8. Hon NANAIA MAHUTA (Labour—Hauraki-Waikato) Link to this
to the Minister of Maori Affairs
Was he consulted by the Prime Minister or the Minister of Labour in relation to the extension of the 90-day trial period announced this weekend; if so, what was his response?
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES (Minister of Māori Affairs) Link to this
Tēnā koe, Mr Speaker. Tēnā tātou e te Whare. No.
Hon Nanaia Mahuta Link to this
Does he stand by his statement: “Look the 90-day bill we voted against it, we fought against it, we didn’t get it … but you go for the greater good and that’s why we’re there”; if so, where is the greater good to be found in supporting a Government that is removing basic rights from Māori workers?
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES Link to this
My views are well known on opposing that legislation, but the key thing in working with the Government is that we agree to disagree on certain issues.
Hon Nanaia Mahuta Link to this
Not good enough. How can he support a law that makes it easier for employers to sack their workers, casualising the workforce; and how will that measure help the 22,000 Māori who are currently unemployed or the 36 percent of young unemployed Māori to get into a job?
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES Link to this
We do not support the current legislation. The issue is not about failing to support a trial. A trial is fine, but once one removes the right to appeal, then that is why we oppose that law.
Carmel SepuloniDoes he agree with his co-leader, Tariana Turia, that there is “no evidence” that the 90-day probation period will lead to employers taking on more young Māori; if so, how can he justify his continued support of a Government that has raised GST, denied Māori representation on the super-city, and ignored his objections twice on the 90-day, fire-at-will law?
Hon Dr PITA SHARPLES Link to this
I do agree with Tariana Turia, my co-leader, and I work with this Government because it has been able to create initiatives like Māra Kai, Whānau Ora, Youth Training, literacy programmes, early childhood programmes, and other initiatives.