This page last modified 26 October 1999
Labour Maori Development Policy continued...
Public health
Public health and wider social policy responses are critical to lowering the number of Mäori becoming affected by serious mental illness, including alcohol and drug disorders.
Labour will support public health programmes to:
These public health initiatives should aim to empower Mäori communities to address problems for themselves, rather than wait for the intervention of medical and health experts.
Actions to strengthen mental health for Mäori are:
Rangatahi and Tamariki
Culturally safe and appropriate mental health services have been almost non existent in most areas of the country to meet the needs of this group. They need to be able to access services able to provide effective services from mainstream and properly resourced kaupapa Mäori mental health services. With the increasing rate of suicide amongst rangatahi, this issue is critical. This age group makes up a large proportion of the Mäori population. Provision must be made to address alcohol and drug related problems. Many young Mäori women have become mentally unwell through being subjected to physical, mental, psychological and sexual abuse.
Services need to be developed by Mäori health providers such as:
EDUCATION
Education is the cornerstone for Mäori development and Labour is committed to supporting the educational achievement of Mäori people in Mäori language and mainstream education.
To meet the challenges ahead, Labour is committed to ensure that Mäori have a greater role in curriculum development, to raise the level of basic literacy and numeracy skills, to increase the number of Mäori teachers annually and to catapult Mäori into the learning medium of Information Communication and Technology that will determine better monitoring methods. This will ensure improved educational outcomes for Mäori.
Labour's commitment to supporting learning in Mäori language extends beyond Köhanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa Mäori, Whare Kura, and Whare Wänanga into mainstream. Mäori language is a means of communication through which students should have access to all types of knowledge in their native tongue.
This can be achieved through targeted educational initiatives. Labour aims to improve educational achievement for Mäori in mainstream by:
One of the most effective ways of ensuring the next generation is able to do better than the current one, is to increase the level of educational attainment of young people.
In almost every sector of the education systems at present, Mäori are under-represented and have lower levels of achievement. This is one of the fundamental factors in the relatively disadvantaged position in other economic and social areas. Improving Mäori education at all levels is therefore a vital ingredient in breaking the cycle of poverty and deprivation. This will only be achieved by strengthening specific Mäori education initiatives, along with improving mainstream opportunities.
Labour sees its obligations under the Treaty with respect to compulsory education as being to:
Education policy cannot be developed in isolation from other social and economic policies. There is substantial evidence that demonstrates that a major contributor to Mäori underachievement in education is the low socio-economic status of Mäori.
Labour recognises that Köhanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa Mäori Whare Kura and Whare Wananga have proved their worth and will ensure that successful programmes receive the recognition and resources they deserve.
Long-term Action Plan
In order to develop a long-term action plan for Mäori education, and in order to make a partnership work, we must continue to work together. As part of that process we must develop an ongoing consultation process which has credibility for both sides of the partnership.
In the past 'consultation' has become a bit of a catch phrase for government and government agencies. This leads to a good deal of cynicism on both sides about the uses and abuses of consultation. Labour plans to overcome the cynicism by demonstrating its sincerity and restoring integrity to the consultation process. Moreover, Labour acknowledges successive governments' failure (including our own) to develop a genuine partnership with Mäori.
In the first year in government, Labour will:
These forums will not be simply 'more talk' about problems. These forums will be action focused. The problems are clear. Some of the solutions are also clear. What we now need to do is develop a long-term action plan to put solutions into practice. This action plan needs to have significant input from as many Mäori as possible. It also needs to be developed by both sides of the partnership so that we can encourage and support each other towards achieving high educational standards and better educational outcomes for Mäori .
Curriculum development
Labour acknowledges that mainstream curriculum development must be more responsive to include Mäori language and culture in the core history and social studies components. Mäori language resource providers will be included in any strategic development of learning programmes in Mäori language. The Ministry requires that schools collect information to enable a full review of Mäori achievement and progress in both Mäori medium and mainstream schools.
Teacher recruitment and retention
One of the key factors in determining the quality of education available to Mäori is the standard of teaching. There is a clear, and immediate need for more Mäori teachers. This is especially important in general education where 85 per cent of Mäori children are. There is also a clear need for a pool of highly skilled teachers competent to teach in the Mäori language across the curriculum and from Köhanga Reo through to Whare Wänanga level. As 20 per cent of school students are Mäori, pre-service teacher education programmes should equip teachers to address their needs.
