February 23, 2017
Little defends Maori Party scrutiny
Andrew Little says Labour's election year emphasis on housing, education and jobs are the kaupapa its Maori members say is important to them.
Labour Party leader has been attacked for his comments on kaupapa Maori by Maori Party president Tukoroirangi Morgan, who says he wouldn't know kaupapa Maori if it hit him in the head.
Mr Little says he's just questioning what the Maori Party has gained by being shackled to National for nine years.
Maori are still over-represented in the unemployment statistics, including being a large percentage on the 18 to 24 year olds not in work, education or training.
"The Greens and Labour set up the homelessness inquiry last year. Marama Fox to her credit wanted to come on board. She came on board representing the Maori Party. Her commitment was to take the recommendations of that inquiry into Government to Bill English she promised and get things moving. Nothing has happened. Maybe she has advocated to Mr English, I don't know, but if she has, then it hasn't led to anything," Mr Little says.
He says National's grace and favour approach to the Maori Party amounts to colonialism.
FULL INTERVIEW WITH ANDREW LITTLE
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