It's already been a busy period in politics.
We have a lot to get through,
so joining us in the studio today
is the Minister of Māori Development Willie Jackson.
Good afternoon Minister,
Let's start with the Māori Party and the donations.
Was Whānau Ora money used?
I don't really know.
But I'll be really suprised if it was.
Because I know the foundation of MUMA,
I've been the Chair for 13 years.
Back then I remember the government funded
the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency
who then funded the likes of MUMA and Waipareira Trust.
That's the history.
So I'll be really suprised if that's what's happened.
Are you disappointed with the Māori Party and what they did?
Yeah I am, because they didn't give Labour any money.
You know, because there are a lot of Labour MPs in MUMA.
So I'm annoyed with John Tamihere.
But at the end of the day, it falls back on John,
because he's the one that forgot to give us the money too.
But I think, it's best that we wait for the response from the Police.
They probably didn't give you any money
cause Labour already has a lot!
You've talked about institutional racism being rife in Aotearoa.
How do you feel that kōrero has gone down?
Yeah, it's all good!
The Prime Minister supports what I've said.
This is an important issue,
I think it's good that we challenge these agencies.
For a long time we've experienced racism.
It's difficult for Māori to access fundung.
I know that some of the top dogs don't like me that much,
but we need to keep pushing because we know there isn't alot
of funding available to Māori.
We're waiting for their response.
And they know that I'm happy
to keep talking about this issue regarding Māori.
I remember what your relative Te Rangihau, from Tūhoe said
in that story of Te Ao o Te Atatū.
He says that the best way is "By Māori for Māori".
We agree with that.
And is that the strategy moving forward?
Yes, that's our strategy to fix these isuues.
I know that we have a lot of support from our government too.
Finally, in China the work Nanaia Mahuta is progressing,
can we work with a country given the reports of the Uyghur people?
Yeah I think we can.
Historically we've worked well with America whilst knowing
their mistreatment towards minority communities,
and that still goes on there.
I think the same will be for China.
And I'm really impressed with Nanaia's work
because she know's our values.
She's a good leader.
She brings to life the dreams and aspirations of our people.
She draws on a Māori worldview.
China respects her courage to draw from her Māori worldview.
Her strategy is awesome!
We know that and China knows that.
We know that China is a strong nation.
So maybe it's a good thing we've put a Māori perspective into that role.
So how will that impact indigenous peoples like the Uyghur people
considering what's just come to light?
I support the idea.
But it's difficult to make it happen.
We heard their concerns, and we agree.
But we know that China is sensitive with us.
But we want to support them in finding solutions for their people.
So what's next for you?
Tomorrow we're releasing our plans regarding health
and then there's Peeni Henare's project.
Tell us!
Not yet!
Peeni is the boss of that project.
It's a big day tomorrow!
Awesome. Thank you Minister for taking the time to speak with us.