4 November 2011

Unemployment for Māori and Pasefika growing at unacceptable levels

CTUs Komiti Pasefika is concerned that unemployment figures continue to rise for both Māori and Pacific peoples. For Māori unemployment has gone up from 13.7 percent to 15.1 percent and for Pacific peoples from 13.1 percent to 13.8 percent.

Natalie Faitala, Komiti Pasefika spokesperson said “with youthful and growing populations unemployment is an issue that affects these communities more than others with larger numbers in youth and young adult age ranges. In Māori and Pasifika communities which are already disadvantaged and where people are most vulnerable - these figures to not bode well for the future.”

“Unless quality employment is created for this group of people they will continue to be over-represented at the bottom in all socio-economic indicators, and living standards will continue to decline.”

“Māori and Pacific peoples should look carefully at what political parties plan to do to reduce unemployment and vote for the policy that will best benefit them. Quality employment opportunities must be created for Māori and Pasifika. The current Governments strategy is clearly not working for this group of people.”

ENDS

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