budget 2000: Closing the gaps
It is in the interests of everyone in this country that we move to close the gaps that have opened up between Mäori and
Pacific peoples, and other New Zealanders. We cannot get ahead if a significant proportion of our people get left
behind, trapped by poverty, entrenched unemployment, low educational achievement and poor health and housing. Budget
2000 faces the challenge of giving all New Zealanders a chance to participate.
Capacity Building
Funding of $29.1 million in 2000/01 across a range of votes for capacity building, which means giving Mäori and
Pacific communities the capability to devise their own economic and social programmes
Whanau, hapu and iwi groups will get $20.4 million over four years to strengthen their development as providers of job
services
Te Puni Kokiri to receive an extra $11.6 million over the next four years to monitor social policy programmes for
Mäori
Education
A commitment of $19.9 million over four years to strengthen the quality of Mäori language education
$12.9 million to improve Mäori teacher supply both in mainstream and kura kaupapa schools
$11.2 million on programmes like mentoring schemes to help young Mäori participate more fully in the school system
Funding of $7.2 million over four years for increasing the Pacific Pool of the Discretionary Grants Scheme, which will
provide extra places in Pacific early childhood centres
Health and Housing
$20 million over four years for smoking cessation programmes aimed specifically at Mäori
The $55 million being allocated in 2000/01 for income-related rents for low-income state tenants will contribute to
closing the gaps (as outlined in Trust in Government headsheet)
Economic, community
$20.8 million over four years on Mäori economic and organisational development, which will include developing local
partnerships to create job opportunities
Pacific Peoples’ Organisational Development to receive $7.1 million over four years to help with administrative
skills, leadership training, IT and infrastructure development
$10 million over four years to fund initiatives developed by Mäori communities aimed at reducing Mäori youth offending