5 February 2002

Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia says new funding of almost $6 million over the next three years continues the government push to assist Maori communities to design their own solutions.

At Waitangi, Mr Horomia said the funding is for projects by Te Aronga Hou, Nga Rangatahi o Ngati Hinearo-Ngati Tuera Information Technology Service Provider, Nga Rauru Iwi Authority Society The Waiapu Work Trust and Te Runanga o Raukawa.

“I am pleased to say that the five groups have been working in their respective communities for a long time. They all have vision and commitment and have been doing the hard yards. Today’s funding acknowledges that and assists them to continue their work and achieve their long term aims for their communities.”

Mr Horomia said the projects deal with the immediate needs of the communities while developing the potential of human and physical assets.

“The Prime Minister, Minister Turia and I visited Te Aronga Hou in South Auckland last year as part of the series of Ministerial Regional Visits. We were impressed by their focus, commitment and good humour even though their work with young Maori on the streets of South Auckland was often stressful and difficult.

The Waiapu Work Trust, based on the East Coast, works with unemployed Maori so that they can take up the job opportunities in farming and forestry. Nga Rangatahi o Ngati Hinearo-Ngati Tuera Information Technology Service Provider, Nga Rauru Iwi Authority Society Inc and Te Runanga o Raukawa will look at longer term plans to develop their people and their lands,” said Mr Horomia.

The Minister said he is pleased to be able to support these grassroots initiatives and will look forward to watching their progress.

Te Aronga Hou (South Auckland)
Te Aronga Hou will receive $330 thousand (over two years). It is based in Mangere, South Auckland, is the only organisation working with and targeting: Youth, Maori and Takataapui (gay, lesbian, transgender individuals) soliciting the streets of South Auckland. It operated voluntarily for over a year, without assistance, resources or support It received some government funding last year, which covers five paid staff and expenses for six volunteers. The workers are making contact with 10-30 individuals soliciting on the streets, in parks and public toilets and back alleys each night in South Auckland suburbs.

Nga Rangatahi o Ngati Hinearo-Ngati Tuera Information Technology Service Provider (Whanganui)
Nga Rangatahi o Ngati Hinearo-Ngati Tuera Information Technology Service Provider will receive $614 000 (over three years) to establish a marae-based IT programme covering subjects including web design, digital editing, graphic design and computer programme design. This project is one of the initiatives based at Parikino Marae in Whanganui.

Nga Rauru Iwi Authority Society (South Taranaki)
Nga Rauru Iwi Authority Society will receive $1.6 million (over three years) to use and further develop small blocks of land around 12 marae to produce and market nutriceuticals. The initiative will include training in research and development, processing and agriculture.

The Waiapu Work Trust (East Coast of North Island)
The Waiapu Work Trust will receive $1.455 million (over three years) to strengthen its abilities to provide forestry and farm contracting job opportunities on the coast.

Tu Rangatira – Te Runanga o Raukawa (Horowhenua)

Tu rangatira – Te Runanga o Raukawa will receive $1.8 million (over three years) to employ and train hapu co-ordinators who will assist members to access social, economic and cultural services and provide a ‘rapid response’ system of whanau support. Tu Rangatira is based on the hapu iwi development plan Te Whakatipuranga 2000 (Generation 2000).

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