PlunketLine needs Action

"Keep PlunketLine! With the presentation of the PlunketLine Petition at Parliament today, the community has sent a loud and clear message to the Government – keep PlunketLine” said Christine Low National President of the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ).

“For the Government to stand behind the comment that ‘contract negotiations are continuing’ is shameful,” continued Low.

Kaye Crowther, Plunket Society New Zealand President emphasized the fact that Plunket does not have the resources to continue fighting this issue long-term. NCWNZ is concerned that negotiations between Plunket and the Government will be unnecessarily protracted.

"Negotiations with Government can be exhaustive - it is imperative that these now be expedited," said Ms Low. "This isn't only a matter of resuming Government funding; rather it is a matter of ensuring the funding will meet demand. This is also a matter of restoring public faith in Government decision-making and the processes used for making these decisions."

“Some people in the community are beginning to harbour concerns that Plunket is being stonewalled over the continued funding of PlunketLine," said Ms Low. "We believe it is vital that the NGO community and in particular organisations such as NCWNZ, continue to monitor the progress of these negotiations."

"Plunket is the first name in Well Child health. The community will not let that go and for officials to think otherwise is imprudent,” concluded Ms Low.

ENDS

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