Māori Party Co-leader, Marama Fox, will take part in a protest march in Australia next month opposing its Government’s plan to close 150 remote aboriginal communities. The news comes days after the Māori Party sent a letter to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott outlining their concerns.
Mr Abbott says the taxpayer should not have to fund people’s “lifestyle choices” in regards to remote community living.
Meanwhile, National Party MP Hekia Parata is being criticised by Labour Party MP Kelvin Davis for keeping quiet on the issue. Hekia Parata criticised a protest over the weekend aimed at Tony Abbott during his New Zealand visit.
Ms Parata says the protest continued during the formal welcome ceremony with no regard to Māori protocols. However, Ms Parata refused to comment on the issue of remote communities being closed to which Mr Davis says is unacceptable.
Māori MPs from across the New Zealand political spectrum have united in support of the aboriginal struggle.
Maiki Sherman has this story tonight at 5.30pm with live subtitles and later again at 7.30pm.