By AUDREY YOUNG political reporter
Parekura Horomia yesterday promised the Maori Affairs select committee that he would deliver more than previous ministers holding his portfolio.
In his second appearance before the committee since becoming Maori Affairs Minister last June, he described in typically colourful style his aim to cement long-term programmes.
"I want to ensure that at the end of this Government's term that certainly there is a clear medium-term to long-term strategy or platform that won't be frigged around with too much in the coming years."
He had studied closely the past five Government's dealings with Maori.
"What may have been good is juggled around with. What may not have been good is kept going and the Maori people are again put through this cycle of hui, hui and no do-ey."
He acknowledged the committee makeup of three former Maori Affairs ministers, Dover Samuels, Doug Kidd and John Luxton.
"I can assure you that with me as the minister and the Maori members in this Government, that we will deliver a whole lot more than has been delivered for a long, long time over the next 18 months," he said.
"I can assure you of that unequivocally because we've done a lot of homework and groundwork."
Although there was an impression that the Government had pulled back on its Closing the Gaps policy, he said, it had only dropped the slogan. "The slogan was a great banner for the rednecks and some of the people who like to scratch the racist surface in this country."
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from New Zealand
Ram injuries like 'being hit by a car', says expert
Male farm animals can be especially dangerous now, during breeding season, says expert.