Labour will:
Mäori immersion education
One of the issues which must be addressed is the overall direction of Mäori language teaching to ensure that not only do we increase the overall number of fluent Mäori speakers, but also that the quality of the language being taught is of a high standard.
Labour accepts that Mäori should have the choice of being educated within Kura Kaupapa Mäori or in the general education system. That choice is not available to all Mäori at the moment because there is not the capacity within the present kaupapa Mäori structure to provide that option, nor are there many opportunities for immersion education within the state school system.
There is a need to strengthen policy advice for Mäori immersion education to ensure that there is an commitment to quality tertiary education. Labour will work to ensure that there is a transparent and accountable policy by which Köhanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa Mäori, Whare Kura and Whare Wänanga are established.
Labour will:
Mäori language resources
Mäori teachers and parents teaching Mäori language are constantly fighting a battle against limited Mäori language resources. They often spend long hours developing and making their own resources.
To ensure quality standards for Mäori language learning, Labour will:
Köhanga Reo - early childhood education
Young children must have access to affordable early childhood education. There has been significant growth in Mäori participation rates that can largely be attributed to the expansion of the Köhanga Reo movement, with Köhanga Reo now being the largest provider of early childhood education for Mäori children. Investment in professional development of kaiako, administrative skills development and an increased range of Mäori language resources are a significant factor to improving the quality of educational support in early childhood.
Köhanga Reo are now the largest provider of early childhood education for Mäori children. Nevertheless, Mäori participation rates in early childhood education programmes are low. Many, in spite of a clear need, do not have access to Köhanga Reo in their area. Nor are there always suitable, qualified teachers or adequate resources available.
Labour will:
Kura Kaupapa Mäori - schools
As increasing numbers of Mäori children come through Köhanga Reo it is vital that they are given the option of continuing their education within a bilingual system. Labour supports the further establishment of Kura Kaupapa Mäori to support the learning development in Mäori language.
Labour will:
Whare Wananga - tertiary education
Köhanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa Mäori, and Whare Kura have increased the need for a seamless education in Mäori language based on Mäori knowledge. The increase in enrolments have firmly established Whare Wänanga as a equitable option to other tertiary institutions.
Tertiary education is an area of key concern to Labour. We are committed to improving the quality, affordability and accessibility of tertiary education to ensure that no one is deterred from participating because of high costs. This is especially important for Mäori who have historically had low participation in tertiary education.
To improve the affordability of tertiary education there needs to be a fairer student loans scheme. Labour is also concerned for those who have already incurred considerable debt to obtain their tertiary education. In 1997, over 60 per cent of all Mäori students enrolled at universities had opened student loan accounts. In that same year the total borrowings by Mäori from the student loan scheme was $10,431,465.
There is an ongoing need to ensure that the retention of Mäori students increases at the same rate as enrolments. Whare Wänanga have assisted in the improvement of Mäori educational achievement and increased talent pool for Mäori development opportunities.
Labour will:
Information technology
Skills in using and managing information technology are as essential today as literacy and numeracy skills. Labour believes the best future for the New Zealand economy is one based on the knowledge economy where information technology is the means by which we can compete equally with the rest of the world. Mäori children often show a particular adeptness for technology and are quick to apply new skills.
Currently the extent to which young people have access to training in information technology is very dependent on the schools they go to. While some schools have very good access, others, most often the low decile or rural schools, have little or no facilities.
Because Mäori students are concentrated in less well-equipped schools, the proportion of Mäori students who are missing out is unacceptable. Unless young Mäori become familiar with information technology through the school system, their career options will be limited and the likelihood of reducing the 'gaps' between Mäori and non-Mäori will be significantly reduced.
However providing the technology is only part of the answer. Even if schools have computers in their classrooms, unless the staff are well trained in their use, students will not get the maximum advantage. There are currently very few teachers who are both fluent in te reo Mäori and are well trained in information technology.
Labour will:
Careers advice
Young Mäori must have access to appropriate, high quality careers advice while they are still at school and have assistance in developing a career plan for themselves. An overwhelming range of training options is on offer and it can be difficult for young people to access the information they need to make decisions. Labour is committed to ensuring that young Mäori have access to information and advice, which will assist them to plan their learning and employment careers.
Labour will:
Adult education and community learning
Labour is committed to improving the educational outcomes at all levels for whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori. Labour's education policy is built on a recognition of the crucial role of education in relation to social investment, lifelong learning and nation building. Labour will ensure formal recognition and proper organisation and resourcing of the sector occurs within the first three years.
