PNUI PAPAHO / MEDIA RELEASE

Embargoed to 1pm, 17October, 2014

Waipareira and ACC sign Partnership

Waipareira and The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Whanau Centre, Henderson – marking a special day for the West Auckland Urban Maori organisation.

Waipareira Chair Raymond Hall said this was a significant occasion for Waipareira.

“These Memorandum of Understandings are partnerships, and for them to be of benefit for whanau, there has to be participation and consideration by both sides,” Mr Hall said.

ACC Chief Executive, Scott Pickering, said ACC is looking for long-term partnerships and Waipareira is well placed to help the Crown agency reach its goals to support Maori.

"ACC is thrilled to partner with Waipareira,” he said.

“This is one of the many partnerships we hope to establish, to help improve injury prevention, care and recovery outcomes and experiences for Māori.”

Mr Pickering said “ACC is focused on transforming the organisation to ensure the customer is at the heart of everything we do.

“This includes being more culturally responsive to Māori. This partnership is an important step towards that.”

Waipareira CEO John Tamihere welcomed ACC into the Waipareira MoU whanau. Waipareira has MoUs with Microsoft, Medtech, Waitemata District Health Board, Massey University, Atlanta-based Indigenous organisation Families First and Regroupment des Centres d’amitiea utochones du Quebec (RCAACQ) in Canada.

“We accept these relationships to advance our whanau,” Mr Tamihere said.

“Waipareira does not dwell on statistics good or bad. We prefer to support and help make changes for the good of whanau and our MoUs are made strategically to implement that,” he said.

Ends

Waipareira:

Te Whānau O Waipareira is an Urban Māori Authority established in West Auckland in 1984. The organisation is constantly evolving to reflect and accommodate change. Waipareira offers services that encompass Justice, Social Service, Education and Health.

Waipareira has 31 contracts for 47 services supporting not just Maori but the general population of west Auckland. As a nationally recognised provider, Waipareira offers pathways ensuring whanau are at the centre of what they do. This unique approach shaped by Te Ao Māori empowers whānau to choose their own direction and outcomes. For more information go to www.waipareira.com

ACC:

It is the role of ACC to support you if you’ve been injured, by helping you get back to work and everyday life as quickly as possible. ACC also works with businesses and the community, to try to stop injuries from happening in the first place. Anyone in New Zealand can apply for help from ACC - even if you’re just visiting from overseas. Because of the support available through ACC, you can’t sue for personal injury in New Zealand, except for exemplary damages. For more information go to www.acc.co.nz

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