Put an End to Race-Based Legislation

Hone Harawira, MANA Leader and MP for Te Tai Tokerau

Wednesday 30 July 2014

“When they said they would not support race-based laws I’ll bet they didn’t expect my support” said MANA Leader and MP for Te Tai Tokerau Hone Harawira, following comments by ACT Leader Jamie Whyte, Conservative Leader Colin Craig, and NZ First Leader Winston Peters that they were not in favour of legislation that was ‘race-based’, “but I’ll happily speak up on this issue.”

“You see, for far too long this country has been passing legislation that has had a very significant impact on Maori and Pacific Island people and I think it’s time to put an end to it”, said Harawira.

“Like the legislation that is keeping more and more Maori and Pacific people dependent on welfare than anyone else, and the legislation that is making more and more Maori and Pacific people homeless than anyone else.”

“Or maybe they’re talking about the legislation that is making more and more Maori and Pacific people unemployed than anyone else, or the legislation that is keeping more and more Maori and Pacific people in low-paying jobs than anyone else.”

“Or perhaps they’re talking about the legislation that is putting more and more Maori and Pacific people in jail than anyone else, or the legislation that is driving more and more Maori and Pacific people into poverty than anyone else.”

“Because if that’s what they’re talking about, and they want to do something to put an end to it, then I’m their man!” said Harawira. “But somehow I doubt that their intentions will ever be as honourable as that …”

ENDS

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