The Mana Party says it will crack down on alcohol legislation, pokies and loan sharks in order to help vulnerable communities.
Hone Harawira speaking to supporters in Otahuhu, Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson
The party's leader, Hone Harawira, said he would close down off-licence liquor stores and pokies in pubs and clubs for a few months, and let communities decide where and when they could operate.
He made the announcement in the south Auckland suburb of Otahuhu.
Mr Harawira said alcohol, loan sharks and gambling were targeting low-income area, particularly communities with high Maori and Pasifika populations.
He said the ability for liquor stores and companies to offer cash advances to take desperately needed money away from those struggling families was an outrage.
Mr Harawira said someone had to do something to make it stop.
Meanwhile, the Maori Party released plans to ensure the Treaty of Waitangi was upheld and said that it wanted a review of the justice system.
Support for Mana's proposal
A solo mother who lived in Otahuhu for more than a decade said Mana's proposed policy would help her struggling neighbourhood.
The woman, who only wanted to be known as Rachel, said it would be awesome if Mr Harawira came through with the policy.
She said alcohol was an issue for young children and there was no help for them.
She said the community was struggling and said she has had to go to a loan shark in order to feed her children.