Whanau Ora to be commended says ComVoices
Today’s announcement of $134.3 million funding for Whanau Ora over four years is a good start to the Government working
more collaboratively with Sector organisations, says ComVoices.
The independent network of Tangata Whenua, and community and voluntary sector organisations says supporting New
Zealand’s most vulnerable families requires a fundamental rethink about how government agencies work; the Whanau Ora
concept is a good start to achieving that.
Robyn Scott, Executive Director of Philanthropy New Zealand says, “To have the Government emulate the holistic model of
the Sector and be willing to work together through more collaborative models is commendable and shows it is committed to
exploring new ways of serving our most vulnerable citizens.”
Robin Gunston, National Director of Prison Fellowship says, “We need to address family and community problems at the
source if we are to best serve New Zealand.”
“Models like Whanau Ora will allow the Sector to better respond to actual community need and be adaptive to real-time
change,” he says.
Dave Henderson, Coordinator of ANGOA says, “Minister Turia’s announcement that existing contacts will be integrated into
Whanau Ora contracts also gives Sector organisations new options.
“This is a chance for those Sector organisations part-funded through Government to extend and re-focus their efforts to
better meet the needs of their communities.” he says.
ENDS