12 Nov 2014

TPK urges Maori development agenda

7:58 pm on 12 November 2014

Te Puni Kokiri is urging new minister Te Ururoa Flavell to present a Maori development agenda at next year's Waitangi Day commemorations.

Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell.

Te Ururoa Flavell Photo: RNZ / Demelza Leslie

The government organisation released its briefing to the Minister for Maori Development today.

Te Puni Kokiri says Waitangi Day 2015 marks 175 years since the signing of the Treaty and a key time to continue to progress Maori development.

It says Mr Flavell should include in the agenda a way to improve social welfare policy Whanau Ora by better engaging with whanau rather than individuals alone, and to build on progress made.

The organisation also encourages the minister to push the Government to showcase the unique value of Maori business to global markets to ensure that New Zealand continues to prosper.

Mr Flavell said he plans to set out an agenda on Maori economic development by Waitangi Day at the end of February, which will involve the next steps for Whanau Ora and what can be done for people living in poverty.

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