Welcome back to Te Karere,
to our special segment Onamata where we review the year that was.
Joining me today
is our incredibly talented political reporter Eruera Rerekura
who has covered a number of political events this year.
Yes Scotty 2018 has been a significant year.
There were so many stories that resonated with our audience
but given the time
I have I've chosen three political stories that stood out this year.
Let's take a look.
The year started under a cloud of suspicion for Labour.
It was alleged that four young women were sexually assaulted
at a summer camp for Young Labour members.
In addition to that
there was a group that was drinking alcohol at the camp.
Although that person was taken away, the issue wasn't taken to the police
and their parents weren't informed as well.
Despite that issue for Labour,
National got caught in the gurgler too.
Jami-Lee Ross, former National MP, became the star of his own saga.
Ross said he had evidence to legitimise his claims
that the National leader broke the law.
But National disagrees with that claim.
And when the earth shook, it rumbled...
According to an article in Newsroom,
four women admitted that Ross is a narcissist
and that he used them for sex.
Despite the serious issues of the year,
one aspect that pertained to all Maori voters
was the Maori Electoral Option.
It appears that young people prefer the Maori roll.
But there were a lot of Maori voters who shifted to the general roll.
One suggestion that she's heard
is to make it easier for people to switch rolls.
That's the suggestion that's been put to parliament
so that when these campaigns aren't running
that people who want to change rolls, can.
Will the law be changed?
Only time will tell.
Labour were embroiled in a scandal at the year,
but it looks like that's gone away?
After that man was charged for assaulting those young ladies,
that he also pleaded guilty to,
things started calming down for Labour.
From that problematic incident
the rules were changed regarding the consumption of alcohol,
and now they must get parental consent so that they can drink.
And the Opposition.
With the Jami-Lee Ross saga,
do you think National is clear of the woods yet?
It appears National was able to drive their way out of the storm
with recent polls showing
that National still has plenty of support.
To my knowledge Jami-Lee Ross
is getting help from health professionals,
but the big question is,
will he be able to stand as an independent MP for Botany?
Time will tell.
And Maori Electoral Option 2018.
Can you talk to that?
That's right Scotty, it was an important campaign
for the future of the Maori seats in parliament.
The main benefit that came out of that
is that there were no changes and the seven Maori seats remain,
Scotty.
Fantastic result indeed.
Thank you so much Eru for all of your hard work
and superman efforts this year in politics.
Thank you so much,
our multi-talented political reporter, Eruera Rerekura.