Labour pitches for Maori vote

WANGANUI - The Labour Party says it will strengthen the Ministry of Maori Development and close the gap between Maori and other New Zealanders if it leads the next government.

The party's Maori policy is centred on beefing up Te Puni Kokiri, to be called the Ministry of Maori Economic and Social Development.

"Labour will not stand by and see Maori continue to be over-represented in terms of negative statistics," party leader Helen Clark said on Saturday as she launched the policy at Ratana Pa.

"Major strides need to be made in improving employment statistics, housing and education achievement."

She said Te Puni Kokiri would be "refocused" with integrated arms: an economic development directorate and a social development directorate.

The policy documents do not say how much the programmes would cost but Helen Clark said there would be more direct resourcing of Maori development initiatives.

Main points of the policy include:

* Education - more teachers in Maori language and in all core curriculum subjects.

* Housing - encouraging the development of papakainga [marae-based] housing and supporting self-build schemes to allow whanau to build and own their own homes.

* Employment - helping young Maori gain recognised and valued qualifications through a "modern apprenticeship programme."

"Iwi and community organisations which wish to coordinate the training of groups of young Maori will be encouraged," Helen Clark said. "Labour will make funds available to encourage young Maori into trade and technical training opportunities."

Labour education spokeswoman Nanaia Mahuta said the party would hold a hui for Maori educators and community leaders in 2000 to develop a long-term education plan.

The number and quality of Maori teachers across the sector would be boosted and teacher recruitment targeted to ensure more Maori-speaking teachers in all subject areas.

Labour would also review the role and operation of the Kohanga Reo National Trust.

The party said the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission would be supported to develop a "fair allocation model" and commissioners would be fully accountable to the Crown and Maori stakeholders.

Labour also wanted a Maori tourism body set up to create an international profile for Maori culture.

- NZPA