Mana News editor Joe Trinder

The Minister of Maori development Te Ururoa Flavell is cutting back on Maori community services that provide for thousands of whanau. One social worker who wishes to remain anonymous described the minister “Te Ururoa is the Tony Abbott of New Zealand politics cutting back on essential services for Maori communities.”

Fifty Kaitoko social workers have just been informed by their employers that their contracts are being terminated come June as the minister Te Ururoa Flavell is not renewing funding that was secured for whanau ora by the previous leader Dr Pita Sharples.

Recently the minister reversed a decision by his predecessors of $20 million allocated for Maori housing provider Te Pou Matakana to be re directed back to government coffers. The money was given back to Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry of Māori Development) for the minister to control himself.

Many are confused by the minister one commentator claiming “He is a new broom trying to sweep” ignoring decisions already made by the Maori party. As the minister of Maori development his role is to fight for resources for his people. 

Maori party MP Marama Fox has been an exemplary MP,  I was grateful when she helped me with the paraplegic man Raniera Kahui Ariki who was being evicted from his housing New Zealand home.  Unfortunately the performance of her co leader the minister of Maori development Te Ururoa Flavell leaves room for improvement.