Labour MPs say protests against 'war-waging' govt should have them concerned

Hundreds across the motu gathered in protest against the government as the coalition revealed its maiden budget yesterday.

Toitū Te Tiriti (Honour the Treaty) campaign held a strike to signify a unified Aotearoa response to what Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rāwiri Waititi called an "assault on Māori for being Māori".

Te Pāti Māori and Toitū Te Tiriti movement members called upon tangata whenua and tangata Te Tiriti for the second time, following last year's protests, to activate on yesterday's Budget Day.

Speaking with William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Labour MP Willie Jackson said he was proud that Māori, at any time, can take action against a government that has been "waging war" on them.

"Waging war on Māori, on communities. And so you have to stand up and applause that [protest]," Jackson said.

Jackson added "well done" to the Māori party for organising the event and for the many who showed support.

"I think it's time that our people did stand up," he said.

"This continuation of that protest against a government that has cut back our communities and rights and is doing that all the time."

Watch the full interview with Jackson via 531pi's FB below:

Following what Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni called an "underwhelming" budget day, she said the strong turnout at protests yesterday is a clear sign of mass dissatisfaction with the government's approach.

Sepuloni adds that the budget reinforces the feeling that Pacific and Māori communities feel ignored and undervalued.

"In regards to an underestimation of the importance of investing in our communities," Sepuloni said.

"The protests today were massive for not just Māori but other New Zealanders.

"New Zealanders who care about our country and hate seeing this government's divisive agenda which is undermining the Treaty.

"So, I think it was a real show of solidarity and the government should be concerned."

Watch the full interview with Sepuloni via 531pi's FB below: