Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Mahi Tahi Jobs and skills
Umanga/Pakihi Growing the Māori economy
As well as:
Te Whenua me te Taiao – Land, Natural Resources and the Environment
Te Ao Māori – Customs, Culture and Language
Te Ture – Justice, Representation and the Treaty of Waitangi
Whai Oranga – Cost of living
New Zealand is experiencing an unprecedented increase in the cost of living. Māori
Whānau in rural towns and cities feel those impacts more than some. The Government has
presided over a brutal increase in GST and other excise taxes. The price of everyday
commodities has also risen over and above high levels of inflation.
Labour realises Māori are hit hardest by increases in the cost of living and will therefore
prioritise the cost of living and launch strategies that create greater fairness for everyone.
Labour will also ensure everyone pays their fair share of tax, and that the priorities, for
investing those returns, creates greater fairness for everyone.
Labour will ensure the first $5,000 of income is tax free.
Labour will remove GST from fresh fruit and veggies.
Labour will implement a fairer tax system.
Labour will increase the minimum wage to $15 so low income Māori whānau see an
increase in purchasing power.
Labour will retain income related rents in state homes.
Labour will ensure state-owned electricity generators are not over-charging.
Labour will support KiwiSaver and Iwi savings and investment schemes.
Tamariki Ora – Putting kids first
Tamariki are the foundation of our whānau. If we look after our children we are looking after
the future of Aotearoa/ New Zealand.
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