More accountability needed in Govt funding to iwi

National is calling for more accountability in the Government funding of iwi organisations after revelations that a Government-funded iwi company has been building homes for family members.

National Housing Spokesperson Wayne Mapp says the revelations around iwi company Tu Kahu Ltd raise the question about a wider problem in the devolution of government services to iwi.

“Far too many iwi-based organisations are getting themselves into financial trouble, and the lack of accountability on the funds they are getting from Government seems to be at the centre of the problems.

“The whole purpose of this scheme was to provide money for low income housing to those in need, not to build homes for those at the top of the company and their families.

“It appears that the money has been poorly spent and the houses have been shoddily constructed, and neither the iwi nor the taxpayers have been getting value for money.

“We need an investigation into the wider use of Government funding for low income housing schemes like this. If the Government wants to dish out money in this way it needs to tighten up the accountability criteria for the use of this money,” Dr Mapp said.

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