September 08, 2017
Fox at sea with oil drill attack
Labour’s Tamaki Makaurau candidate Peeni Henare is rejecting claims by Maori Party co leader Marama Fox that the party’s Maori MPs are under the thumb of Labour’s Pakeha leadership.
Ms Fox told Radio Waatea the elevation of Te Taitokerau MP Kelvin Davis as Labour’s deputy leader was a tokenistic grab for Maori votes, and he wouldn’t last in the job.
She also criticised his stance on compulsory Maori in schools and deep sea oil drilling.
Mr Henare says Mr Davis was elected unanimously by the party caucus on his merits, and he’s there for the long haul.
Ms Fox is also all at sea over oil exploration.
"The Marine and Coastal Bill that was supported by the Maori Party and National when they came to power almost a decade ago actually opened that door up, so I don't know where she is trying to go with that one," Mr Henare says.
Labour will release details of its Maori language policy during next week’s Te Wiki o te Reo Maori.
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