Listen Now: 
Download AudioMāori Development Minister Willie Jackson today thanked the independent group which came up with the controversial report on how New Zealand could deliver on its commitment to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – and announced a two stage plan to develop the Government's own plan.
For the next six months there will be engagement with Māori individuals, organisations and iwi, followed by wider community consultation next year on a draft Declaration plan.
Mr Jackson says the work builds on the previous National Government's decision to sign the declaration and will enhance the partnership with Māori.
He says he's disappointed at the attacks on He Puapua by the Opposition, given the previous National Government's riole in signing the agreements and progressing work on it.
He says He Puapua is not government policy nor the basis of a declaration plan.
Any formal response to the declaration needs to be consistent with international law, and New Zealand law and policy; protect the rights of all citizens; and safeguard territorial integrity and political unity, as well as the responsibility of all democratically elected governments to govern for the welfare of all their citizens.
New Zealand is one of 148 countries that have signed the Declaration, and Mr Jackson says globally there is increased momentum to improve outcomes for indigenous peoples in areas such as health, education, and housing.
!["p_facebook"]("/site/uma/images/story_img/facebook.jpg")
& !["p_twitter"]("/site/uma/images/story_img/twitter.jpg")
Copyright © 2021, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
RELATED NEWS
