March 23, 2017
List-free MPs strengthen Maori hand in Labour
Labour leader Andrew Little is looking forward to having more Maori in the Labour caucus because of Maori electorate MPs staying off the party list.
Labour's selection process means the decision by the six MPs opens up places for Maori higher on the list.
Mr Little says a subcommittee turned down requests by other MPs to stay off the list, but the Maori MPs made a compelling argument they could campaign for their seats based on their track records and what they had to offer.
He says with other candidates like Willow Jean Prime, Paul Eagle and Willie Jackson seeking winnable positions, Labour should have a strong line up.
"It's Labour Maori MPs that provide the strongest Maori representation in parliament now. The reason I want to grow that number and have good strong Maori representation in the Labour Party is that if we have the privilege of forming a government on September 23, they will be integral to a Labour-led Government. It will be Maori with a permanent seat around the table and every sub-committee of cabinet and every other thing there is going," Mr Little says.
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