MEDIA STATEMENT

Te Ururoa Flavell

MP for Waiariki

Wednesday 13 June 2012

Maori Party Celebrates Policy Change to Support Home-based carers

The Māori Party is delighted at the decision by the Government not to appeal the Court ruling that parents who care for their disabled family members at home should be paid.

‘The Court of Appeal ruling last month that parents of disabled children should be entitled to be recognised as paid carers was an important statement of faith in the capacity of whānau to care for their own” said Te Ururoa Flavell, MP for Waiariki.

“Our policy position has been definitive from the onset – that family are the best people to be in a position of care. Indeed, we see the Government’s decision as a ringing endorsement of Whānau Ora and we welcome Minister Ryall’s announcement that the Ministry of Health will now review its policy on family caregivers”.

“This has been a position that co-leader Tariana Turia has long advocated for, and so we are extremely pleased at the progress achieved”.

“The Māori Party has campaigned on a commitment to resource formal and informal caregivers to enable whanau members to stay in their own homes, especially older people and disabled persons to be supported to live in their homes as much as possible".

“We believe that whanau should feel safe and secure and should be able to live with dignity – and that it is important that families be recognised and valued for the time they spend in looking after their disabled whanaunga”.

“I know – after having cared for our elder sister in our home after she had suffered a stroke – that caring for your own whānau can be extremely demanding. When it is your own family member you would go to every extreme to ensure they are well cared for. In this regard I know just how much families will appreciate this acknowledgement of the importance of their role in providing home-based care for disabled family members, and the support that will come with it”.

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