Whanau ora providers are already training staff to implement the policy, funding the training out of their own budgets, overseeing minister Tariana Turia told Parliament today.The government announced the Maori Party flagship policy this month, with it de
Whanau ora providers are already training staff to implement the policy, funding the training out of their own budgets, overseeing minister Tariana Turia told Parliament today.
The government announced the Maori Party flagship policy this month, with it designed to give a major shake-up to the welfare system when it starts in July, though details were scant.
Mrs Turia was responding to a question by Labour MP Annette King, who wanted to know who the providers were and why they hadn't been announced.
"They have begun to start to provide training to their staff and they have done so from their own budgets and in their own time," Mrs Turia explained.
Under Whanau Ora, policy money currently spent by health, education, justice and social development agencies would be delivered to a single agency or person to work with families facing problems.
The Maori Party appeared to initially believe it would be for Maori families only, but the government has said "it will be available to all families in need."
The policy will be operational by July with a governance board working with Te Puni Kokiri and answering directly to Mrs Turia.
Ms King questioned the need for Whanau Ora, given that a 2009 Ministry of Social Development report pointed to improvements in Maori well-being under the previous Labour Government, using a mix of main-stream and Maori providers
"It is important to acknowledge what has worked well, but we think we can do considerably better hence the new programme," Mrs Turia said.
