Jerome Mika Chair,
Pacific Sector Council New Zealand Labour Party

October 28, 2008

Taito Phillip Field does not have the monopoly on moral issues

The Labour Party's Pacific Sector Council says Taito Phillip Field's decision to attack Labour on moral issues is condemning and hypocritical.

Field, a former Labour MP who left the party under police charges of bribery and corruption, has accused Labour of being "ungodly" and ignoring family values.

Sector chair Jerome Mika says Taito's comments show a lack of understanding about what real family values are.

"The Labour Party is proud of its record of advocating for the vulnerable and marginalised within our society, whatever their background. These Christian values are strongly represented in Labour's Pacific Sector.

"As the son of a reverend I learnt at a young age that true family values are not about fomenting intolerance for minorities but about making sure families are able to live in dignity and freedom from poverty.

"That's why Labour has raised the minimum wage every year, so parents aren't forced to work long hours and never see their kids.

"That's why we've brought in policies like cheaper doctors' visits and income-related rents, so our families can live in decent conditions and afford to take their kids to the doctor.

"That's why we've brought in four weeks annual leave, flexible working hours and time and a half on public holidays, so working parents can spend more quality time with their families.

"If Taito wants to talk family values then let's talk about the issues that really matter to Pacific families and leave the hateful rhetoric out of it.

"Pacific Islanders will see through the rhetoric and will vote for who they trust will deliver on the policies that matter to Pacific families. We believe that Labour is that party and we have shown that we have a strong Pacific team that will continue to deliver for Pacific communities."

The Pacific Sector Council is an independent body under the umbrella of New Zealand Labour Party with members from the Tongan, Cook Island, Niuean, Samoan, Tuvaluan, Tokelauan and Fijian communities.

ENDS

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