Whanau ora falls short of expectations

The Taskforce Report falls short on a serious challenge for the Maori Party and the National Government failing to spell out which current initiatives will be cut to channel funding to 'Whänau Ora' said Labour’s spokesperson for Maori Social Development , Nanaia Mahuta.

“The report still leaves Maori in the dark.

“After 71 pages, we are no closer to finding out any details around its funding and are left confused about whether or not Whänau ora will be run as an independent trust which the report refers too – yet the new Minister for Whänau ora, Tariana Turia has conceded already that this option has been ruled out.

“Confusion around whether or not Whänau ora will be a Maori only programme also remains. Tariana Turia still maintains the programme is targeted at Maori, just as John Key still insists that the new system will be for all New Zealanders.

“Whichever is the case, Maori have been led to believe that the preference of “Maori first”, with the capacity to offer services to a broader group of New Zealanders will not compromise funding targeted for 'Whanau Ora'.

"The taskforce report is being released 2 months late, why has it taken so long? Is it because the National Government refuse to stump up with the real cash needed to get this initiative off the ground?

“The only things we do know for sure are that Whänau ora is a watered down version of the policy the Maori Party campaigned on – just like the foreshore and seabed solution and that none of the details about this programme will be any clearer until the budget is announced in May.

“The Maori Party must be disappointed. They campaigned on being an independent voice for Maori. The problem is, is that John Key seems to silence that voice on policy decision making to soften the edges of an approach that would upset National voters. Once again the Maori Party are forced to give in because it doesn't suit Key's Government” said Nanaia Mahuta.

ENDS

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