Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Labour believes in an evidence based approach to child policy, an approach that
incorporates the whānau and takes into account the realities of raising a child in the 21 st
Century. Too many Māori children are living in benefit dependent households that are
suffering the effects of poverty.
Labour will provide support and encourage participation in Positive Parenting
programmes.
Labour will make going to the doctor more accessible and affordable, especially for
children. See our Health policy for more details.
Labour will continue to offer 20 hours free early childhood education.
Labour will ensure the 20 hours free early childhood payment covers Te Kōhanga
reo.
Labour will provide free or subsidised training for Te Kōhanga Reo staff to ensure Te
Kōhanga Reo have the capacity to deal with demand.
Labour will ensure that all tamariki have had their dental, hearing and eyesight
checks before or upon entry into primary school.
Labour will immediately restore $2 million to the Training Incentive Allowance and
commit to further increases over time so people on social welfare benefits can obtain
qualifications that give greater opportunity for themselves and their children.
Manaaki Rangatahi – Youth development
If we look after our young people we are looking after our future. Rangatahi are the
foundation of our hapu, iwi and community. The Māori population is overwhelmingly young.
At the 2006 Census almost half of all Māori were under the age of 23. Statistically speaking
rangatahi are a more significant bloc than most other age groups in the Māori population.
However, government policy does not seem to reflect this. Policy directed towards rangatahi
is inadequate. Contemporary youth policy tends to focus on response rather than prevention.
Labour is committed to preventing problems among rangatahi by addressing the structural
causes. If the underlying causes are not addressed then the same problems will manifest
with each new generation.
Labour is committed to correcting the social and economic problems rangatahi face. Labour
is dedicated to finding innovative solutions as well as continuing successful initiatives
already in place. Labour believes if we invest in our rangatahi we are investing in our future.
Labour aims to produce enough Māori leaders to meet future needs.
338