Maori Party applauds Govt for being bold

The Maori Party says the Government must be commended for its bold decision to embrace whanau ora – one of the party’s most significant social policies.

“We want to thank the Government for giving whanau ora a chance, for supporting a revolutionary programme based on kaupapa and tikanga Maori that has more than potential to turn the tide for whanau who are struggling to deal with complex social issues,” Maori Party co-leader Dr Pita Sharples said.

“It takes courage to stay focused on what really matters, to help whanau transform whänau so they can help themselves.

“We’ve always said that what’s good for Maori is good for the nation and we know that all people will see benefits in the way we deal with intricate social issues in a number of areas such as education, unemployment and health.”

The Government’s announcement today that Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia will be the Minister Responsible for Whanau Ora is a milestone for the party, the Government and the nation.

“Tariana’s championing of this policy reflects her passion and commitment to whanau ora, and we take our hat off to the Government, particularly John Key and Bill English, for recognising that,” Dr Sharples said.

“In our 2008 election campaign we told our people and the nation that we’d make progress on whanau ora and today’s announcements are signs that we continue to walk our talk.”

The Maori Party also mihi to Professor Mason Durie who led the Whanau Ora Taskforce, which produced the report being released today, and who will continue to be involved on the governance group which will manage the programme.

“Sir Mason is a humble genius who for the past 25 years has helped to architect the whänau ora concept because he has faith that given the right support it will work.”

ENDS

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