October 10, 2023
Māori leadership needed in homeless response
It’s World Homeless Day – but Lifewise chief executive Haehaetu Barrett says it’s every day for to many vulnerable whānau.
She says for Maori, not having a secure whare is not just about housing shortages and the cost of living but the cumulative effects of colonisation over the generations.
She says that needs to be acknowledged by both government and non-government agencies.
“They talk about partnership and collaboration and understanding, Maori responsiveness. We need the Maori responsiveness led by Maori and the initiatives in the community led by Maori for Maori communities and other providers can support as per, but what we require to ensure our whanau have their voice heard, we have to have that type of leadership very strong,” Ms Barrett says.