Auditor-General's report published, Whānau Ora: the first four years

The Auditor-General’s report, Whānau Ora: the first four years, was presented to the House of Representatives today. The report can be viewed on our website: www.oag.govt.nz/2015/whanau-ora

Whānau Ora was launched in 2010. The lead agency is Te Puni Kōkiri, supported by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Development. Whānau Ora is an example of innovation and new thinking in service delivery. It is an opportunity for providers of health and social services in the community to operate differently and to support families in deciding their best way forward.

In its first four years, Whānau Ora has delivered some positive outcomes. Some whānau have plans to improve their lives, and providers have become more focused on delivering services to whānau, rather than individuals.

However, our report identifies some problems with how Whānau Ora was implemented, which contributed to confusion about Whānau Ora. We could not get a consistent explanation of the aims of the initiatives in Whānau Ora from the joint agencies or other people that we spoke to. So far, the situation has been unclear and confusing to many of the public entities and whānau.

Whānau Ora relies on appropriate support from other agencies and the community. We hope that those involved in the next phase of Whānau Ora – and other agencies who are also trying innovative approaches – learn from our report so that they build on the positive signs that have emerged so far. An innovative idea should not be abandoned just because of implementation problems.

We’d like your feedback: Our online reports will now include a link to a feedback form. Please tell us if you found our report useful.

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