Maori are big winners in Budget 2014.

16 May 2014

Whanau Ora Navigators will receive $15 million while a $16 million Maori Housing Fund has also been established.

National List MP Claudette Hauiti says the investment is a holistic approach to supporting whanau especially our young families and vulnerable tamariki who most need our awhi and manaaki.

"Families will benefit from a growing economy offering more jobs and higher wages, and it is also appropriate that all whanau are among the first to benefit from extra Government spending as the economy picks up," Ms Hauiti said.

"We're also making doctors' visits and prescriptions free to tamariki under 13. Our under 6 pepi already have free GP visits and thanks to careful financial management the Government's now able include their brothers and sisters.

“We are spending $16 million over 4 years to develop Maori Social Housing providers and to repair or rebuild rural housing. Chatham Islands has been singled out for special attention to improve its Housing.” Ms Hauiti said.

Finance Minister Bill English announced the new investment in Budget 2014. The $15 million support of Whanau Ora Navigators is over three years to work with whanau and tamariki to increase capability and engagement. The investment is an agreement between the National Government and its coalition partner the Maori Party.

Whanau Ora is part of the Government's comprehensive package focusing on the well-being of all New Zealand families and children.

Budget 2014 is investing over $200million in Maori programmes and initiatives in total. Investments include Maori Broadcasting $13 million, Innovation $8million, Water Quality Programmes $5million.

"This Government is paying more than just lip service to honouring our responsibility as Treaty Partners. These investments are about rangatiratanga allowing Whanau Hapu Iwi to get on and do what needs to be done for them and their wider community." Ms Hauiti said.

ENDS

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