National furious over race reference in new Bill

9:45 AM

National is furious that Maori and Pacific Islanders would get special treatment under new legislation.

The government's Apprenticeship Training Bill requires apprenticeship coordinators to have "particular regard" to the needs of Maori and Pacific Islanders.

National MP Maurice Williamson says he tried to replace the wording with a more general reference, but his bid was voted down in select committee by government MPs.

He says he has been labelled a racist for his efforts.

Prime Minister Helen Clark has said that Labour's Closing the Gaps policy is a needs-based, rather than racially-based programme.

- IRN

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