Shane Jones

Labour list MP Shane Jones says the Maori Party's problem is its struggle to deliver on the promises they made Maori, given they are up against some pretty powerful forces in the National Party.

Shane Jones said that the comments by Dr Pita Sharples outlining tensions in the governing relationship is an admission of failure. The Maori Party has found itself in an agreement where it lacks influence and power to bring about real change for Maori whnau.

"National and the Maori Party's agreement was always going to be unbalanced. With National calling the shots and using their majority veto over decisions concerning Maori.

"They may have two ministerial posts - but it is clear these are just baubles of office and do not come with much of the power that other ministers around the table have.

"By his own admission, Dr Sharples says he failed to persuade the government to include Maori seats on the Auckland super council. This is not his only failure. He failed to persuade the Government to raise the minimum wage to $15, failed to give tax cuts to low income workers and is failing to convince the government not to raise GST.

"The Maori Party campaigned on being an independent voice for Maori. The problem is John Key seems to silence that voice whenever it talks out of turn.

"Maori are waiting for the Maori Party to make good on their promises. The reality is, National is always going to be their gate keeper and if it doesn't fit it into Nationals plan for Maori - it will never make it out the door.