Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Iwi failing to promote Whanau Ora funding

Updated at 6:31 am on 15 November 2012

Iwi are failing to push their whanau to apply for funding assistance through Whanau Ora, because they don't see any direct financial benefit for themselves, official documents have revealed.

An evaluation of how the $7.7 million Whanau Integration, Innovation and Engagement fund is being handled by staff has highlighted several gaps in the fund's administration.

The report reveals that of the iwi working with the fund's lead agency, Te Puni Kokiri, it's a "challenge" to get them to think beyond the financial return they'll get from pushing their whanau to apply for help.

The report also found that a large number of iwi have zero involvement with the fund, losing the opportunity to access several thousands of dollars to help families in need.

An iwi leaders' symposium to discuss the Whanau Ora fund and how it might help struggling whanau within their iwi has been proposed.

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