May 13, 2024
Name attack screen for whaikaha neglect
The Green Party spokesperson on disability issues, Kahurangi Carter, says the Government is pushing anti-Māori policies while ignoring the real issues affecting vulnerable citizens.
Minister Louise Upston is insisting the word Whaikaha will be dropped as the lead name for the Ministry of Disabilities – despite reluctance by staff to demote their organisation’s te reo Māori name.
Ms Carter says the Government will spend money on a politically-driven name change while cutting the funding disabled people rely on to live independent and fulfilling lives.
“Whaikaha is the right name for the Ministry of Disabilities – it’s a beautiful name – and what we really need to dig into here, is the priorities of this government,” she says.
Ms Carter says the disabled community wants proper consultation about their needs, but the Government just wants to play ideological politics and cut costs.