Parekura Horomia

Maori Affairs spokesperson

5 February 2009 Media Statement
A day for celebration and reflection

Labour’s Maori Affairs spokesman Parekura Horomia says he’s looking forward to this year’s Waitangi Day celebrations and encourages all New Zealanders to reflect on the concept of partnership symbolised by the Treaty.

Mr Horomia will today accompany Labour leader Phil Goff and other Labour MPs to Waitangi, stopping at Te Tii Marae to pay their respects to Ngapuhi and to reassert Labour’s ongoing commitment to nation-building.

“We look forward to a healthy debate and to joining in the celebrations around Waitangi Day. While there is still considerable work to do, much progress has been made over recent years and I believe that is increasingly being reflected by a much more positive attitude towards our national day.

“As the Race Relations Commissioner noted yesterday, “extraordinary” progress was made in Treaty settlements last year, and Labour joins with him in hoping this momentum is maintained,” Mr Horomia said.

“Maori have made major strides on many fronts, supported by policies designed to ensure we have the opportunity to realise our own potential.

“Labour has a long whakapapa with the Maori electorate and our commitment remains unwavering. We acknowledge the role of the Maori Party in the new government and are keen to work co-operatively with its MPs to continue to achieve genuine progress for Maori.

“Labour’s Maori caucus has long had a good working relationship with Maori Party MPs and is particularly keen to work with them to ensure the recession does not reverse the progress made in slashing Maori unemployment,” Mr Horomia said.

“We will not however support decisions we believe will have a negative impact on Maori, such as the unfair tax laws that disadvantage those on lower incomes, the 90 day hire and fire bill and a failure to make proper minimum wage increases.

“Maori voters have given Labour a mandate to speak up for their rights and we will. Every party in parliament has a responsibility as a Treaty partner, as does each and every one of us as New Zealanders. As we celebrate Waitangi Day and its unifying influence on the nation, we should all reflect on what that means.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media