Whistle-stop Ruapehu tour for Peters

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 655, 24 September 1996, Page 7

Whistle-stop Ruapehu tour for Peters

A crowd of about 60 people gathered to shake hands with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters and to hear what he had to say about the way his party would run the country if elected in October. Mr Peters was supported by his brother Ian, who is the party' s candidate for the Taupo electorate which includes the Ruapehu District. Rana Waitai, who is the party's candidate for the Te Puku o Te Whenua Maori roll, was also present. Mr Peters said his party's policies included, what he described as "the needs of the ordinary New Zealander, of the small community people". He said for too long the present government have catered for the big business people without addressing the real issues of the smaller communities. Speaking on rural health and education, he promised that no rural schools or hospitals would close. Asked about his party's policies on unemployment, bearing in mind Raetihi's 15-20 per cent level, he said his party plans to introduce community based employment programmes, that would pay around $10 an hour. There would be no assi stance for those who did not want to work. Later at the Waimarino health centre, Mr Peters met staff member Robyn McDougall and patients. There was a question on the Treaty of Waitangi Tribunal, a question on MMP and how it is likely to benefit those Maori wishing to vote on the Maori roll and how it compares with the current situation. Mr Peters said MMP would mean more Maori seats in Parliament and that his party would review the role of the Waitangi Tribunal. Mr Peters said that the greatest number of Maori in New Zealand today are 35 years and younger and their primary concerns lie in education, good health, wise economy, failure to succeed and dependence on the state. He said NZ First is committed to address these issues. Mr Peters was in Raetihi for a about half an hour before leaving for Wanganui. He had visited Ohakune for a brief time before the Raetihi whistle-stop, speaking to a small gathering at the Cedar Mai! car park.