The minister for Whanau Ora, Tariana Turia, has again leapt to the defence of the unique welfare scheme for Maori.
On Tuesday, during Parliament's Question Time, the Government was asked why Rahui Rugby and Sports Club in Otaki has won $60,000 in Whanau Ora funding.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said the Whanau Innovation, Integration and Engagement Fund should be scrapped.
But Mrs Turia says the money granted to the rugby club is money well spent.
The minister says rugby clubs - and particularly Maori clubs - are often the hub of their community and for many families that is their social engagement.
Mrs Turia questions what the difference is between providing resources to a rugby club and giving resources to anybody where families gather.
