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A record eight Maori were this morning sworn in as ministers in the new Labour-New Zealand First-Greens Government.
Labour deputy leader Kelvin Davis, who takes on the roles of Minister for Crown-Maori Relationships, Corrections, Tourism, and an associate responsibility for Maori education, says it's fantastic to be part of history in the making.
He's proud not only of the MPs becoming Ministers but the depth of talent in the wings, including as Louisa Wall, Adrian Rurawhe, Rino Tirikatene and the new MPs Kiri Allen, Willow Jean Prime and Tamati Coffey.
"For those people their time will come. This is just day one of the new Government. We've got three years. No doubt some of them will be promoted and there will be reshuffles and things always happen in Government where new positions occur. We expect to be a long lived Government over a number of terms and all Maori MPs i am sure will get the opportunity to become ministers" Mr Davis says.
The new Maori ministers include Mr Davis, Nanaia Mahuta, Peeni Henare, Willie Jackson and Meka Whaitiri from Labour and Winston Peters, Ron Mark and Shane Jones from New Zealand First.
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