Cuts to Pacific Island Affairs Ministry will hurt Pacific people
Revelations today that the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs faces funding cuts in the Budget are extremely concerning, Labour's Pacific Island Affairs Spokesperson Luamanuvao Winnie Laban says.
"During my time as Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, real progress was made in advancing Pacific people in New Zealand.
"We worked with businesses to develop economic plans to improve employment prospects for Pacific people in New Zealand, including an increase in the uptake of modern apprenticeships among Pacific people.
"We worked with schools and education establishments to advance participation and achievement of Pacific people at all levels of education, and we provided access to affordable primary health care through PHOs, and developed the Pasifika Health Plan with the Ministry of Health.
"The Pacific unemployment rate fell to 6.3 per cent, the number of Pacific people with a tertiary qualification doubled, and the health of Pacific people was greatly improved.
"Now after only 15 months of a National government this progress in being put in jeopardy. Pacific unemployment rate has leapt to 14 per cent, and funding cuts to the ministry would greatly threaten the other areas where advancements have been made.
"New Zealand is a Pacific nation. Our identity as peoples of the Pacific is part of the unique New Zealand brand.
“Our artists, sports people, business people and academics are an example of this. Pacific peoples have contributed enormously to the economic, social and cultural landscape of this nation.
“It is only right that the Government recognises this and continues to help advance our Pacific communities in New Zealand by maintaining a visible presence and voice for Pacific peoples in government.
“Cutting funding is not the right way to go,” Winnie Laban said.
