The Hon Dr Pita Sharples
Maori Party Co-Leader | MP for Tamaki Makaurau

19 February 2013

Maori Party congratulates government on plain packaging moves

The Maori Party applaud the announcement made by Hon Tariana Turia today, that the government will implement plain packaging of tobacco products. The announcement comes off the back of a number of policies put in place as a means of moving us towards becoming Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025.

Dr Pita Sharples said “we are extremely heartened by the announcement that plain packaging of tobacco products will be implemented here in Aotearoa. This decision made by government shows that we are a nation who puts the health of our people before the profits of big companies.”

“Plain packaging, alongside other moves towards tobacco control will save lives, and that is what it’s all about.”

“We would like to acknowledge the combined efforts of the many people who have worked so hard to move us towards becoming a smokefree nation. The Maori Affairs Select Committee, who initiated an inquiry into the tobacco industry in 2009 were a key part of setting the agenda for tobacco reform, as were the many interest groups, whanau, health organisations, marae, hapu and iwi who raised their voices on this issue and said enough is enough.”

“We are proud of the work done by Tariana to push this issue over the line on behalf of the Maori Party. We congratulate her on the commitment she has shown to improving the health and wellbeing of our whanau, and for pushing forward on implementing our policies aimed towards addressing social hazards.”

ENDS

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Gordon Campbell: On Failures Of Care For Those With Mental Disabilities

Hard to imagine a more disturbing insight into the treatment of the vulnerable than the Health Ministry report on Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau. The Ministry has found that the country’s only kaupapa Maori intellectual disability residential care provider has been “seriously dysfunctional.”

The ministry says the business has failed to recruit and retain quality staff – and says the kaimahi (caregivers) that have been employed are seriously unsuitable for the job, lacking basic knowledge. But Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau doesn’t get all the blame. The report says there’s a significant gap under disability laws to ensure there’s oversight by qualified clinical professionals. More>>