Hon Parekura Horomia
Minister of Mäori Affairs

25 September 2006 Press Release

Dr Brash turns back the clock to Orewa again

"Don Brash has done it again. The moment he gets into leadership trouble he goes back to having a crack at Maori," Parekura Horomia said today.

"It's like some sort of comfort zone for Dr Brash making negative and divisive comments about the place of Maori in New Zealand in contemporary times. This time he has taken a swipe at the judiciary labelling them "out of touch" with the rest of New Zealand over their views on the Treaty of Waitangi. In my view it is Dr Brash that is out of touch".

"Dr Brash has revived the comments he has consistently made about Maori since 2004. At different times he's described Maori as a "sub-class of New Zealanders". Now he is suggesting that Maori are not a distinct indigenous people and made comments that "there are few, if any fully Maori left here".

"Ever since Don Brash took over as leader, National's strategy has been to use extreme language to divide the electorate. He has questioned the need for Maori TV, stated that National would abolish the Maori seats, questioned the need for Maori doctors, and generally used rhetoric that seeks to highlight what is different about New Zealanders rather the goals we have in common" said Mr Horomia.

"I've had enough of Don Brash and National's extreme rhetoric. I've been elected to govern and make a difference for all New Zealanders and as Minister of Maori Affairs particularly for Maori. We are moving forward with our busy and important programme and it's time that Dr Brash and National realised that Maori are moving forward and won't put up with this approach."

"Labour believes our country has to move forward together in the interests of New Zealand. National has no positive agenda. Under Labour, Maori are actually getting ahead and contributing to New Zealand economically and socially - but National just wants to knock them back."

"Don Brash's leadership of the National Party is at the heart of the negativity currently running through New Zealand politics. As leader Don Brash chooses the direction they take. He cannot separate himself from it. Frankly, I am tired of his divisive rhetoric and his promotion of the interests of sectors in New Zealand that seek to divide the country in favour of some wealthy elite idea of what the national consciousness should be" said Mr Horomia.

"This country has made significant steps to forming a nation that is inclusive and all embracing. Dame Te Ata's tangi exemplified this and I don't like seeing it put asunder by Dr Brash's ilk."

ENDS

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