From Our Ministers cont...

Hon Christopher Finlayson

Aku mihi māhana ki a koutou e hono ana ki tēnei Pānui Whāinga.

I enjoy working with Hon. Dr Pita Sharples on a number of issues across the Māori Affairs portfolio. This year my particular focus continues to be on policy and legislative reform related to Māori land.

There is huge potential in Māori land that has been held back by flawed legislation and complex regulation. This is a key reason why the Review of the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 was commissioned. It is aimed at improving the Act for the benefit of Māori land owners and will help to build a more productive and competitive economy as part of the Government’s Business Growth Agenda.

An expert panel was asked for suggestions on how to improve the Act and, as I write, are collecting feedback from landowners and those with an interest in Māori land and Māori land development for their views. I look forward to getting a bill introduced into the House before the end of the year.

Te Puni Kōkiri staff play an important role in supporting the Review both at the Wellington office as well as throughout their regional network. I appreciate their contribution and input.

Noho ora mai e koutou.

Hon Christopher Finlayson

 

Hon Tariana Turia

Ēhara taku toa i te toa takitahi, ēngari taku toa he toa takitini. The strength is not of the individual but of the collective.

Whānau Ora is evolving at a remarkable rate and early results paint a positive picture of whānau-led development and, most importantly, whānau outcomes.

The next phase of our work will include gathering a stronger evidence base to inform future programme design and delivery. Research, evaluation and monitoring will have a greater focus on capturing results as well as shared stories of transformation from whānau and families.

A further priority will be to broaden the range of sectors and agencies supporting the Whānau Ora approach. From a whānau perspective, there are clear gaps in support that can be addressed through a mix of greater participation from agencies and realignment of existing programmes and services.

The Government’s investment in provider transformation has been a critical part of the establishment phase. The challenge now is to concentrate on building the capacity and capability of whānau during the next stage of implementation.

Our aim is to ensure that our agencies are focused on whānau-centred innovation and investment as well as facilitating and enabling greater co-investment across the sectors.

Whānau Ora heralds a transformation of our own futures by taking control of our lives. This transformation is not just grounded in optimism – it is pragmatic, meaningful to each whānau, and firmly driven by outcomes. I am confident we are making progress towards a better way of life for our people.

Mā ihupuku ko momoho, mā momoho ko tau o te mauri, ko puta o te ihu ki Te Whai Ao, ki Te Ao Mārama.

Hon Tariana Turia

Minister for Whānau Ora

 

• Back to Ministerial Statement of Responsibility
• Next: Chief Executive’s Introduction