11. KELVIN DAVIS (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Maori Affairs
What are his priorities for Māori development?
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES (Minister of Māori Affairs) Link to this
My priorities are to achieve whānau ora and tino rangatiratanga, in accordance with the promise of partnership expressed in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Given that 400 to 500 Māori are joining the dole queue each week, does he not think it would have been better to hold 21 hui on Māori job creation or Māori educational underachievement than on a flag?
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES Link to this
Many issues face Māori, and in terms of employment I am actively focused on a range of issues. I have an economic task force, which is creating opportunities for employment as well as for business and for iwi industry.
Hon Ruth DysonHon Dr PITA SHARPLES Link to this
Trade training. On Thursday I am going to announce 250 places for Māori trade trainees.
Mr SPEAKERI am concerned and will seek advice on the flying of flags in this Chamber. In the meantime I ask the honourable member please to take them down. I will seek advice. If I am wrong, I will fully apologise to the honourable member.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
How is the Minister promoting and protecting the exercise of tino rangatiratanga by Māori?
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES Link to this
The right to autonomy, self-expression, and self-determination underpins my consideration of all issues. This should be obvious in the high-profile work that I am doing on reviewing the Foreshore and Seabed Act, bringing in a shift of Government—
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES Link to this
I wrote it; I can write. I am working for Māori representation on the Auckland Council, which I am involved in, plus shifting the Government’s opinion on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples—something that member’s party should have endorsed.
What does it say about the Minister’s priorities for Māori development if during this recession symbolism comes before creating Māori jobs and raising Māori educational underachievement?
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES Link to this
It does not come before those things; it comes as well as them. There are many issues with Māori, and, as I spelt out, my employment activities will create a lot of training positions plus employment and, as well as that, education. I am launching a literacy programme in South Auckland very shortly, reviewing kaupapa Māori education, and opening a trade agency in a school. We are involved in many issues for the betterment of Māori people.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
Has the Minister seen any reports on progressing his Māori development priorities?
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES Link to this
I have seen a report from the National Business Review of 10 July 2009 that reported on an impressive—
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES Link to this
Do you not read it? It reported on an impressive list of wins in Māori development, including a possible repeal of the foreshore and seabed legislation, that a Māori flag is to fly on Waitangi Day, greater resources to speed up Treaty negotiations, ratification of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, having two Ministers of the Crown, being in charge of Te Puni Kōkiri, a planned major devolution of welfare spending, the gaining of one or more Māori seats on the Auckland super-city council, protection of the Māori seats in Parliament, and a constitutional review—eā!
Hon Trevor Mallard Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I did not want to interrupt the Minister, as I was enjoying his answer, but I think he referred to you as endorsing a particular thing three times in his answer. I know we have—