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Posting to Parliament Wire of Scoop
Press Release: New Zealand Labour Party
Date: Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Time: 3:57 pm NZT
Pacific communities to support hikoi on Super City
12 May 2009
Media Statement
Pacific communities to support hikoi on Super City
Auckland's Pacific community expressed strong concerns about
the Government's Super City plans at a Pacific Fono in Manukau
last night and have resolved to support the hikoi in favour of
Maori seats, says Labour's Associate Pacific Island Affairs
Spokesperson Su'a William Sio.
The other key resolution passed at the Regional Pacific Fono,
held at Manukau City's TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre,
was to set up a working party.
"Pacific families, youth, workers, community and business leaders
braved wet and cold weather with some travelling as far as Waiuku,
Waitakere and North Shore to have their say," Su'a William
Sio said.
"It was an emotionally-charged meeting and people were angry
and frustrated with the Government's plan and lack of consultation
with our communities.
"A common refrain was: 'why weren't Pacific People considered
in the Government's structure?' People wanted immediate action
to reflect their concerns."
Among the organisations represented at the Fono were: members
of Pacific Advisory Boards for Auckland City Council, Manukau
City Council, Waitakere City Council, North Shore City Council,
unions, Pacific media, and the Pacific Chamber of Commerce.
"It was resolved the working party be set up and include members
of the Pacific Advisory Boards from each of the four Auckland
councils present – Manukau, Waitakere, North Shore and Auckland
City. This working party will help to organise meetings, update
and inform people," said Su'a William Sio.
"The Fono agreed that we call on Pacific people throughout
Auckland to support the hikoi for the Maori seats on the Super
City - and this also means we're calling on the Government
for more consultation before finalising their plans."
"There was general recognition that in order for this Government
to provide real and lasting respect for Pacific people, we (Pacific)
needed to support Maori so that they aren't forced to beg,
or protest, in their own land, for even one seat at their own
table by this National Government."
"People were angry that even though Mr Key is saying publicly
that he is listening, the Super City is still being rushed through
and people feel that the Government has already made up its mind."
"It was clear from responses that people wanted more time
to fully understand what the Super City means to them, and that
the Government needed to keep their pre-election promise of consulting
with Aucklanders and not ram through legislation in urgency."
ENDS
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This Story is at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0905/S00216.htm
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