Come on Tariana – be positive on behalf of your people or show us the evidence.....

The claim on Radio New Zealand today by Māori Party Co-leader Tariana Turia that there is evidence that employers are failing to give Maori and Pacific job seekers opportunities “is irresponsible,” says Auckland Chamber of Commerce CEO Michael Barnett.

“It is irresponsible because all it will achieve is to encourage more unemployed young Maori and Pacific to stay at home and not get out and seek work:”

“Tariana should give us the evidence. The Chamber will check it out,” said Mr Barnett.

The Auckland Chamber experience in South Auckland is that there are employers prepared to take on unqualified young Maori and Pacific job seekers, and there are many young Maori and Pacific job seekers finding employment.

“We are running a ‘training for employment’ scheme that equips young Maori and Pacific job seekers with a CV and positive attitude about finding a proper job,” said Mr Barnett.

Each year, more than 300 young unqualified Maori and Pacific undertake the course, of which more than 60% secure jobs. “That’s a reasonable measure of success in what is a tough employment market for job seekers,” said Mr Barnett.