Adult education programmes can greatly expand future opportunities for the benefit of the whole whänau. In 1996 almost 50 per cent of Mäori adults, 15 years and over, had no formal qualifications. These programmes would enable adults to build on formal and informal skills. Labour would work with whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori organisations to build effective partnerships within communities and between providers. The promotion of adult educational opportunities within the whänau environment will help increase the importance of education for all whänau members.
Labour will:
WOMEN
For many women the opportunity to gain work, return to the workforce or develop independence is hampered by poor access to education and training opportunities. Mäori women are less likely to be employed or be in part-time paid or unpaid work than other women while having the same levels of participation. Labour will ensure that barriers to education at all levels are reduced so that women can access education at various stages throughout their lives. Almost 50 per cent of Mäori women have no qualifications. Better resourcing of adult and community education in particular may help Mäori women re-enter education.
In 1999 Mäori women make up less than one quarter of the total full time self-employed Mäori workforce. Labour is committed to improving the opportunity for Mäori women to start their own businesses and to network with other self-employed women within and across the sectors. Labour applauds the success of the Mäori Women's Development Incorporation in providing opportunities and support to Mäori women to enter business and training.
Mäori women have been particularly affected by policies of the National Government. In 1996, 38 per cent of all Mäori families with children were single parent families. The majority of whom the parents were women and most were dependent on benefits. Those families have suffered from benefit cuts, shrinking core services, market rents, poor housing, poor educational achievement and a lack of opportunity.
Labour's extended Family Start policy will be vital in providing appropriate support and assistance for these women and their children, and it will be given a much higher priority. Hapü, iwi and Mäori organisations will be able to develop services necessary to strengthen whänau structures and improve whänau development. The policy ensures that appropriate support workers will be available to work with whänau in their own homes and co-ordinate support services according to the comprehensive needs of the whänau.
Mäori women will also benefit from Labour's commitment to restore income-related rents for state housing so that low income tenants pay no more than 25 per cent of their net income in rent.
Labour will return to health policies which are integrated and wellness-focused to help build Mäori women's health status. Labour is committed to continuing free GP visits for under six year olds. The holistic approach to health and wellness followed by Mäori health initiatives will be further encouraged.
Labour will:
SPORT AND RECREATION
Labour is committed to further developing Mäori sport. The average age of the Mäori population is significantly lower than that of non-Mäori and is continuing to fall. Sport and recreation opportunities are therefore particularly important for whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori. For many young Mäori the opportunity to build pride, self-esteem and a healthy lifestyle lies in their ability to participate in such activities.
Labour recognises the important role sport can play in building self-esteem and pride. Sporting heroes give young people role models to emulate. Success within the sporting arena is not only a potential way to a fulfilling career, but applying the discipline required to achieve success in sport is useful training for achieving success in any other pursuit.
For those not destined to be the sporting success stories, participation alone brings its own rewards.
Mäori youth can make up a significant proportion of the participants in some sporting codes, but the funding available to their organisations does not always reflect this fact. Labour wants to encourage the trend towards more active participation of Mäori youth in sport, and especially to encourage young people to remain active throughout their teenage years.
Labour also recognises that not all young Mäori will want to become involved in organised sporting activities. Other recreational opportunities need to be provided.
Labour will:
Skills Training and Employment
One quarter of all unemployed Mäori are teenagers with low levels of work experience. For them labour market participation is generally a cycle of moving from one training programme to another without building up a package of complementary skills focused on attaining employment and developing a career.
There are also substantially fewer Mäori employers than the Mäori per centage of the population would suggest there should be. Consequently the networks and word of mouth which are important ways in which people find employment are less available to Mäori.
As a consequence of such factors and of low educational achievement Mäori continue to be concentrated in a relatively narrow range of industries and occupations, requiring low skilled workforce.
While improving Mäori educational achievement and ensuring young Mäori have better career development advice will eventually help to remedy this problem, in the short and medium term it is important that additional effort is also put in to provide employment related skills training which leads to sustainable employment.
For this to be effective it is essential that whänau whänui are a key focus in developing alternative work and employment opportunities, so that the employment and economic initiatives which are developed are spread more widely amongst communities and that the strategies are a collective response to local needs. This will ensure that the capacity is built up within whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori organisations to implement the initiatives which are developed.
