MSD response - Te Whānau o Waipareira Trust

Ministry of Social Development Chief Executive Brendan Boyle responds to incorrect claims made about the Ministry.

“It is disappointing that Te Whānau o Waipareira Trust is choosing to attack individuals and side step the real issues.

“I stand by all our staff who have been involved with this matter. They have done a professional job to the best of their ability.

“In the interests of getting the facts in the public arena, I wanted to make the following points.

“The High Court did not order an injunction last week. Rather, Waipareira and the Ministry reached an agreement that Waipareira would continue to provide their services until the legal proceedings are resolved.

“Waipareira is seeking a review of the Ministry’s decision-making. I am comfortable that our decision-making was robust and reasonable.

“Waipareira was given ample feedback from the Ministry about its performance before receiving notice of termination.

“In July 2011, the Director of the Family Start Directorate met with Mr Tamihere and warned him that Waipareira could lose their contract if their performance didn’t improve.

“Between November 2011 and February 2012 contact with Waipareira’s Family Start management was made seven times to express concerns.

“At the end of the day, we have worked hard to get Waipareira to the right place but they simply haven’t come up to scratch” said Brendan Boyle.

ENDS

© Scoop Media