Te Tai Tonga MP Calls for Compassion

Te Tai Tonga MP Calls for Compassion
Rahui Katene, MP for Te Tai Tonga
Wednesday 4 November 2009

Tai Tonga MP Rahui Katene has commended the initiative of Te Whare Oki Oki Trust, in seeking to support people who are struggling with the impact of alcohol abuse.

“I recall the comments of emergency department doctor, Paul Quigley, that with nowhere to discharge patients to, Wellington Hospital, in effect, acted as a revolving door for homeless alcoholics”.

“I applaud Te Whare Oki Oki Trust for their proactive move in establishing a home and 24-hour care for people whose dependence on alcohol has left them with limited options”.

“These are people who, for whatever reason, live in very difficult circumstances” said Mrs Katene. “I fully support the intentions of Te Whare Oki Oki in establishing the wethouse project, for having the generosity of spirit to provide for some of our most vulnerable citizens”.

“The Maori Party has made a commitment to support whanau focused alcohol and drug addiction, recovery and restoration services” said Mrs Katene. “We also recognise the amazing effort made by outreach workers who have been supporting the homeless out in the community”.

The Wet House Trust is proposing to establish a site in Island Bay to house six residents. Housing New Zealand has provided the property, and the project will be anticipating funding from Capital Coast District Health Board and Wellington City Council.

ENDS