16 May 2014
Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust celebrate extra funding for disability support services in this year’s budget
Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust are thrilled at the announcement that the 2014 budget includes an extra $112.1 million
to go towards disability support services that will help meet rising needs and costs.
Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust, an organisation that supports people with intellectual disabilities, hopes that this
extra funding will go towards areas such as vocational support, which they see as key to supporting those with
disabilities, to help them achieve independence wherever possible.
Says Malcolm Robson, CEO of Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust, “It is absolutely fantastic news that the government has
recognised the importance of disability support services in the budget. Our hope is that more emphasis will be placed on
vocational support going forward, as this is, in my mind, going to be key in planning for the future.”
Vocational support, which allows mokopuna (clients) to gain and develop skills that will enable them to take part in the
community, is an important aspect of Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust’s service. “Certainly vocational support is a big
part of our planning, as it helps us empower mokopuna to lead fulfilled, independent lives,” says Malcolm.
Malcolm is particularly interested to see how the government allocates the $6 million set aside for promoting the use of
New Zealand Sign Language. For some clients with high and complex needs, being able to utilise sign language is only one
of their many needs. The timing of this announcement coincides with New Zealand Sign Language Week, celebrated by Deaf
Aotearoa from 12-18 May.
Malcolm is extremely positive about this year’s budget, saying, “It shows that the government is really listening to the
communities that we look after, and I think that’s a very positive sign.”
About Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust
Te Roopu Taurima has offices in Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Christchurch and is the country’s largest Kaupapa Maori
health organisation. Their philosophical belief is to provide people with an intellectual disability the best possible
quality of life, a safe and healthy environment and support that promotes personal dignity and respect at all times.
Although a Kaupapa Maori organisation, Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau Trust cares for people with intellectual disabilities
from all cultures and walks of life.
Rangatiratanga mo tatou katoa i runga i nga tikanga o tena o tena o tena
Ensuring empowerment and self-determination regardless of disability, age, gender, race or status.
ENDS