September 03, 2021
Tamaki Makaurau in line for bulk of Whanau Ora crisis fund
Whānau Ora Minister Peeni Henare says the bulk of the $23 million in new Covid-19 relief funding for Māori announced yesterday will go to the North Island Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency and Pasifika Futures.
The first tranche of $8.8 million will be paid out immediately according to the formula used to share money across the three agencies.
The remaining $14.2 million will be allocated to where it’s needed the most as more information comes in.
He says it can support whānau who need to isolate because someone has tested positive or is waiting for a test result, such as one who came to his attention through a navigator.
"They've been working with a Pacific whānau, nine in the family, nine in the household, the breadwinner of the family has tested positive, and now we've had to shift that entire family into a unique living situation where we can continue to support them and wrap that support around them and that's what Whānau Ora does best," Mr Henare says.
He’s also working to get more resources for Māori health providers to ramp up their vaccination efforts.
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