Our connection should be fixed now so let's return to Parliament,
to Employment Minister Willie Jackson.
Tena koe, Willie.
Can you hear us now?
Yes, kia ora, Scotty.
I was asking you about the Medicinal Cannabis Bill
expected to pass third reading today
- will this provide more opportunities for Maori businesses?
This is an important issue for those communities,
the many people who are very ill,
so we're pleased to be able to support this bill.
It's an issue that currently affects a lot of people.
In saying that,
this is an entirely different matter to that of criminilisation
or legalisation.
I've heard all sorts of opinions on the matter,
of decriminalisation and legalisation.
There's a lot to debate about this issue.
Even though I support this bill,
it's a completely different matter to that of decriminilistaion
and legalisation.
It's great to be able to support this bill,
but there is a lot more to discuss about this issue.
No doubt there will probably be jobs coming from this sector as well.
Now, the terrible circumstances around the death
of British backpacker Grace Millane.
We've heard Dr Haare Williams give a moving tribute -
what are your thoughts on this?
It's lovely to hear from him.
He's the right man to pay tribute to someone who has passed.
I completely agree with him.
There's a lot of shame, NZ should be ashamed,
as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern mentioned yesterday.
Personally, I completely agree with Haare Williams
and Prime Minister Jacinda.
My heatfelt condolences to the family.
This is probably the last time we'll see you live on Te Karere -
tell us,
what's been the biggest highlight or achievement
in your first year as a minister?
I've been very fortunate to be in this position.
Where to start?
There's been a lot of projects.
There's a lot of Maori in jobs, there are more women too -
the statistics have increased.
I'm also very pleased to be able to support
the Mana in Mahi and Poutama Rangatahi initiatives.
They great initiatives,
to be able to support our unemployed rangatahi.
It's also only right to establish a fund for all iwi.
So, for me, it's been an honour to be in this position
for the past year.
Indeed, Minister.
It seems as if this has been a successful year
for you and Labour.
But what are your goals for 2019
in your capacity as Employment Minister
and Associate Maori Development Minister?
I hope to continue support Maori.
That's a big challenge for our Maori caucus,
we've heard the calls around targeted funding for Maori.
Next year, Nanaia Mahuta and I will look at the Budget for Maori.
That's a big challenge for me.
There's a lot of work to do, for me and Nanaia,
as well as Kelvin Davis.
We've heard the criticisms over the lack of funding
for Whanau Ora and Maori broadcasting,
including that of Te Karere.
We've heard the complaints.
So it's now time to support those causes next year.
That's a big challenge,
but that's OK because we're ready for it.
Thank you for your time, Willie,
and all the best to you and your whanau this season.
We'll see you again in the new year.
Willie Jackson, Employment Minister.