New Zealand First

MAORI AFFAIRS

INTRODUCTION

Without question, race relations has become a focal point for government in how social policy is both developed and delivered. For too long, successive governments have promoted policies, which have served to divide New Zealanders, as they are fundamentally based on race not need. The time has arrived for this nonsense to end and for government to treat all New Zealanders equally.

New Zealand's approach to race relations must not rely on wishful thinking, make-believe or denial. We must start by acknowledging the fact that despite claims by some that Maori are equal citizens, Maori continue to be over represented in the statistics of social failure.

Despite several years of programmes such as 'closing the gaps' and reducing inequalities, Maori health status remains considerably lower than that of non-Maori across a range of health indicators including life expectancy, Maori are concentrated in lower paid occupations. The country is currently enjoying a relatively low rate of unemployment, but Maori unemployment is more than double that and Maori continue to be disproportionately involved in the criminal justice system.

These are conditions that demand action. They must be confronted. We cannot accept that any group of New Zealanders should face the prospect of enduring disadvantage - and let's not forget that one in seven New Zealanders is a Maori, a proportion growing with each generation.

Addressing these issues must occur in two parts. In the first instance we must directly address the issues outlined above regarding Maori performance against key social indicators. This aspect of the policy acknowledges the origins within "Ka Awatea" that the people must be able to fully participate in the future development of our country. Education is the key to upward mobility. Good health, sound housing and adequate employment opportunities are not colour barred.

Secondly, the present approach to race relations based on the emerging culture and the fraternity that has grown up around the Treaty of Waitangi and in particular, the insidious inclusion of the so called 'principles of the Treaty' into legislation, must be addressed. Our Treaty of Waitangi policy achieves this.

New Zealand First will:

ensure that all policy-making is based on need and not on race, creed or colour;
end the political correctness within the bureaucracy which is one of the greatest impediments to the social and economic development of both Maori and non-Maori;
put an end to the grievance industry which promotes a grievance mentality that hinders the efforts of Maori to overcome disadvantage. As a counter to this, New Zealand First will promote Maori success as an example to all Maori of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication;
promote the position that while New Zealand First supports the proposition of one single franchise, that none-the-less the decision to abolish Maori seats is a decision for the people to make;
repeal legislation which provides for separate Maori wards in local government;
direct resources to where they are of the greatest benefit, recognising that education is the key to success. Without it, our citizens are condemned to a narrow range of options and certain failure to reach their potential. Rather than pour resources into separate development we should focus on providing high quality education for all our youth, on the basis of need;
ensure that the Maori and non-Maori alike have access to apprenticeships and skills development thereby ensuring their active participation in a modern technologically driven economy;
actively protect Maori language and culture, not under the guise of a Treaty obligation, but rather because they are the indigenous language and culture of New Zealand; and,
provide mechanisms for Maori to be able to build houses on collectively owned land.


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New Zealand First
Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Phone: (04) 471 9292 Fax: (04) 472 8557
info@nzfirst.org.nz

Authorised by Doug Woolerton, 7 Chelsea Place, Chartwell, Hamilton