May 22, 2019
Kaupapa recognition good but money better
The director of the only kaupapa Māori service for people who commit sexual violence has welcomed acknowledgement of kaupapa Māori in the Wellbeing Budget, but says the money on offer falls well short of the need.
Russell Smith from Korowai Tumanako says in the past governments have failed to recognise Māori expertise in family and sexual violence services, so use of the term is a small win.
He says it appears about $7 million will be set aside for kaupapa Māori, and the bulk of the money will continue to go to mainstream services which don’t serve Māori well.
"You’ve got to have a clear understanding of both western practice but more importantly of Māori identity. Evidence tells us identity is one of the biggest parts of reducing recidivism and reoffending," Mr Smith says.
Māori services also need to apply into the mainstream pools of funding.
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