NZ First joins in ‘race-based’ politicking   30 Jul 2014

NZ First joins Act and Conservatives in ‘race-based’ politicking

The Maori Party says that Winston Peters comments about ‘race-based’ parties is laughable considering Winston Peters’ own courtship of the Maori vote, and history in the Maori seats.

Te Ururoa Flavell said “Let me be clear here – we are not a race-based Party. We are a kaupapa-based party that believes in cultural diversity.”

He says the Maori seats which once constrained Maori participation are now a vehicle that ensures that as an indigenous minority Maori are represented in Parliament.

“Winston should know this – New Zealand First took a clean sweep of the Maori seats when they were first made proportional to the Maori population. That change only happened in 1996. The following election, Maori voters walked away from his Party – and I don’t believe he has ever got over it.”

“Winston has now joined in with Colin Craig of the Conservatives and Jamie Whyte of Act in playing the race card this election. These divide and rule tactics which aim to paint Maori as a privileged people will not work this time around.”

“Every election year we see political parties pull out the ‘race card’ because it’s easy. Well the Maori Party aren’t about easy, we’re about what’s right and what’s responsible. Our duty as citizens is to ensure that we are all succeeding and thriving equally in this country – and clearly there is a group of people who are not achieving the same outcomes.”

“So my message to NZ First and those other parties is to get with the times. Our nation is culturally diverse, and it’s wonderful. Embrace it.”

ENDS

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