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

Foreword from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Taskforce</strong>
E te Minita
Tēnā koe
We are pleased to present you with <strong>the</strong> report <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Taskforce</strong> for Whānau-Centred Initiatives.
Since our first meeting on 24 June 2009, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Taskforce</strong> has been privileged to hear <strong>the</strong> views <strong>of</strong>
hundreds <strong>of</strong> New Zealanders and to read more than a hundred written submissions. As a result
we are confident <strong>the</strong>re is strong support for <strong>the</strong> kaupapa, and enthusiasm for a fresh approach
that will bring demonstrable benefits. We have been especially impressed by <strong>the</strong> high level <strong>of</strong>
optimism around <strong>the</strong> country and are confident that <strong>the</strong> time is right to forge new pathways that
will contribute to <strong>the</strong> empowerment <strong>of</strong> whānau.
Our report recognises <strong>the</strong> transformations that have occurred in te ao Māori over <strong>the</strong> past
two decades and acknowledges <strong>the</strong> innovative capacity <strong>of</strong> iwi, Māori communities and Māori
practitioners to meet new challenges, embrace new technologies and model new practices.
Those same attributes will be pivotal in implementing <strong>the</strong> recommendations made in our report.
But we have also indicated that assurances will be required from a number <strong>of</strong> government
departments and a spirit <strong>of</strong> collaboration must be embedded between funders, providers,
practitioners and whānau. In that respect, <strong>the</strong> positive and optimistic interest shown from a wide
range <strong>of</strong> agencies and communities has given us every reason to believe that <strong>the</strong> necessary
goodwill and commitment will be forthcoming.
Minister, our work has been greatly influenced by <strong>the</strong> resilience, determination and aspirations <strong>of</strong>
whānau all over <strong>the</strong> country and we are conscious <strong>of</strong> our obligations to <strong>the</strong>m. If <strong>the</strong>re is a single
conclusion to our deliberations it is that <strong>the</strong> potential within whānau has never been greater, and
unleashing that potential will not only bring benefits to Māori but will add greatly to <strong>the</strong> nation
and to <strong>the</strong> prospects <strong>of</strong> future generations.
Noho ora mai
Mason Durie (Chair)
Rob Cooper
Di Grennell
Suzanne Snively
Nancy Tuaine
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