December 22, 2014
Labour owe Maori and Pacific Island communities some real wins
One of the few glimmers of hope for the Labour Party from the previous election was the growth of the Maori and Pacific Island vote. Minus their support, Labour's historic low would have been even worse.
The need to recognise the support from the Maori and Pacific Community demands policy from Labour that will put their interests at the front of the line should Labour form a Government in 2017.
Poverty has impacted Maori and Pacific Islanders more harshly than other NZers, and the looming economic downturn means that the current situation of 250 000 children living in poverty is as good as it gets.
Labour need to structure policy that won't spook the middle while promising meaningful reform that invests in the social infrastructure and autonomy of those citizens the rock star economy of NZ is failing.
The need to acknowledge the loyalty of Maori and Pacific Island voters was disrespected by David Shearer when he took to media after Cunliffe stood aside for the leadership and claimed Labour had to prioritise white males as the demographic to influence.
He may be tactically right but it was strategy minus any tact.
Maori and Pacific Islanders stood staunch for Labour while many other voters deserted them. Recognising that is essential if Labour deserves to retain that support
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