Gateway programme
Labour believes that young Mäori will benefit from being able to experience a variety of workplace settings to assist them to decide where they will seek employment when they leave school.
Labour will:
Training Opportunities Programme (TOP)
Labour will continue to support TOP and will:
Trade, technical training and apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a tried and tested system for young Mäori to gain a recognised and valued qualification in a work environment. It provides a mentoring system with skilled and experienced adult workers and ensures young people get work experience as they are being trained.
Labour is committed to increasing the number of apprentices significantly and will encourage this by:
Many small businesses now find it difficult to support a full time apprentice, although they would both benefit from the extra staff members at some times and have expertise and experience that could benefit trainees.
Where employers are unsure about taking on an apprentice on their own, Group Training Companies will be able to act as the employer. This will enable an apprentice to have a single employer, even though they may need to move between several workplaces to get the range of experience and training required completing their apprenticeship.
Iwi organisations, or other community based structures which wish to co-ordinate the training of groups of young Mäori, will be encouraged to establish themselves as Group Training Companies.
In the past Mäori trade training has provided many Mäori youth with the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of occupations. While some trade training is still provided through Whare Wänanga, no specific assistance is available to young Mäori to take up this option. The resulting reduction in the amount of training has left a serious gap.
Labour will again make funds available to encourage young Mäori to take up trade or technical training opportunities.
The Mäori Battalion kaupapa is a concept that suggests to Mäori of all ages a programme that has mana, and conveys a very powerful image in terms of the Mäori perception of the Mäori Battalion.
Labour believes that in the future, trade and technical training programmes for Mäori youth should be developed, which build on the kaupapa of the Mäori Battalion, providing training in a disciplined, professional and supportive environment. Mäori youth and kaumatua alike would be proud to be associated with such a kaupapa.
Other work based training
The development of a high skilled, high-income economy is a central part of Labour's economic policy. That requires not only more students coming through the formal education system with higher qualifications, but also acceptance that education and training must continue throughout our working lives.
Work based training is a vital part of that. While apprenticeships will cover some of this, Labour believes the need for work based training goes much wider than this and will work with employers and trainers to this end.
The new technological age will mean that most workers will be required to change jobs more often than in the past. That may well occur within the same firm, but it will mean that workers will have to retrain regularly. It also means that employers will have to ensure that ongoing training becomes an integral part of their workplace management.
Mäori have been particularly hard hit by the collapse of industries, which have not adjusted to change well, such as the meat industry. Mäori have also suffered from large scale restructuring of government departments and agencies, which in the past employed many people.
Mäori therefore have much to gain by a change in work practice, which ensures that all workers are offered the opportunity for ongoing and regular up-skilling within their workplaces.
The current system of industry training does not guarantee that all workers get such an opportunity. Because firms are not required to train their workers, many find that it is to their advantage to rely on other firms doing the training. The result of this policy is to discourage all firms from providing adequate training. Labour believes the costs of increasing the skill levels of the workforce should be borne fairly by all enterprises.
Labour will:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Ministry for Mäori Economic and Social Development will work with whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori organisations to facilitate long-term economic independence.
Mäori unemployment figures are consistently higher than non-Mäori rates. Mäori youth are still facing unemployment rates as high as 40 per cent. This high level of Mäori unemployment is likely to continue unless there is some change in economic and employment policies.
Relying on economic growth alone will not provide jobs for those without the appropriate skills, nor will it be sufficient to encourage firms to invest in the training programmes necessary to ensure that our potential workforce is better prepared for employment in an internationally competitive open economy.
Mäori economic independence will be fostered through Labour's economic policy. It will provide a new and better focus for the development of training and employment programmes which will provide immediate assistance for those currently unemployed, and improve the employment outlook both for those within the workforce and for those yet to enter it.
Labour will encourage the development of employment initiatives based in and organised by Mäori communities.
Local Economic Assistance Fund (LEAF)
Many Mäori live in parts of New Zealand which are suffering from one or more of:
Labour will establish a new Local Economic Assistance Fund (LEAF) to encourage the development of local economic initiatives in such areas.
The specific functions of the LEAF will be to fund:
Funds available will be based on three factors; the level of unemployment, the rate of recent economic growth or decline, the rate of recent population growth or decline. The higher the levels of these factors for a region, the greater the level of subsidy available from LEAF.
This programme will help local communities develop their own economic development plans, which both meet local needs and utilise local resources.
