S. Maori M.P. praises conference

Press, 20 October 1980, Page 25

S. Maori M.P. praises conference

PA Wellington The Labour member of Parliament for Southern Maori. (Mrs Whetu Tirika-tene-Sullivan) has backed ■ the positive strategies put ' forward by the Maori. Pol- : icy Council — but riiahy ■ Maoris were not represented at the conference. Mrs Tifikatehe-Sullivari ; noted that many groups of Maori youth — from trade trainees, , those still at school, "self-styled street kids,” and others who represented the drbp-outs of the school system — did not go to the conferience. , , j The council met for two l days’ at Parliament. ! She said, that without 1 certain people’s insights, it . vVas difficult for the older , generation to .know what J motivated them. . I SKd ' supported .. the I papers pfesented on Maori . . language, -and. particularly .idea of natural Maori ’ speakers teathitig the lari- ■ guage. But she said that |ah gfffectiVe blidget wdiild be needed |to put the proposals into use; ■ “It' (the conference) Was i a good idea. Whether it will.be viewed as d costly ; public relations exercise ‘ or the start of something ■ great now depends on theresources the Goyernmeht will make available to the Minister, of ■ Maori Affairs/’ Mrs Tirikatene-Sul- • liyan said;. .