Job-creation scheme for Maoris

Press, 19 December 1985, Page 5

Job-creation scheme for Maoris

PA Wellington A $1 million cheque to fund unsubsidised job creation for Maori people has; been given to the Board of Maori Affairs by the Minister of Employment, Mr Burke. Mr Burke told members of the board at a special meeting at Parliament that the scheme was “without a doubt” one of New Zealand’s most innovative employment measures.

Funding for the scheme would be expanded, he said. “In this regard I hope to be able to announce something more definite on future funding before Christmas.” Mr Burke said Maori community leaders at the employment promotion conference in March had indicated that they could use money being poured into Government subsidised job-creation schemes, much better.

“They were adamant that the Government should stand aside and instead allow Maori communities represented by their own

organisations to devise and implement Maori responses to their own needs,” Mr Burke said. “I became convinced of the need for a significant Maori dimension in any new labour market structures.” Mr Bprke said the money would help in the development of Maori-owned resources. Existing marae and city-based projects would benefit also, “particularly in helping them become a viable commercial enterprise in their own right no longer needing ongoing subsidisation.” The Minister of Maori Affairs, Mr Wetere, said he was sure that the board would be encouraged by Mr Burke’s comments. “This is the birth of the development of our people in an area which has been neglected for some time,” Mr Wetere said.

“I can assure you it is this board’s intention to be accountable to the country for the way in which we disperse these funds.”