MEDIA STATEMENT
Te Ururoa Flavell
MP for Waiariki
Monday 19th November 2012

Māori Party Welcomes Māori Economic Strategy

The Māori Party has welcomed the Māori Economic Strategy and Action Plan which was launched by Minister of Māori Affairs Hon Dr Pita Sharples and Minister of Economic Development Hon Steven Joyce at parliament today.

“The Māori Economic Strategy marks another milestone achieved in the Relationship Accord between the Māori Party and the National Party (milestone 10). We are very pleased to see that the Government has committed to a plan of action that will support Māori business to flourish into the future,” explains Te Ururoa Flavell.

“The strategy and action plan outlines six goals that will drive the focus of this government to 2040. These six goals will work in tandem to move both our economic and social aspirations forward.”

“These priorities reflect a wide reaching strategy that bases our economic development within the context of our social and cultural aspirations. It is development on Māori terms and that is fantastic.”

“We need big ideas to move our businesses forward, but we also need ideas to address the significant levels of Māori unemployment and poverty. We want to ensure that this plan not only transforms the Māori economy but produces outcomes for whānau on the ground.”

“We congratulate the Māori Economic Panel for coming up with an overarching strategy that focuses on these multiple outcomes, strengthening the Māori economy, focusing on innovation, international relationships and export, while also strengthening our people.”

“We are particularly pleased that there will be a focus on developing people through educational participation and success, as it is our people and our whānau who are our greatest resource and source of wealth.”

“The Māori Party commends the work of the Panel and both Ministers Pita Sharples and Steven Joyce for their commitment to developing Māori people and Māori business. We also commend the many businesses and community groups who participated in the development of this strategy. It is now up to all of us to get on board.”

ENDS

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