30 July 2014

Politics of Assimilation have no place in modern New Zealand

The Māori Party says politics of assimilation have no place in modern New Zealand and has dismissed the ongoing barrage of race-based rhetoric from Jamie Whyte as belonging to a bygone era.

“It would appear that Mr Whyte has selective amnesia about our history in this land, preferring to refer to examples in Africa, Afghanistan and the Western World than our own unique journey into nationhood in this land,” says Co-leader Tariana Turia.

“Perhaps his energy might be better spent on learning about our history and the unique constitutional significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. He might also choose to learn about the philosophy of the Māori Party.”

“While our establishment was definitely through the initiative of Māori our purpose has always been clearly for the benefit of all citizens of this land. We draw our policies and practices from kaupapa tuku iho, that are universal values that provide for the benefit of all.”

“Mr Whyte can look but he will never find any reference to the Māori Party being ‘race-based’ other than fail to appreciate our commitment to a nation of cultural diversity and richness,” says Co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell.

“Our party is kaupapa based - driven by Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We should be proud of all peoples who seek to restore the essence of who they are – to understand their history - to appreciate their unique cultural identities and to live together, as distinctive peoples united in our vision for this land we all call home.”

ENDS

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