November 16, 2012
Housing plans could sway Māori voters
Labour MP Shane Jones believes many Māori will be looking to this weekend's annual conference for the mix of policy and personality that will bring them back to the party.
High on the agenda for the conference in Auckland are voting on the organisational review and leader David Shearer's speech on Sunday.
Mr Jones says the Māori vote is important to Labour, and it needs to address low registration and turn-out.
He says Mr Shearer needs to show how Labour can reach further into the Māori community.
"And it's something that's achieved through a mix of personality and policy. Obviously improving housing options, that's going to be a big feature I'm confident of David's speech. Ensuring that health services continue to be delivered by our own people into our own communities. Service delivery has grown into a big debating point whenever you meet with Māori organisations," Mr Jones says.
He says ordinary Māori want secure jobs, more money in their pockets, and the prospect their children will be able to buy a house.