Unfair to Refuse Funding for Wellington Shakti Refuge
Tracey Martin MP
Spokesperson for Women’s
Affairs
28 APRIL 2017
Unfair to Refuse Funding for Wellington Shakti Refuge for Women
The refusal by the National government to fund a refuge for women migrants in Wellington is a symptom of the neglect of everyone affected by family violence, says New Zealand First Spokesperson for Women’s Affairs Tracey Martin.
“Shakti Refuge Wellington faces closure as it can no longer continue after surviving for four years on private funding.
“Shakti provides culturally appropriate support for African, Middle Eastern and Asian women.
“It has been refused funding by the Ministry of Social Development. It says mainstream refuge services can meet the needs of refugee and migrant women.
“The Ministry of Social Development funds the national organisation, although the amount was cut last year, but not the Wellington branch.
“A survey in 2016 to analyse needs by Shakti under a Ministry of Social Development contract highlighted the need for a specialist refuge service for migrant and refugee women.
“The funding refusal flies in the face of this government’s reassurances that they are addressing family violence in New Zealand.
“New Zealand First calls on the National government to immediately provide sustainable funding for Shakti Wellington,” says Mrs Martin.
ENDS