25 AUGUST 2014

MEDIA STATEMENT

Māori Party says New Zealanders deserve better

The Māori Party says New Zealanders deserve to hear more about policies, plans and philosophies than dirt, grime and personal attacks leading up to 20 September.

"As a smaller party, it's inevitably harder to get a look in, against the more sensational sound bites, of burning effigies, dirty politics, race-based bitterness, and the like.”

"The whānau we talk with at the flax roots are saying they're getting turned off politics big time because of the stunts and negativity," says Te Ururoa Flavell, Co-leader of the Māori Party.

"We want to focus on a vision for a new New Zealand, where all people feel included and we can work together for the benefit of our mokopuna. We call that kotahitanga."

"That's about getting all our young people engaged in meaningful work. We are placing emphasis on a living wage of $18.80 per hour that whānau can be self-reliant. That's called rangatiratanga."

The Māori Party has up until now remained silent and not entered into any debate regarding recent controversy; preferring instead to focus on meeting with people and hearing their concerns, face to face.

"With all there is to do, it's just not in our DNA to complicate things further by slinging mud as we simply don't have the time or the inclination," says Mr Flavell.

"We would much rather have conversations that culture counts, debate about what is the best threshold for our river quality or discussions about what we want our children to be learning in school.”

"Here's an idea - how about focusing on the winning formula for the ABs? Or the wonderful sight of all politicians joining together in the powhiri at the Koroneihana earlier this week? Instead of the same old politics of derision and division, we need vision, inspiration and unison.”

ENDS

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