March 17, 2017
Ngati Raukawa rejects tired Tolley talkshow
A Ngati Raukawa hui looking at the overhaul of state care has rejected Social Development Minister Anne Tolley’s contention the new Ministry for Vulnerable Children was the way to get better outcomes for tamariki.
Ms Tolley spoke to yesterday’s hui at Te Wananga o Raukawa in Otaki, organised by former associate minister Dame Tariana Turia and Professor Whatarangi Winiata,
Emeritus Professor Wally Penitito says participants were concerned about many aspects of the reforms, and not just the section on kin care that Ms Tolley is now considering changes to.
He says the government still fails to appreciate the importance of whanau to Maori, especially when it comes to the care of their tamariki.
"There was a fair degree of frustration with well meaning ideas and we have heard most of them before, not necessarily in the context of vulnerable children, but just about anythng else that comes up in government that it has to do with Maori. It's just this idea someone else knows better. We have to put a stop to this or it will never end, this idea the state knows best what Maori need or that Pakeha know best what Maori need," Dr Penitito says.
He says there are positive aspects to the reform, but the foundation is wrong.
FULL INTERVIEW WITH DR WALLY PENETITO
Copyright © 2017, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com