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Retiring Minister of Maori Affairs Dr Pita Sharples told a post-budget breakfast organised by Te Puni Kokiri this morning that the the budget clearly showed the benefit of the Maori Party being at the government table.
Dr Sharples says $90 million over for years to provide free doctors visits and medicine for children 13 and under, $141 million to extend paid parental leave, $33 million to help vulnerable children and increased measures to fight rheumatic fever will be huge for Maori.
" This budget must surely show you have got to be at the table. If you are not at the table you don't have the opportunity to influence those in power or to lead your self and be in power and make those benefits" says Dr Sharples
Dr Sharples says if there is a change of government at the next election the Maori Party will still want to be at the government table.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH DR PITA SHARPLES CLICK ON THE LINK
PART ONE https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MTgxNjg=
PART TWO https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MTgxNjc=
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