Govt job cuts have people ‘walking on eggshells’

Members of the Labour Party Māori caucus (from left) Willie Jackson, Arena Williams, Cushla Tangaere-Manuel, Shanan Halbert, Jo Luxton, Willow-Jean Prime and Peeni Henare (absent from photo) were in Tairāwhiti on Friday and Saturday for a planning hui. On Friday they met with Mayor Rehette Stoltz at Gisborne District Council. Picture by Matai O’Connor

"Death by a thousand cuts” is how Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel describes Government job cuts.

Ms Tangaere-Manuel made the comment while here in Tairāwhiti with Māori caucus colleagues — Willie Jackson, Willow-Jean Prime, Arena Williams, Shanan Halbert, Jo Luxton and Peeni Henare for a strategic planning hui.

“We are here to strategise and plan how to get back into government . . . win back Māori seats and put right what’s going on in the country at the moment,” she said.

Over recent weeks, the Government has been announcing job cuts in government departments such as Oranga Tamariki, the Ministry of Education and Department of Conservation.

The local impact of those cuts is  not known.

“No matter where you go, people are walking on eggshells,” Ms Tangaere-Manuel said. “Here in  Tairāwhiti, we are at the low end of socio-economic statistics.”

Ms Tangaere-Manuel said bringing the team to Tairāwhiti was a chance for them to see the fruits of their investment.

Along with the hui, the group attended the opening ceremony of Mātai Medical Research Institute’s new premises on Friday.

“We are privileged to be part of the Mātai Medical Research Institute opening,” Ms Tangaere-Manuel said. “Labour was a huge supporter and funder, so it was great to be acknowledged there.”

They also met with the Whaia Titirangi team at Te Poho o Rawiri Marae to hear about the mahi funded through the Jobs for Nature programme.

“They think like pā kids; they have different views in investment and strategy.”

The last visit on Friday was an afternoon tea and discussion session with Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz.

“We are committed to our electorates and portfolios. We will fight for your perspectives and moemoeā (dreams) on behalf of you to Government.

“It is really buoying for me to see that people appreciate the level of commitment they have to Tairāwhiti, the rohe whānau and the Māori communities across Aotearoa.”