Labour is committed to ensuring the Māori economy thrives by backing Māori businesses to be able to secure a government procurement contract. 

“Under National, Māori unemployment has increased to 10.8% and the Māori economy has gone backwards – we want to change that,” Labour’s Māori Economy spokesperson, Cushla Tangaere-Manuel said. 

“Māori businesses up and down the country have demonstrated that they can deliver. That’s why Labour will reinstate our Progressive Procurement policy because we know it works. 

“Like Labour’s general small business policy allocation, we will aim for an initial target of 5% of government procurement contracts to be allocated to Māori businesses. 

“Based on the previous policy, we know that 5% is both deliverable and sustainable.  

“This means that approx. $900 million worth of contracts could be awarded to Māori businesses injecting much needed capital into businesses and supporting wider socio-economic growth – it’s a win/win for everyone. 

“Countries like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa, have experienced a significant rise in the number of indigenous or minority-owned businesses, resulting in improved socioeconomic conditions for targeted groups, we want to see the same level of growth here in Aotearoa. 

“More Māori in business means more Māori in sustainable employment, growing the Māori economic asset base and lifting incomes for whānau,” Cushla Tangaere-Manuel said.