12. TAITO PHILLIP FIELD (Labour—Mangere) Link to this
to the Minister of Pacific Island Affairs
What are the main conclusions of the latest Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs report on the effectiveness for Pacific Island people of Government policy?
Hon LUAMANUVAO WINNIE LABAN (Acting Minister of Pacific Island Affairs) Link to this
The report shows that, as a result of initiatives, including the Work and Income Pacific Wave strategy, there has been a 53 percent decrease in Pacific people receiving the unemployment benefit in Auckland in the last 2 years to June 2005. The report also shows that 140 Pacific people received TeachNZ early childhood education scholarships in 2004—an increase from 37 in 2000—which has strengthened Pacific participation in early childhood education.
Taito Phillip Field Link to this
What does the report say about Pacific economic development, and what is the Government doing to further strengthen Pacific economic development?
Hon LUAMANUVAO WINNIE LABAN Link to this
Government has an increased focus on economic prosperity for Pacific people through initiatives such as the Pacific Economic Action Plan. More Pacific people than ever before are in jobs, but we realise there is still more work to be done. It is about turning the one-day stalls at the Pasifika festival into ongoing sustainable economic businesses.
Dr the Hon Lockwood Smith Link to this
Did the report examine any allegations of misuse of the Samoan or Pacific Island immigration quota system and the effects of such misuse on Pacific Island people and the integrity of the Government’s Pacific quota policy?