Harawira says Maori health will suffer

MEDIA RELEASE
PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION

Wednesday 2 July 2008

Harawira says Maori health will suffer under Labour or National

Maori will continue to experience poor health under either of the major parties, Maori Party MP Hone Harawira told Maori health leaders last night.

"We've seen a major increase in poverty under this Labour government, and as a result we have the worst health profile of any group in the country. Things will be no different for us under a Key-led government." Harawira told delegates at the Public Health Association's annual conference in Waitangi.

Harawira said he questioned both Labour and National's commitment to Maori.

"At least National stab you in the front, unlike Labour who stab you in the back."

"Many of our people are now living amongst third generation unemployment. People ask me what's the most important issue for us. Is it our land, our language? I say no it's our health."

Harawira said that political groups like Tu Tangata established in the 1970s provided a model for the way forward.

"Government has the resources but as Maori we must take ownership of the health problems which plague our people and develop our own solutions."

ENDS

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