New Zealand mourns Māori leader Tamati Cairns; Māori Council criticizes government over unemployment, pay equity.

The New Zealand Māori Council mourns the loss of Tamati Cairns, a long-standing leader who deeply impacted Māori communities. Meanwhile, the Labour Party criticizes the government for rising Māori unemployment and neglecting pay equity for Māori women. The council also seeks more Māori electorates and cabinet positions and has launched a mental health campaign.