May 17, 2018
Maori public health on Budget wish list
Maori public health collective Hapai Te Hauora says more funding for housing and health in today's budget will have the biggest impact on whanau.
Finance Minister Grant Robinson will read his first Budget this afternoon.
Hapai Te Hauora says a key priority should be meeting urgent housing needs in Tamaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau so all families have the ability to live in warm, dry homes.
It also wants to see investment in primary and preventative healthcare, which should save money down the track by preventing illness.
There needs to be more money for alcohol, drug and other addictions treatment and mental health services, coupled with research primarily focused on Maori and Pacific.
The criminal justice system needs more spent on rehabilitation including culturally appropriate services for Maori, and increasing funding to Whanau Ora would reflect how Maori for Maori approaches improve health.
Chief executive Lance Norman says the budget needs to reflect the Government's rhetoric around creating a better New Zealand for everyone.
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