November 27, 2012
Funding crisis spells end for hauora
Missing out on a Whānau Ora contract and belt tightening by funders has led to the demise of the top of the South Island's largest Māori health provider.
Manager Aroha Metcalf says the bulk of Te Rapuora ō Te Waiharakeke's funds came from the district health board, with the Health and Social Development Ministry also having contracts.
But the health board has cut funding for services like mental health so it can tackle its own deficit, and the Health Ministry turned down a bid by Te Rapuora and four other providers for a Whānau Ora contract.
Ms Metcalf says with more than 30 staff and offices in Nelson and Blenheim, the cost of running the 26-year-old organisation was unsustainable.
Te Rapuora was the sole provider of Māori mental health services in Marlborough, helping 128 individuals.
Other services included health screening and promotion, a kaumatua programme, disability support and rongoa mirimiri for clients with chronic pain.
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