Media Release
07 December 2007
Education Key to Closing Gap in Maori Earnings
New Zealand First Maori Affairs spokesperson Pita Paraone is concerned about recent reports suggesting disparities
between Maori and non-Maori are increasing in spite of overall rising prosperity.
Mr Paraone says the importance of education for advancing the lives and earning capacity for Maori cannot be
underestimated and believes that we should be doing all we can to ensure that they have access to the same educational
opportunities as non-Maori.
“Educational attainment is a matter of encompassing all facets of Maori wellbeing. Unfortunately, various social indices
still show Maori some way behind the rest of the population, and recent Maori education statistics have been cause for
alarm.
“Despite several years of programmes such as 'closing the gaps' and reducing inequalities, Maori are still concentrated
in lower paid occupations. This demands action, and moves by Auckland University and the consideration by Victoria
University to restrict course entry numbers will only further the gap.
“New Zealand First has always maintained that education is the key to upward mobility for Maori. Good health, sound
housing and adequate employment opportunities should not be colour barred. With Maori forming the bulk of the working
age population within the next 50 years, it’s in everybody’s interests to ensure that Maori and non-Maori alike have
access to high quality education.
ENDS