Land development
Land is one of the most important resources for whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori development, yet too often they have not been able to gain the full potential benefit from it, either because of legislative restrictions or lack of finance or experience. Huge tracts of multiply owned Mäori land lie idle and are non-productive. The potential for Mäori people to create employment by the development of their own land for the purpose of forestry, agriculture and horticulture, could be a major initiative for Mäori living in rural areas.
Labour will:
Fisheries
Mäori stakeholding in the fishing industry is considerable, however barriers that still exist, must be removed to improve opportunity, kaitiakitanga and strengthen development. Te Ohu Kai Moana (the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission) currently holds 38 per cent of the Individual Transferable Quota of the commercial fishery, and other assets and subsidiary companies on behalf of whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori.
Labour is committed to promoting the training necessary to maximise the employment opportunities for whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori in the fishing industry. As strategic partners in the fishing industry, Labour will work with whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori to build investment, skills, research, and to improve the marine environment.
The principles established by Labour in 1986 for issuing new fish quota, including historical catch and commitment to fishing, will continue to apply. Labour recognised the Crown's Treaty of Waitangi commitment in the Mäori Fisheries Act 1989. Labour will honour the Crown's obligations under the 1992 deal by allocating to Mäori 20 per cent of quota in the fourth schedule species and 20 per cent of quota in new species as of right. A fair process must be used to ensure a new grievance is not created with existing fishers.
The Quota Management System disenfranchised many small-scale whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori fishers from holding any fishing quota. To date, many have still not been able to return to fishing, despite the quota that has been allocated to Te Ohu Kai Moana. Frustration continues to grow over the amount of time, effort and money spent in the courts, rather than finalising the allocation model and distributing the benefits to all Mäori, as required by the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Act 1992.
Te Ohu Kai Moana has a dual accountability role. It must report annually to Parliament and it is also accountable to its whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori stakeholders. Labour will ensure that there are processes in place that keep it fully accountable.
It will be equally important that those who receive settlement assets from Te Ohu Kai Moana have a suitable mandate and appropriate systems of accountability and transparency in place. Te Ohu Kai Moana will be required to have a current stakeholder register identifying whänau, hapü and iwi members, and other Mäori organisations that will receive benefits from the assets held.
Whänau, hapü, and iwi must be able to fish their traditional moana. Labour will review the Mäori fisheries legislation to ensure that this requirement is fulfilled, and that assets belonging to whänau, hapü, and iwi stay within their control.
Labour supports the development of taiapure reserves, the coastal reserves provided for in the Fisheries Act 1996, and of mataitai reserves managed by kaitiaki under the Mäori customary fishing regulations. The process for establishing these reserves must be workable if they are to succeed as conservation and sustainability tools that build on customary fishing tikanga.
Labour will:
Fresh water and marine farming
Sustainability of natural resources is more important today than ever before. New Zealand's natural fresh water and marine environment has been put under varying degrees of pressure from commercial, recreational and customary fishers. This has vastly depleted natural fishery stocks.
There is considerable potential in the development of fresh water and marine farming technologies as an alternative, and future fishery. However, community support and environmental sustainability are essential if these developments are to succeed.
Labour will:
Marine and fisheries tourism
Tourism is New Zealand's single biggest foreign exchange earner. Part of the attraction to our country is to enjoy New Zealand's fresh water and marine environment, and its recreational fishing and diving.
There is potential for whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori to enter into the fishing tourism sector making use of traditional knowledge and new technologies.
The fisheries tourism industry provides the opportunity for whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori organisations to develop skills and services utilising existing resources.
There is potential for similar ventures in other parts of the country and Labour will be actively encouraging such investment.
One example of this, Whale Watch Kaikoura is a highly successful venture. Started in 1987 by the whänau of Ngäti Kuri, a hapü of Ngai Tahu, with tribal backing it has expanded continuously and this year accepted its third top international award. It combines indigenous people, culture, heritage and environment providing a unique and quality experience and improving the social conditions of Ngäti Kuri by investing the profits in education and training.
Labour will also ensure sustainable management of and continued access to New Zealand's recreational fishery, including the rejection of Individual Transferable Quota for this fishery.
Labour will:
Small Business
Real employment growth in New Zealand is likely to come mainly from growth in the small business sector. If Mäori economic development is to gain momentum it is important that Mäori become more involved in the small business sector.
