1 June 2006

Tomorrow’s Manukau Partnership Showing Results

Manukau city’s innovative approach to tackling social issues will see it host a Ministerial visit and community discussion on prevention of family violence.

Through the Tomorrow’s Manukau Safer Communities Outcome Group, the Ministry for Social Development is working in partnership with Manukau City Council to raise awareness of this serious issue.

Tomorrow (Friday 2 June) the Minister for Social Development, the Hon David Benson-Pope, and Minister of Justice the Hon Mark Burton will be in Manukau to find out more about Tomorrow’s Manukau and other initiatives that are making a difference. They will also brief community representatives on Families, Young and Old and Budget initiatives.

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says the Ministers’ presence shows the commitment of the Government to reducing family violence. He says the Council is equally committed.

“The Council’s role is raising awareness and co-ordinating the work of agencies and organisations through the Tomorrow’s Manukau umbrella.”

One tangible result of the partnership between Manukau and the community was a $110,000 grant from the Crime Prevention Unit. Of that, $75,000 went to the Domestic Violence Response Service and $35,000 to Relationship Services.

“These organisations are working together to address family violence, and it is thanks to the commitment and leadership of people such as Tomorrow’s Manukau outcome group chair and MSD Regional Manager Family Services Robyn Rusher that we are making headway,” Sir Barry says.

“It is vital to turn this problem around because research tells us that improving community safety is the number one concern for Manukau residents.

“Through Tomorrow’s Manukau, our local communities are taking the initiative at the grassroots level in order to get results.”

“It is also important that these initiatives are adequately funded. We believe that by working together through such organisations such as the Domestic Violence Response Service that we will achieve the outcome our communities are seeking - a reduction in family violence.”

ENDS

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