The Maori Party needs to put its mana where its mouth is and talk the Government into revisiting its 1 April tax cuts, says Maori Affairs spokesman Parekura Horomia.

27 February 2009
Media Statement

Maori Party must demonstrate its mana
The Maori Party needs to put its mana where its mouth is and talk the Government into revisiting its 1 April tax cuts, says Maori Affairs spokesman Parekura Horomia.

“Over the last 24 hours, its co-leader Pita Sharples and the party’s President Whatarangi Winiata have both made it crystal clear the party felt forced to vote in favour of the cuts, which do not benefit low and middle income workers – even though it didn’t want to.

“The Maori Party last year defended its position by saying while the tax cuts package would not benefit Maori, it would do them no harm.

“This is simply not true, as the package gives nothing to lower income earners and clearly disadvantages Maori by increasing income disparities,” Parekura Horomia said.

“The world has changed markedly since National campaigned last year on introducing these tax cuts. The outlook for our economy has worsened significantly and job losses are forecast to increase.

“It is widely acknowledged that Maori and Pacific workers will be among those hardest hit, which makes it even more of an imperative now for the Maori Party to stand up and ensure any tax cut package cushions the impact on these communities,” Parekura Horomia said.

“The fairest and smartest plan is to focus tax cuts on low and middle income earners who are the most vulnerable in a recession and will also spend the money – rather than save it – stimulating the economy and create jobs.

“Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples is at today’s Jobs Summit and he has the opportunity to show Maori that he is serious about keeping them in work and protecting our whanau from the worst of the global economic crisis.

“He can do this by calling on John Key today to make sure that his tax cuts are refocused on those who need them the most,” Parekura Horomia said.

ENDS

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