In the past, Mäori have had difficulties in this regard due to factors such as lack of access to venture capital, lack of skills, lack of experience, lack of business networks, and discrimination. As a result, Mäori employment has been predominantly concentrated in large-scale industries such as freezing works. Such industries are on the decline as sources of employment.
Labour will actively encourage Mäori into small business ventures by providing assistance to establish new enterprises, improving access to marketing expertise and capital.
Labour will:
Tourism
Tourism is New Zealand's single biggest foreign exchange earner generating more than $4.8 billion in foreign exchange annually. It is expected to generate 75,000 full-time jobs over the next four years. Over one third of international visitors demand a Mäori experience. Tourism is a service industry with a high potential for employment.
New Zealand has two unique features in the international tourism market - a clean green image and Mäori culture.
There are small tourism operators spread throughout New Zealand marketing Mäori products, services and experiences. Labour believes there needs to be a National tourism strategy to develop tourism opportunities and support growth in regional tourism markets. Part of this strategy must be to ensure there are opportunities to network within and across regions.
Research in some of our key markets clearly indicates an increasing demand for a Mäori cultural experience. Labour will ensure that TradeNZ works with Mäori tourism interests to develop the international profile of 'Mäori culture'.
There is a need to provide business advice, improve access to venture capital and marketing support in the Mäori tourism sector.
Labour will:
CULTURE AND LANGUAGE
The expression of Mäori culture is an integral part of Mäori identity. The Mäori language plays an invaluable part in the culture of New Zealand. Labour is committed to the ongoing development of the Mäori language.
The preservation and development of the Mäori language is vital. Labour is committed to ensuring this by supporting Köhanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa Mäori and proper funding for Mäori medium teaching through all levels. Labour will work to increase the volume of high quality Mäori language resources available and improve access to them. These initiatives, along with a continued role for Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Mäori (the Mäori Language Commission) will assist the continued development of the Mäori language. This must acknowledge the different needs of native speakers and second language learners.
Labour believes that government must take a lead role in the development of the Mäori language, as stated in the Mäori Language Act 1987. Therefore it will ensure that the Mäori language policies are developed, implemented and evaluated across the government sector.
Furthermore, Labour believes that the establishment of a Mäori Cultural Foundation which co-ordinates and promotes all forms of Mäori arts and culture, including contemporary and traditional arts, is an ideal way of promoting the further development of Mäori arts and culture. The specific composition of such a Foundation and its detailed functions, however, need to be discussed widely with whänau, häpu, iwi, and Mäori.
Labour acknowledges the importance of music and arts in a traditionally oral culture. Labour is committed to the capacity building of whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori development, this includes the strengthening of knowledge specific to whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori through waiata and the arts. Opportunities will be further increased through Labour's Creative Industries policy, such as the introduction of New Zealand music quota on radio and free to air television.
Cultural expression has the potential to assist whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori development, and create many jobs for Mäori. It is essential that it be promoted in a way, which ensures quality, authenticity and non-exploitation.
Labour will:
MÄORI BROADCASTING
Labour is committed to the development and long term sustainability of a networked radio and television broadcasting service. The development of Mäori broadcasting is vital to increase Mäori and general understanding of the language and culture, and for whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori development.
Te Mangai Paho (The Mäori Broadcasting Commission) has been given responsibility for setting priorities for Mäori radio and television broadcasting.
Labour places high priority on the development and promotion of high quality Mäori language and culture programmes on mainstream television. There must also be ongoing commitment to increase quality Mäori programming.
Iwi radio stations are currently the voice of the iwi, and the basis of Mäori broadcasting. They provide the training ground for many Mäori broadcasters. Labour acknowledges the contribution they make to whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori development. Labour will work with iwi radio stations to make improvements, which will strengthen the network.
The establishment of a separate television channel promoting Mäori language and culture was a historic move to reflect Mäori culture and to promote the Mäori language.
The competitive model for establishing the first Mäori television channel is inappropriate. What is needed is a model that makes the best use of the small pool of professional Mäori broadcasters in both radio and television. Competition can occur in the production of programmes for television and for iwi radio stations, which would be networked.
The current model for the proposed Mäori television channel was forced on Mäori through an inadequate development and consultation process. Labour is committed to working with Mäori to establish a television channel based on the needs of whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori that will ensure long term goals are achievable. Labour will assess the proposed television channel and align it with the long term goals.
Labour will:
END