Relationships Aotearoa expects decision on their future today
Following a meeting with funders late yesterday (19 May 2015), the interim Board and Management team of Relationships
Aotearoa (RA) advise they are expecting an outcome by 2pm today.
“It has been a long a difficult day for our staff and clients who are left in limbo. We are looking forward to a
resolution.” Said, Dr Jane Allison, Chairperson of the interim Board.
“We are disappointed that the Minister of Justice, Amy Adams has failed to comment, or be seen to support her colleague
yesterdayday. Her ministry has contributed significantly to the issues faced by RA, and we were surprised that her
office refused to meet with RA to discuss the concerns.”
“We know that the Ministry of Justice would be impacted significantly more than MSD given the mandated nature of
Justice’s referrals, and we assumed the Minister would want to be aware of the risk.”
“50% of domestic violence and Parenting Through Separation services are delivered by RA across New Zealand and RA is the
only provider of a number of the Ministry of Justice services in some 9 locations. This is of considerable concern.”
Said Dr Allison.
“Not only would a transition be prolonged if there are no providers to transition clients too, we would expect the
Ministries of Justice and Social Development to be aligned in their support of the clients referred to us.”
ENDS