Labour ‘the alternative’ for Pacific voters - MP

Labour MP Tangi Utikere says recent political polls demonstrate volatility, but insists that Labour remains committed to engaging communities and holding the coalition government accountable.

The latest 1News Verian poll indicated that the coalition government would win if elections were held today, while a RNZ-Reid Research poll suggested a potential victory for the left bloc.

Speaking on Pacific Mornings, Utikere pointed out that this discrepancy illustrates the unpredictability of polls.

“What it proves is that polls can be very volatile… You take polls with a grain of salt, and the only one that matters is the one on Election Day,” he says.

Utikere also discussed the recent Budget, which he claims involved major cuts affecting Pacific communities and funding for pay equity.

The Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) experienced a nearly $36 million reduction, after almost a $26m cut from the previous year’s Budget.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced the Government's secon budget in May. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

As a result of these cuts, MPP closed the Tauola Business Fund and reduced the Tupu Aotearoa programme, which helps Pacific people find employment and training.

Funding for the National Fale Malae has ceased, and resources earmarked for three programmes supporting Pacific learners have been redirected towards new homework and tutoring services.

“The reality is this budget was paid for by pay equity, money that was set aside just under $13 billion, and our Pasifika women were a key part of that as well,” Utikere says.

Some of the Pacific Wardens with Superintendent Fata Willi Fanene, centre, celebrating community collaboration. Photo/PMN News Mary Afemata

He argued that the coalition’s $250,000 investment in Pacific wardens is insignificant compared to the millions cut from critical community initiatives, including funding related to the Dawn Raids apology.

When asked about Labour’s own policy direction, Utikere stresses that the party is still in the listening phase but promised significant announcements ahead of next year’s election.

He encouraged Pacific voters to recognise Labour’s commitment, highlighting the party’s vocal opposition to cuts in pay equity funding and its ongoing engagement with communities.

“The government doesn't have a Pacific voice, they have no Pacific view, they're not interested in Pacific communities,” Utikere says. “We are the alternative. It's important that we're having the conversations.”

Watch Tangi Utikere's full interview below.