May 18, 2023
Hipkins says Māori momentum in Budget
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says an across-the-board spend-up isn’t an option in today’s Budget.
He says the challenge to deal with underlying economic pressures, including bringing inflation back within the 1 to 3 percent target range, which will have flow on effects for interest rates and the cost of living.
He says there will be a lot of targeted support and an ongoing commitment to Maori.
“You will certainly see we are aiming to keep the momentum going when it comes to the progress we have been making as a Government on Maori issues. I’m really proud of the work we have done with Maori communities to address their haopes, their aspirations and the challenges they have in front of them,” Mr Hipkins says.
He rejects claims by former Labour MP Meka Whaitiri that he was abandoning policies championed by the Maori caucus, saying she did not raise any concerns in the meetings where the decisions were made.