November 05, 2020
United Maori caucus rewarded with cabinet roles
New Defence and Whānau Ora Minister Peeni Henare says the record number of Māori sworn in today as cabinet ministers is the result of a long term strategy by the Māori caucus.
As well as Kelvin Davis and Nanaia Mahuta who served in the previous cabinet, Mr Henare, Willie Jackson and Kiritapu Allen will also enter the room for today’s first cabinet meting.
Meka Whaitiri returned to the executive as a minister outside cabinet, and Rino Tirikatene became an under-secretary.
Green Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and James Shaw also got their warrants.
Mr Henare says Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had made it clear positions were based on merit and talent, but the Māori caucus had to work together to ensure their voices were heard.
"We had all decided at that time that we needed to be in and around everything, not just Māori matters. By virtue of our whakapapa we take into what would be seen to be traditionally non-Māori roles, we take in our Māori perspective, our Māori kaupapa and our Māori whakapapa," he says.
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