Maori

Unemployment has jumped significantly according to the latest release from Statistics NZ who describe the labour market as ‘volatile’. The figure of 6.8% shows that the recession is not over for many. There are 159,000 unemployed, or 255,700 jobless.

The Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill which has passed its third reading in Parliament severs essential links that Polytechnics have with local communities and doesn’t recognise the knowledge that they have of their own communities’ educational and training needs, said CTU President Helen Kelly today.

The CTU gave a cautious welcome to expansion of the youth Job Ops scheme and the improvement in youth unemployment figures announced today.

The CTU says that although unemployment at 5 percent, or 115,000 people, is less than many had forecast at this time, there are some worrying trends in the figures.

Youth unemployment is at 19.6 percent, for those aged 20-24 years it is 12 percent, Maori unemployment is 11.9 percent and Pacific peoples at 13.1 percent.

CTU Vice President Maori Sharon Clair has today called on the Maori Party to oppose any move to privatise the management of New Zealand prisons by private business interests.

CTU Vice President Maori Sharon Clair expressed concern today at the policy direction recently taken by the Maori Party to support unfounded Government attacks on ACC and in particular the personal attacks on ACC Chair, Ross Wilson.

Te Runanga o Nga Kaimahi Maori – CTU Runanga says there so many wrongs with rushing through the Fire at Will Bill, and acknowledges the Maori Party’s continued opposition to it.

A meeting of Maori union leaders in Auckland has declared its support for the rolling strike action being taken by Sky City workers this week.

Monte's contribution to the education sector and Whanau was recognised today by the trade union movement. 

His commitment and passion for building a culture of learning for Maori was evidenced in his years of teaching and being an educationalist, the General Manager Maori of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, and assisting with the establishment of the three Wananga.