November 22, 2012
Minister unhappy at low trust for Māori providers
The Minister for Whānau Ora, Tariana Turia, says she’s unhappy with the way the Ministry of Social Development has dealt with Te Whānau ō Waipareira.
The High Court yesterday threw out the West Auckland social service provider’s challenge to the ministry’s axing of its Family Start contract.
The judge found the ministry had the right to punish poor performance, and he rejected Waipareira’s claim of a treaty relationship.
Mrs Turia expects Waipareira will appeal.
"What I would like to see is that the Ministry of Social Development gives me confidence that they are going to work with someone who is a major provider of health and social services back into Māori and Pacific communities and trust them to know that the job that they are doing is a good job and if they are not doing a good job, then to put the resources in to help to build their capacity to do it," Mrs Turia says.
She says the Ministry of Social Development is imposing monthly audits on its Māori providers, making them feel they are not trusted.
Copyright © 2013, Uma Broadcasting Ltd