THANKS TO THE MANA WHANAU Before everyone disappears back into their shells for another three years, I just want to say … NOT YET!!! Firstly - a big ‘thank you’ to the MANA whanau for all your support over the past three years, particularly during the election campaign. When I look back over that time, I am really proud of the way MANA was able to focus the attention of the country on the impact that poverty is having on our kids. My one regret is that if the Left had won, our Feed the Kids Bill could have been passed at the first sitting of the new Parliament - breakfast and lunch for all children who need it - how awesome that day would have been! The things MANA stands for - ending child poverty, a decent living wage, liveable benefits, jobs for all, and a state house building programme for jobs and for homes - are all still desperately needed. The next three years will be tough, with National continuing to pass laws to make the rich even richer, destroy our environment, attack beneficiaries, and make even more families homeless. On top of that you can expect to see more attacks on Maori as people interpret the win as a license for Maori bashing. Unfortunately I don’t see anyone in the Opposition having the balls to lead the fight back. Sure, there will be ‘outrage’ and ‘condemnation’ but after the big talk … nothing. That’s why MANA is so important, and why you are so important, because unless MANA campaigns for these issues and stands up for those who are vulnerable, the people will suffer. Our journey has been an awesome ride up to now. The steps we take now will determine what we can do to lead the fight back. Next week Annette and I will be touring the country to meet the MANA whanau to talk about the way forward from here. Please come along – I’d love to thank you in person. Hone happy are those who dream dreams and are prepared to pay the price to make those dreams come true
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 19:05:00 +0000
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