Whanau Ora : Report of the Taskforce on Whanau-Centred Initiatives

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wider whānau. Under current arrangements, whole-<strong>of</strong>-government
contracts are few and remain subject to sectoral oversight. A dedicated
fund, once removed from conventional sectoral practices, will enable fresh
approaches, including:
• funding that is focused on results consistent with whānau outcomes
• funding for holistic service delivery
• funding for collective whānau priorities.
7.5.3 The size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> appropriation for <strong>the</strong> Trust has yet to be determined; fur<strong>the</strong>r
work will be required that takes into account <strong>the</strong> structure <strong>of</strong> Whānau <strong>Ora</strong>
services. Given current constraints on public spending, <strong>the</strong> Whānau <strong>Ora</strong>
appropriation is unlikely to be voted from ‘new’ money. More likely, it will be
appropriated by channelling funding from existing Votes such as Health,
Social Development, Justice and Education.
7.5.4 The <strong>Taskforce</strong> has recommended a timely process for deriving <strong>the</strong> level
<strong>of</strong> contributions from appropriate sectors. We favour an appropriation
for <strong>the</strong> Trust that is sufficient to enable <strong>the</strong> phased roll-out <strong>of</strong> functions,
independent <strong>of</strong> current sectoral contracting arrangements.
A commission or a trust –
it's got to look like us.
7.5.5 The <strong>Taskforce</strong> has carefully considered a range <strong>of</strong> options taking into
account feedback from <strong>the</strong> engagement processes and from <strong>of</strong>ficials.
The <strong>Taskforce</strong> has concluded that a new entity, an independent
Whānau <strong>Ora</strong> Trust, accountable to a dedicated Whānau <strong>Ora</strong> Minister
and to Parliament is needed. A trust has <strong>the</strong> advantage <strong>of</strong> providing an
independent, stable, transparent foundation, which can be established
in a timely manner. The Whānau <strong>Ora</strong> Trust will oversee whānau-centred
programmes and promote best outcomes for whānau across state,
private, iwi and voluntary sectors. Whānau wellbeing is relevant to all
sectors and has strong implications for iwi, hapū and New Zealand.
7.5.6 While our recommendation is for a dedicated appropriation(s), o<strong>the</strong>r
agencies will have an ongoing responsibility to whānau.
7.5.7 The Trust will comprise four to six individuals appointed by <strong>the</strong> Government
for <strong>the</strong>ir skills, knowledge, experience and ability to bring regional
perspectives to Trust business. The Trust will require management and
administrative capacity to engage in nationwide contracting and service
monitoring and development.
7.5.8 As well as addressing more immediate issues, <strong>the</strong> Trust will take a broad
development perspective in terms <strong>of</strong> whānau, hapū and iwi. The Trust will
focus on investing in positive development and addressing need.
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