The Children's Minister says the word racism is chucked around too much in Parliament.

A Bill by Karen Chhour that removes some Treaty obligations from the Oranga Tamariki Act passed its first reading yesterday.

It's prompted fiery and emotional speeches in the House, and Labour's Children's Spokesperson called Chhour a 'sell out'.

On social media, Te Pati Māori's said Chhour's Pakeha upbringing has given her disdain for her own people.

Chhour says it's a lazy argument.

"Where it actually disrespects people who are the victims of racism - we need to get back to debating the policies and not the person."

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The Children's Minister says the word racism is chucked around too much in Parliament.
A Bill by Karen Chhour that removes some Treaty obligations from the Oranga Tamariki Act passed its first reading yesterday.
It's prompted fiery and emotional speeches in the House, and Labour's Children's Spokesperson called Chhour a 'sell out'.
On social media, Te Pati Māori's said Chhour's Pakeha upbringing has given her disdain for her own people.
Chhour says it's a lazy argument.
"Where it actually disrespects people who are the victims of racism - we need to get back to debating the policies and not the person."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.