Waiariki MP backs National deal

Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell says the confidence and supply agreement between the Maori Party and the National-led Government gives his party power to reduce poverty.

The MP for the Maori electorate, that includes the Bay of Plenty from Cape Runaway to Waihi Beach, says the agreement allows the party to implement policy from outside of cabinet on a case-by-case basis.

“The confidence and supply agreement allows the Maori Party to retain our independence but also have some influence and implement parts of the policies the party campaigned on,” says Te Ururoa.

“I am very pleased with the package, but I understand the party still has a lot of hard work to do.”

The agreement means the Maori Party will supply positive votes to support the National-led Government in return for agreement to a policy programme including Maori Party objectives and values.

The National coalition with Act and United Future gives the Government 61 seats in a 121 seat Parliament, meaning they do not need the Maori Party to govern, but this agreement improves confidence in the house.

The Maori Party claims two ministerial positions outside of cabinet, with co-leader Pita Sharples appointed Minister of Maori Affairs, Associate Minister of Education and Associate Minister of Corrections, and co-leader Tariana Turia Minister of Whanau Ora, Minister for Disability Issues, Associate Minister of Health, and Associate Minister of Housing.

Te Ururoa says it is a different environment in Parliament this time with the party no longer having the four members they had before.

In the upcoming term Te Ururoa says the main focus is to introduce policy to develop three areas – reducing poverty, developing Whanau Ora and education.

“The big focus will be on addressing poverty, and we have some good policies in place – we will be making moves to change that.”

The agreement includes establishing a Ministerial Committee on Poverty with Tariana Turia as deputy chair, and further members yet to be appointed by Prime Minister John Key. The first report from the committee is expected by mid-2012.

“We want to focus on education and creating warm housing.”

The confidence and supply agreement comes following two weeks of nationwide huis after the election on November 26.

“Maori Party members worked hard to negotiate their position.”

Te Ururoa says the confidence and supply agreement will also aim in pushing issues effecting Bay of Plenty residents, especially through future training and trade training apprenticeships to help those struggling to find work in the area.

“Bay of Plenty is dealing with a lot of issues at the moment. Psa is infecting 75 per cent of orchards in Te Puke.

“Psa is an ongoing problem and we need to just keep pushing on, there is a lot of work going on in the area. The supply and confidence will allow us to work on those issues.”

Te Ururoa has been the MP for Wairiki since 2005 and with Maori Party leaders Tariana and Pita likely to stand down before the 2014 election, Te Ururoa is expected to be a front runner to lead the party.

“We know Tariana and Pita are moving on and we need to address this.

“It is not appropriate I go into the next election without having experience as the leader of the party.”

The party constitution requires the party to have one male and one female leader, which is reviewed every three years post election.

To become leader Te Ururoa says he will be looking to increase his national profile, beyond the Waiariki electorate.

“We have a big job ahead of us to bring belief back into the Maori Party.”