More Wellbeing Budget hui to come

More hui to give Ma¯ori the chance to hear about the government’s Wellbeing Budget will be held around Northland after one in O¯ tangarei last week, addressed by Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis, Minister for Corrections, Tourism and Ma¯ori Crown Relations — Te Arawhiti, Willie Jackson, Minister of Employment, and Labour list MP Willow-Jean Prime.

They covered a wide range of issues, including the kaupapa Ma¯ori pathway in prisons, which will be launched at Nga¯wha¯ and Hawke’s Bay, te kohanga reo, funding of mental health and addictions services, Oranga Tamariki, rail, papakainga development and rural housing repairs, enhancing relationships between local government and Ma¯ori, Wha¯nau Ora, He Poutama Rangatahi and Mana in Mahi.

Mr Davis said more hui were planned around the region.

“One of the things I’m really aware of being a minister now is the difficulty in being in the North as much as I should,” he said. “The electorate stretches from West Auckland right up to the cape, and it’s a good way to meet and discuss the issues with a lot of people at once.”