Tēnā koutou e ngā iwi, e ngā rōpū me ngā whānau e ngākau nui ana ki tēnei kaupapa a Whānau Ora.

I am pleased that early results linked to Whānau Ora paint a positive picture of whānau-led development and, most importantly, whānau outcomes.

One of the exciting developments is a project that collected data from a number of Whānau Ora providers. This data reveals concrete evidence of positive whānau transformation and shows that participating whānau have high levels of satisfaction with the support that they receive.

We have also commissioned an independent evaluation on the impact of the Whānau Integration, Innovation and Engagement (WIIE) Fund which found that bringing whānau together – backed up by good quality facilitation – is transformative in itself.

We have always intended that the WIIE Fund be a hand up rather than a hand out. And what we are witnessing now are whānau taking back control over their own lives and making a difference for future generations.

Whānau – including those with complex needs or high users of services – have identified clear steps to education and employment and have implemented these without further funding.

Serious issues such as intergenerational violence as well as drug and alcohol abuse are being addressed and whānau are holding each other accountable for changing their behaviour.

As well, a number of whānau have also taken a coordinated approach to addressing housing issues such as water supply, insulation and property safety for tamariki and kaumātua.

The stories of change we are seeing are compelling but it is early days yet. The signs are positive and the stories of whānau transformation are increasing.

Over the medium-term, we will focus on growing and deepening the evidence base of Whānau Ora and – at all stages – maintain an openness to learn from our mistakes as well as our successes.

I am confident we are making progress towards a better way of life for our people.

Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui.

Hon Tariana Turia
Minister for Whānau Ora