Brash uses the Orewa Forum as another opportunity for attack

Tariana Turia, Co-leader, Maori Party 25 January 2005

The Maori Party is disappointed that the leader of the Opposition has approached the critical issue of welfare dependence by an attack on individual beneficiaries” said Tariana Turia, co-leader of the Maori Party.

‘Statements such as ‘ripping off the system’, or ‘living off the rest of the community’, lay the blame of our welfare system on the individual recipients, rather than focusing on how communities can address their situation. Attacks on Maori unmarried mothers are unnecessary and end up destroying the spirit of our women’.

“We believe that we must focus on strategies to eradicate poverty, to address welfare reliance, and to give hope that we can restore the ability to care for ourselves and each other” said Mrs Turia.

“The Maori Party agrees with the proposition that in a growing economy we should expect more people to benefit from employment. There should be an opportunity to invest in entrepreneurial activity as previous administrations did in the mid 1980s”

“In a buoyant economy, this should be the time to invest in all sectors of our community, to achieve wellbeing, as an important measure of social harmony. We must also take steps to recognize the value of the parenting, the volunteer workforce, and community initiatives in a sustainable and growing economy”.

“Trying to run an economy without parents, is like trying to go without oxygen” said Mrs Turia today.

“The Maori Party recognizes that Maori women made up the greatest amount of voluntary hours in the country. A dollar value has not been put on their work, but we should not forget the significance of their contribution, and others, to the social capital of this nation.

ENDS

© Scoop Media