A sensible retiring Labour MP

Radio NZ reports:

Rurawhe, who served as the Te Tai Hauāura MP for three terms, also offered a candid reflection on Labour’s time in government, saying the party should’ve done more to bring the public along on key Māori policies.

He said that while he had advocated for a Māori Health Authority, Rurawhe said in hindsight that Labour had not convinced the broader electorate of the need for it.

“Unless people see themselves in the policy, they’re not going to support it,” he said.

If Labour were to pursue similar policies again, Rurawhe said the party would need to take a different approach, focusing on outcomes rather than structures.

“I think it is to concentrate less on the Māori Health Authority and focus more on achieving the outcomes that we want for Māori health,” he said.

Outcomes rather than structures – absolutely. Sadly I doubt his colleagues agree.

Asked about Te Pāti Māori’s chances at November’s election, Rurawhe was blunt about his opinion after months of infighting in the support party. 

“They’ll be lucky to keep one [seat],” he said. “I believe if it’s consistent across the whole country of what I’m hearing, then they will be lucky to have one seat.”

I hope he’s right.

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