Group is a cross party parliamentary group which works on policies that will create a more equal society. The group is affiliated to the Equality Trust and meets regularly at Parliament.

“We are very pleased that by working together across political boundaries the Aotearoa Equality Group has supported the Māori Affairs Select Committee to hold this crucial inquiry,” said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei.

“We also want to thank Every Child Counts and Te Kahui Mana Ririki for supporting the Group and promoting this inquiry.

“We are however disappointed that the National Party members did not support it. We would welcome their future participation in the cross party group and their constructive engagement with the inquiry,” said Metiria Turei.

“Tiakina nga rangatahi, nga rangatira mo apopo. We must care well for our children and young people for they are our leaders of tomorrow. This inquiry will ensure our mokopuna are protected, valued and nurtured as the core of our whanau. The Māori Party is proud to be a joint partner in such an important forum,” said Rāhui Katene.

“Our children are our future. We must value and support them so that every child has the ability to reach their full potential. We welcome this inquiry and the opportunity to fully investigate the state’s role in contributing to the development of Māori and Pasifika children,” said Labour MP Louisa Wall.

The Aotearoa Equality Group arose out of two proposals for cross party engagement on child poverty developed by Metiria Turei, Co-leader of the Green Party and Rāhui Katene, Māori Party MP for Te Tai Tonga, who jointly convene the group which is open to all members of Parliament. The group has been meeting since late 2010.

ENDS

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