Su’a William SIO
Pacific Island Affairs Spokesperson
31 January 2014 MEDIA STATEMENT
Pacific people say National out of touch
The Samoan community has seen right through John Key’s political manoeuvrings in appointing Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga outside
cabinet, says Labour’s Spokesperson for Pacific Island Affairs, Su’a William Sio.
“I heard today during my weekly radio slot with Samoa Radio 1593am that the community has interpreted Peseta’s
ministerial appointment as a political sleight of hand, appointing him as a minister, but keeping him outside of
Cabinet.
“People are reading this as a National Government being disingenuous and that National doesn’t take Pacific peoples
seriously. These actions reflect how out of touch they are with Pacific peoples and our aspirations and dreams for our
children and New Zealand as a whole.
“Mr Lotu-Iiga’s very first utterance as a Minister speaks loud on how out of touch he and his Government are on Pacific
peoples in business. Not only do we have Pacific people in small businesses, but we’ve got Pacific people who own and
run big multi-million dollar businesses. He only needed to speak to the Pacific Business Trust to know this.
“He is also parroting the former minister’s belief about Pacific languages and he is also washing his hands from
supporting, encouraging and protecting Pacific languages.
“Many in our community recognise that Peseta is well qualified to be a Minister but when they learnt he is outside of
Cabinet, have aired their disappointment and are now wondering if he is simply a puppet for the Puppet Master,” said
Su’a William Sio
ENDS