We all want better coordinated and connected services, especially for at risk families. Labour was absolutely committed to that. But look what we’ve ended up with.
Today Annette King has said the billion dollar figure Tariana Turia was bandying about gave the impression that Whanau Ora would be a major shift in social policy. Instead National’s stumped up just $134 million over four years.
“The Maori party calls it the first wave of funding. I’d call it more of a trickle,” Annette said.
It’s finally been revealed today that the Government will fund Whanau Ora from the Pathways to Partnership programme.That fund was set up by Labour to fully fund 800 Non-Government Organisations to deliver social services in communities. So where’s the major shift? And where’s the funding to back it up?
There’s a range of expressions one could use. A trickle. Not much chop.
But I personally prefer the damp squib. Growing up, I always imagined it as a damp, grey and slightly smelly dishcloth. But below is actually what it is. Seems appropriate, coz when it’s damp it doesn’t go off.
A squib is a miniature explosive device used in a wide range of industries, from special effects to military applications. They resemble tiny sticks of dynamite, both in appearance and construction, although with considerably less explosive power. Squibs can be used to generate mechanical force, as well as to provide pyrotechnic effects for both film and live theatrics. Squibs can be used for shattering or propelling a variety of materials.[1]
Pictured. A box of squibs. Pour water on them and they won’t go off
love it, wonder how the Maori Party will spin this one ??
Bet Hone is just dead chuffed !
Hah, I admit to using this phrase without knowing the exact background. Cheers Clare
I’ll bet this is the sort of stuff that Guy Fawkes (sic?) thought was useful. He is my hero.
Whanau Ora is policy I totally disagree with. I am not a supporter of apartheid. Whanau Ora reminds me of Closing The Gaps. That cost us poor old taxpayers $250 million before Labour pulled the plug on that one. After it turned out to be a waste of money and had not made one iota of difference. At least the Maori/National gummint is only spending half as much. So I am only half as annoyed. Yeah right.
O Whanau my Whanau! our vengeful trip is done;
The waka has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady Key, the vessel glib and blaring:
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Whanau lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
Walt Whititane
Whanganui Poet
As all such separatist ideas turn out to be.
What was that one that Helen Clark trumpeted with great gusto in 2000 and had given up on by 2001.
Walt, you are no Whitman.
I think this is very sensible – and as this gets up and running more runding can be transferred. Also keeps the Maori Party supporting National in the future to get the additional funding transferred.
Arn’t the Nats such smart political operators. Love it.
Apartheid didn’t work in South Africa and it won’t work here. I really have NFI as to why Maori think it will.
@j ohnbt – agreed Guy Fawkes is cool
@Rob M – beautiful poem
I presume someone will be asking the Ministers strong questions about that diverted Pathways to Partnership funding?
Agree with Monty on this, also didn’t Labour ban certain fireworks (like double happys?)