Māori development crucial to New Zealand’s future

Labour recognises the concern of Māori about child poverty and the rising costs of living, and in Government will make a real difference to the wellbeing of whānau and iwi, Labour’s Māori Affairs spokesperson Nanaia Mahuta says.

“As our Māori caucus travel the country we are hearing from Māori they are concerned not only about the future of their tamariki and mokopuna, but that of their towns.

“Polling by Reid Research in the Māori electorates has consistently found more than 90 per cent of voters believe the cost of living and child poverty are the most important issues this election.

“A Labour Government will improve the lives of Māori.

“We will raise the minimum wage by $2 an hour in our first year, remove secondary tax and crack down on loan sharks who are exploiting our people.

“A Labour Government will not stand by and watch vulnerable, low income whānau be pushed to the bottom of the heap.

“We will also reduce power bills through NZ Power, invest in our local schools and public health system and build 100,000 affordable, warm and healthy homes.

“A Labour Government will also breathe life back into our towns and provinces which have been ignored for the past six years by the National Government.

“We will support the aspirations of iwi in the post-settlement environment by finding opportunities to leverage and partner projects that will provide a step change for our people under our $200 million Regional Development Fund.

“Labour’s diverse and talented Māori caucus is committed to tackling inequality and child poverty in New Zealand, and creating opportunities for all Māori,” Nanaia Mahuta says.

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