Harawira; Govt Keeps Maori Dependent On Welfare

November 22, 2005

In his maiden speech in Parliament today Maori Party MP, Hone Harawira said, "Government keeps us dependent on welfare."

While she has some sympathy for this viewpoint, in so much as the government makes benefits too easy to get on and too easy to stay on, petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB, Lindsay Mitchell said,

"The state cannot be held directly responsible for relationship break-ups or births to parents who cannot support existing dependents, let alone more. In particular, Maori women are making up an increasing proportion of beneficiaries.

"Maori now represent 40 percent of all DPB beneficiaries. Around 90,000 Maori children live in homes where nobody works. That is very bad news. And the situation is getting worse."

"Last week we heard the maiden speech of new National MP, Paula Bennett, who describes herself as 'urban Maori'. She talked about her own experience as a sole mother determined to bring up her child independently, at times working two jobs."

"She is the role model Maori need. Not the Harawiras of this world who persist in promoting a culture of blame."

Lindsay Mitchell petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB

ENDS

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