10 February 2016

Te Puni Kokiri contractors cost $7.8 million

Change has not delivered the gains as the Ministry of Maori Development’s contracting and consultancy costs bulge to $7.8 million says Labour’s Whanau Ora Spokesperson Nanaia Mahuta.

“Te Puni Kokiri’s Chief Executive Officer Michelle Hippolite was today asked to explain whether she was able to effectively audit the agency’s commitment to improving outcomes for Maori.

“It’s evident that while changes are underway current staffing levels need to increase if TPK is to play a strategic and policy making role across Government.

“The poor roll-out of Whanau Ora and the identified risks associated with the transfer of funding responsibilities to the commissioning agencies demonstrate that the Minister of Maori Development Te Ururoa Flavell has taken his eye off the process.

“Current staffing levels roughly equate to the same amount that’s been paid in contracts.

“Approximately $486,092 was spent in the 2014/2015 financial year on Human Resources and disbanding several staff positions.

“This excessive use of contractors must stop now,” says Nanaia Mahuta.

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