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Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Maori Party co-leader and Te Tai Hauāuru candidate, says the policy will address Aotearoa’s low-wage economy.
“Aotearoa has a broken economy and social security system, and that has never worked for the Maori. We must make sure that everyone has enough to live on. Lifting the Whānau out of poverty is impossible without adequate income to support them. survive with an ever-increasing cost of living, “he says.
“Our people are grappling with a low-wage economy that is increasingly made up of unsafe jobs with no guaranteed hours and pay, forcing many to work two or three jobs. Maori unemployment is twice as high as unemployment. of Pākehā, while Maori work disproportionately low-paying jobs.
“The Maori Party would immediately raise the minimum wage to $ 25 per hour to ensure that all workers are paid enough to cover their whānau and we would legislate an annual increase to keep pace with the cost of living increases.”
The party will remove financial penalties, sanctions, and work trial obligations if elected.
It will also ensure that no additional scholarships need to be repaid in the future and will introduce free public transportation for students at all levels.
“Many students, especially Maori students, are expected to go into debt and live in poverty just to get an education. We believe this is unacceptable and we are committed to advocating a universal student allowance, canceling student debt, and free public transportation for the tertiary education students, “said Ngarewa-Packer.
RNZ
