May 21, 2018
MP numbers don’t add up to kaupapa delivery
Maori Party president Che Wilson says he’s disappointed at the lack of specific Maori funding in the Budget.
He says there are positive features, such as extra funds to tackle homelessness, and money for te reo Maori promotion.
But the lack of extra money for Whanau Ora is galling, given its success in addressing the needs of Maori and Pacific Island families.
"With two MPs under the Maori Party we were still able to get generic money and specific Maori money. Every time you go to a doctor, irrespective of who you are, every child under 13 is free thanks to the Maori Party. That is an example of a generic kaupapa. Whanau ora is about specific Maori kaupapa and so it is disappointing with their 13 MPs, (Labour) weren't able to get more money over the line," Mr Wilson says.
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