[9 August 2017]
PRESS RELEASE
Māori Party
The status quo is not working for our people – we need a higher level of care
Rahui Papa, Māori Party Candidate for Hauraki-Waikato congratulates Mihingarangi Forbes and her story for Radio New
Zealand on the plight of people in Manurewa. Rather than criticising Metiria Turei, Mihingarangi got out amongst the
people of Manurewa to garner their thoughts on social welfare. Manurewa has one of the highest proportions of welfare
beneficiaries in the country and the people there are really struggling to make ends meet. We heard sad, sad stories of
homelessness, overcrowded houses, the impact of synthetic drugs, and the desperate measures some people have to take in
order to raise money for the most basic of needs – to feed their children milk and bread. The story reminded us all that
there are some very real issues that we need to address. Rahui Papa calls on iwi to have a greater engagement with
issues relating to justice and welfare, to think more innovatively about how iwi can make a difference in the lives of
our people who are struggling. Along with inspirational iwi leader, Naida Glavish, Rahui will be hosting an Iwi Justice
Wānanga, ‘Kauaerunga Manaaki: Highest Level of Care’ on 29 & 30 August 2017 in Ngaruawahia to discuss pathways forward. High Court Judge, Justice Joe Williams will be a keynote
speaker. The long-term objective is for iwi, through strategic partnerships, to participate effectively in child welfare
and criminal justice in New Zealand, consistent with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our whanaungatanga obligations. The status
quo is not working for our people. We need to work towards a higher level of care.
END