Nanaia
MAHUTA

Māori Affairs Spokesperson

8 July 2014 MEDIA STATEMENT

Whanau Ora to be reviewed under Labour

Labour has been very clear that it is necessary to review and evaluate the effectiveness of Whanau Ora for Māori, says Māori Affairs spokesperson Nanaia Mahuta

"I was pleased to meet with social service, youth, justice and health providers who are looking at the way in which services are provided to improve outcomes for whanau.

“It is notable that the extra $15m which comes into effect for Whanau Ora will not be available until 2015 after Tariana Turia retires.

“While the Minister may feel emotionally attached to her programme it is important that future commitments under a Labour Government are based on outcomes achieved and evidence that underpin the strength based approach in the Whanau Ora model.

“Labour believes that to transform the lives and opportunities for Māori, we must tackle the huge inequality and poverty gap that exists in our country.

“Labour Leader David Cunliffe has acknowledged that sometimes Government services can be delivered better by Māori for Maori communities. David Cunliffe made a commitment at the beginning of this year that Labour was willing to innovate and move forward on Whanau Ora.

“We want whanau to have a warm, dry homes to raise their children, good paying jobs and the very best opportunities for our young people.

“A review of Whanau Ora against this policy context allows a new opportunity for positive change to occur and we are proud to champion that new vision,” said Nanaia Mahuta.

© Scoop Media