Tēnā koe, ngā mihi nui ki ā koe,
We're proud to report that we've been able to deliver on initiatives for our Māori communities totalling more than $620.45 million.
We know our people have high expectations of us, that we must do more to protect our vulnerable whānau from the rising cost of living and invest in the futures of our mokopuna. That's why we are in this for the long-haul.
The challenges our people face are complex and they were created over the equivalent of 57 parliament terms or about 170 years so fixing them will not happen over night. For every day we have spent in Parliament, since signing an agreement with the Government, we have delivered to our Māori communities $2.67 million worth of benefits (per sitting day) -a milestone no other party in this country's political history has achieved.
Our biggest gain in Budget 2011 has been on setting aside putea to empower whānau and increase educational and training opportunities for our mokopuna because we know that strong and knowledgeable whānau will help them take control of their own destiny.
Given the Government's tightening up on spending, we're also proud that we've been able to hold the line and not lose any of the funding we secured for our people in the 2009 and 2010 Budgets. Looking at this Budget, we remain convinced that maintaining a working relationship with the National Party, as part of this Government, is in the long-term interests of our constituents.
Tariana Turia & Dr Pita Sharples
Co-Leaders of the Māori Party Putea for our people |
| Budget 2011 Announcements | |
| Whanau Ora | $30 million |
| Education | $96.1 million |
| Health | $25.3 million |
| Family Violence | $44.1 million |
| Te Reo Maori | $9 million |
| Other | $9.05 million |
| This Year: | $213.55 |
| Previous two years: | $406.9 |
| GRAND TOTAL: | $620.45 million |
Click here to download Budget Gains 2011 booklet.