May 08, 2014
Regions key to Maori jobs
Labour’s Maori affairs spokesperson says the Government is failing to deliver the opportunities in the regions that would help Maori get into jobs.
Nanaia Mahuta says since National took office Maori unemployment has grown to more than double the overall rate.
The latest Household Labour Force Survey puts Maori unemployment at 13.2 per cent, compared with the national rate of 6 per cent.
In 2008 Maori unemployment was 8.6 percent.
More than one in five young Maori are not in employment, education or training.
Ms Mahuta says the Government’s hands-off approach to the regions has resulted in the closure of factories around the country.
She says a Labour government will breathe life back into the provinces by working with communities and local manufacturers, and creating sustainable jobs in sectors such as forestry.
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