CTU MEDIA RELEASE
08 August 2006
Lets Have the Discussion on the Root Causes of Inequality
“For a country that prides itself on being fair and reasonable the MSD Social Report shows that there is still much to
do before we can feel truly proud of progress for Maori,” CTU vice president Maori Sharon Clair said.
“The Social Report gives us a set of indicators to assess progress. The next step is a discussion on the root causes in
areas where Maori development must take priority.”
“The root cause of low living standards and an increase in severity of hardship is low pay, income, insecure employment
and lower educational attainment.”
“And the root causes of obesity for Maori is poverty – we cannot expect improvements for Maori obesity while our
children cannot access healthy food.”
“Secure jobs with decent wages, investment in skills, knowledge and education will address the root causes of
inequality. It is helpful that perceptions of discrimination are being included in this year’s report. The data shows us
that we still struggle with difference and equality.”
“A genuine commitment to addressing the root causes of inequality must happen.” said Sharon Clair. “No better time
presents itself than the UN International Day of the World's Indigenous People, which is tomorrow. ‘Partnership for
Action and Dignity’, the current theme, is a call for us to focus our work on improving the human rights of Maori in
Aotearoa New Zealand.
ENDS