The Māori Party considered deeply what this budget would mean for our whānau. It was always going to be a zero budget, and we know that times are tough. We have worked hard to find ways we could protect the well-being of our people and our communities, and focused on key areas which impact on the day to day lives of our people, such as health, education, housing conditions, the environment, justice and jobs.

We continued the push for support of our kaupapa Māori initiatives such as funding for te reo Māori, and Māori education; and we also looked at ways we could support our Pacific whānaunga to achieve the well-being of their communities.

An urgent priority was to put in place immediate steps to prevent rheumatic fever which has been disproportionately felt in Māori and Pasifika communities. We are also determined to reduce the toll of tobacco harm and provide meaningful support for disabled persons and their whānau.

This is about protecting our whānau and making wellbeing everyone’s priority.

To read the full Maori Party Booklet click here.

ENDS

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