Rt Hon John Key
Prime Minister &
Leader of the National Party

11 December 2011 Media Statement
National-Maori Party Accord and Agreement announced

National Party Leader John Key today announced the Relationship Accord and Confidence and Supply Agreement negotiated with the Maori Party, which focuses on lifting Maori achievement.

“I am pleased with this agreement with the Maori Party, which helps ensure a strong, stable National-led Government over the next three years,” says Mr Key.

The agreement differs from those signed with the United Future and ACT parties in that while the Maori Party will support the National-led Government on confidence and supply, it is not required to vote for legislation required to give effect to the policies in National’s Post-Election Action Plan.

“This is a policy-based agreement and features a number of areas where both parties agree to work together,” says Mr Key.

“On everything else besides confidence and supply, the Maori Party will decide support or not on a case-by-case basis.”

Maori Party Co-Leader Dr Pita Sharples will be appointed to the positions of Minister of Maori Affairs, Associate Minister of Education and Associate Minister of Corrections. These Ministerial positions will be outside Cabinet.

Maori Party Co-Leader Tariana Turia will be appointed to the positions of Minister responsible for Whānau Ora, Minister for Disability Issues, Associate Minister of Health, and Associate Minister of Housing. She will also continue to have Associate Ministerial responsibilities in the areas of Social Development and Employment. These Ministerial positions will be outside Cabinet.

“Both the National Party and Maori Party would acknowledge the tremendous success of many Maori individuals and families, but there remains the problem of long-term issues affecting Maori families. It is vitally important that these are addressed,” says Mr Key.

“Lifting Maori achievement is the major aim of this agreement, which is focused on results and outcomes.

“The agreement builds on the success of the relationship between the National Party and the Maori Party in the previous three years in government.

“I look forward to continuing that constructive relationship with the Maori Party over the next three years,” says Mr Key.

Visit the National-Maori Party Relationship Accord and Confidence and Supply Agreement at:

http://national.org.nz/PDF_Government/Maori_Party_agreement-11_Dec.pdf

Visit Appendix 1 at:

http://national.org.nz/PDF_Government/Appendix_1.pdf

Visit National’s Post-Election Action Plan at:
http://national.org.nz/PDF_General/Post-Election_Action_Plan_.pdf

[Scoop copies of documents:
Maori_Party_agreement11_Dec.pdf
Appendix_1.pdf
PostElection_Action_Plan_.pdf]

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