The new funding agency for Whanau Ora services in the North Island says Te Puni Kokiri should come clean and say when and in which areas it underspent.
The former Minister for Whanau Ora, Tariana Turia, who implemented the programme, has told Radio New Zealand that its rollout was poorly handled by Te Puni Kokiri and there was a substantial underspend two years in a row.
The head of Te Pou Matakana, Merepeka Raukawa-Tait agrees, and says the ministry needs to be more upfront.
She says it is good to review what happened and look at what can be learned from the underspend.
Ms Raukawa-Tait said it is important to be open and transparent.
Te Puni Kokiri chief executive Michelle Hippolite has refused to be interviewed, but says there was an underspend when the future direction of Whanau Ora was unclear.
