Maori Must Keep Options Open with National

Maori must prepare itself to work with a National led government – if that’s the outcome of this year’s elections says Destiny New Zealand’s Maori Affairs Spokesperson Hayden Solomon.

The Tainui candidate says because the Maori Party has ruled itself out of any relationship with National, Destiny New Zealand is the only genuine hope for Maori representation in a centre right government.

“National also needs a champion for traditional family values – which is what Destiny New Zealand primarily stands for. We’ve got to be good for both the Maori and general voter,” said Mr Solomon.

He added that the future for Maoridom isn’t in Treaty Settlements alone but in the ability of Maori to participate in the economy.

“Maori currently possess a $9 billion economic base with the potential to earn a further $45 billion over and above Treaty Settlements if Maori wage and employment rates were equal to non-Maori,” said Mr Solomon. “Under Labour, Maori have had to contend with an economic environment that punishes success through high direct and indirect tax and wealth redistribution. Only a centre-right Government can lift the lid on that potential.”

“A centre-right government is a good thing for Maori economic development. The problem with the National Party is it has virtually no Maori representation and therefore, little regard for the significance of the Treaty. That’s where Destiny New Zealand comes into it,” says Mr Solomon. “Destiny New Zealand would be the vanguard for Maori representation in a centre-right environment.”

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