Labour’s Ethnic Cleansing Policy for Local Government Elections

Te Ururoa Flavell, Local Government Spokesperson for the Maori Party

Friday 20 July 2007

Reported comments from Labour Party Women’s Vice President, Kate Sutton, that “Pakeha prefer to vote for white people with names they can pronounce” and that “Labour takes that into account when selecting candidates” have horrified the Maori Party.

“If that was the case, I probably wouldn’t have made the grade” said Te Ururoa Flavell, Local Government spokesperson for the Maori Party. “Nor my friend Tariana Turia, or even perhaps Hone Harawira”.

The comments were made following suggestions that 'names that are difficult to pronounce' and ‘different looking faces’ are hampering the chances of Pasifika candidates at local government elections.

“This is outright racism, and whether it’s stated party policy or personal opinion, we suggest Labour should be quick to explain why their candidate selection processes seemingly prioritises ‘white people’ with names that can be easily pronounced” said Flavell.

"I'd also like to know how this stacks up against the non-discriminatory clauses in the Human Rights Act 1993 and the NZ Bill of Rights Act 1990".

"If one was to look at their national selections it is clear that the same principle applies there" suggested Mr Flavell.

"The names, Parekura Horomia, Nanaia Mahuta, Mita Ririnui, Mahara Okeroa and John Tamihere were all selected to stand in Maori electorate seats with no Maori or Pacific sounding names being considered for general seats" said Flavell.

"Ironically we learn today that the Pakeha sounding name of Shane Jones is being considered for the Rimutaka seat. This must be embarrassing for Labour who have been exposed for the second time this week, first by Shane Jones saying Labour had duped Maori and now by this revelation" said Te Ururoa Flavell.

“What we know is that the overwhelming majority of elected local government members are Pakeha” said Flavell.

In 2004, the proportion of Maori elected onto local boards was 4.3% (39 members), and other ethnic groups formed just 1.4% of elected members (Indian, Chinese, Pasifika – 13 members), while 94% were Pakeha (837 members).

Source: Inquiry into the 2004 Local Authority Elections, Report of the Justice and Electoral Committee (2005)

“The reality is, that with our population browning up as it is, there are many ‘different looking faces’ living in Aotearoa and the sooner Labour understands that reality the better” said Mr Flavell.

“We are getting out there and saying to every Maori we meet – if you want to stand for election to council, go for it, go hard” said Flavell. “As the countdown to 27 July approaches (when nominations open) we will be encouraging everyone we can to make a difference in local government”.

Background

Local bodies are required under the Local Government Act 2002, to “foster Maori capacity to contribute to the decision-making processes of the local authority’.

Nominations for local Government elections open on 27 July 2007 and close at noon on 24 August 2007.

ENDS

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