January 30, 2019
Policy settings hampered TPK chief
Ikaroa Rāwhiti MP Meka Whaitiri says Te Puni Kōkiri head Michelle Hippolite had a tough job to do because of lack of commitment to Māori by the previous Government.
Ms Hippolite will step down from the Ministry for Māori Development in July after seven years.
Her term was extended through the transition to the new Government.
Ms Whaitiri says running a government department requires not just personal leadership qualities but the right policy settings and commitment by the government of the day to Māori development, and having the politicians do their jobs as well.
"I don’t think TPK got that under the former Government. They didn't get that commitment of their role in the public service. They didn't get the commitment how they grow Māori economic development or social development, and that's just my observation in the TPK office in my electorate. It's been unclear what they are doing and what they are delivering," she says.
Ms Whaitiri says new Minister Nanaia Mahuta has the strong leadership needed to promote Māori development and help Māori unlock the value in their land.
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