Whanau Ora to be commended says ComVoices

Today’s announcement of $134.3 million funding for Whanau Ora over four years is a good start to the Government working more collaboratively with Sector organisations, says ComVoices.

The independent network of Tangata Whenua, and community and voluntary sector organisations says supporting New Zealand’s most vulnerable families requires a fundamental rethink about how government agencies work; the Whanau Ora concept is a good start to achieving that.

Robyn Scott, Executive Director of Philanthropy New Zealand says, “To have the Government emulate the holistic model of the Sector and be willing to work together through more collaborative models is commendable and shows it is committed to exploring new ways of serving our most vulnerable citizens.”

Robin Gunston, National Director of Prison Fellowship says, “We need to address family and community problems at the source if we are to best serve New Zealand.”

“Models like Whanau Ora will allow the Sector to better respond to actual community need and be adaptive to real-time change,” he says.

Dave Henderson, Coordinator of ANGOA says, “Minister Turia’s announcement that existing contacts will be integrated into Whanau Ora contracts also gives Sector organisations new options.

“This is a chance for those Sector organisations part-funded through Government to extend and re-focus their efforts to better meet the needs of their communities.” he says.

ENDS

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