Mana News editor Joe Trinder

Last Friday the Minister of Maori development Te Ururoa Flavell  announced his budget. The Kaitoko Whanau social workers that have been helping in our communities will be extended for another four years.

The first social worker to show his gratitude to the minister was James Papalii he thanked the minister formally in front of a crowd of 200 people. There was a genuine concern the Kaitoko social workers were going to be disbanded and Maori communities left without critical support.

Overall the Minister’s budget announcement was positive and a new initiative was funded in Te Puni Kokiri for first home buyers with the new housing unit that assists new home buyers navigate through the red tape of getting a mortgage.