New Zealand First MP Ron Mark today lashed out at the Government’s snub of chaplain services in hospitals saying it was reverse racism at its worst.

“This is just another example of the whittling down and disposal of the cultural and spiritual needs of non-Maori New Zealanders,” Mr Mark said.

“I am a New Zealander of Maori descent and I bet if I was in hospital and called for a Ratana Minister they would bend over backwards to ensure my needs were met, but if you are Pakeha you’re not a priority in Annette King’s eyes.

“The Government is creating a hierarchy of faith by placing greater importance on some people’s needs above others that are less politically correct,” Mr Mark said.

“I was absolutely appalled when they didn’t say grace at the State function for the Queen especially given that she is the head of the Anglican Church. It was a direct insult pointed at the Queen.

“The Government is trying to set a trend that unless you’re gay, a Maori, a pot smoker, an atheist, or a queue-jumping ‘asylum seeker’ then your needs will never be considered important.

“When are main-stream New Zealanders going to wake up and realise that their needs are not just being ignored but completely obliterated?”, Mr Mark said.

ENDS

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