April 17, 2014
Maori dimension to homelesss strategy
A Wellington City Councillor says the council’s new Te Mahana homelessness strategy will give iwi a chance to become more involved with other agencies in addressing the problem.
Ray Ahipene Mercer says the strategy came about in response to the outpouring of compassion from the Wellington public after the deaths of some high profile homeless men.
It takes into account the fact a disproportionate number of homeless are Maori.
"Te Mahana strategy will involve iwi and people from Maori organisations and also Maori who work in existing organisations, which may not have a huge kaupapa Maori dimension to them, but which can draw from their Maori perspective to enable a broader based approach," he says.
Ray Ahipene Mercer says a coordinated approach is needed, rather that the council, churches, iwi and other groups working in silos.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH RAY AHIPENE MERCER CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MTcyOTM=
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