With former prime minister Jacinda Ardern set to deliver her valedictory speech this afternoon, Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson is praising her courage in advancing Māori initiatives.
He says she was willing to go through with policies like the Matariki public holiday, a Maori health authority, Maori procurement and increased funding for Whanau Ora despite often racist push back from Opposition parties.
“She advanced these incredibly important kaupapa for us. In my lifetime I never thought we would have a mainstream party advancing the type of Maori initiatives she has led so Maoridom should mihi to her for her bravery and for her courage and I’m sure Chippy (Chris Hipkins) is going to carry a lot of that on,” Mr Jackson says.
He says Jacinda Ardern was a magnificent Prime Minister whom he was proud to serve under.
The valedictory speech is at 5.30pm.
