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

© Scoop Media