Maori anti-drink driving campaigner, Nick Pataka, has slammed Labours policy which will terminate drink-driving advertisements, saying its architects must have been under the influence.

Labour”s Transport Spokesperson, Harry Duynhoven, launched the party policy which would scrap the drink drive ads and focus its road campaign on slow drivers.

“The drink-driving ads are not just about road carnage, but an attitude ingrained in New Zealand and particularly Maori psyche, in relation to alcohol. It is Maori youth and men who are scattered across our roads due to drink-driving and it is insane to suggest that we should be teaching them how to turn right properly instead of changing attitudes to drinking and driving.

“The messages need to be hammered more not less, and they definitely must not be removed. It would be more detrimental to take our foot off the brake now, particularly for Maori youth, and Maori men.

“It would be also suicidal for the Maori community especially leading up to millenium function where alcohol consumption will be a significant feature in the celebrations,” Nick Pataka said.

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