Whānau Ora Commissioning
- This week a leading Māori news item has centred on the re-contracting process for Whānau Ora services. The media reports are that the three existing whānau ora commissioning agencies have not been successful in having their contracts renewed, and that other entities have been selected to offer this service. The unsuccessful entities are said to be Te Pou Matakana (known as the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency), Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, and Pasifika Futures. These three entities have been engaged since 2014, and in total Whānau Ora has an appropriation of circa $155 million per annum – hence this is a significant change.
- There are also media reports of the potential for significant job losses associated with the change, but it is unclear how many people work in commissioning agencies, and what impact the changes will have on the network of provider entities who deliver whānau ora services to whānau.
- Some media reports also advise two (of four) new incoming commissioning agencies will be run by Ngāti Toa and Ngāi Tahu respectively: but the overseeing agency, Te Puni Kōkiri has not publicly confirmed that. The Secretary for Māori Development / Chief Executive of Te Puni Kōkiri, Dave Samuels, has however, issued a short statement on the matter. He says:
“Over the last decade, the Whānau Ora focus on strong trusted relationships has delivered results for many whānau across New Zealand communities. This model of service has successfully been delivered through three Commissioning Agencies since 2014…
The decision to go to market for the commissioning of Whānau Ora does not reflect on those involved in Whānau Ora to this point… There was a strong response from the market…
An Evaluation Panel considered proposals to deliver Whānau Ora services. The panel has now made recommendations, which I have approved…
Public announcements on the new arrangements will be made once negotiations have concluded and contracts have been signed. This is on track to be completed in April.
The changes we are making will have a greater focus on outcomes, ensuring we target our investment to where it can make the biggest difference.”
Statement on Whānau Ora Procurement process from the Secretary for Māori Development [i]
Labour Party Reset
- The Labour Party has reorganised its shadow Cabinet, with two Māori changing roles: Willow-Jean Prime moving to become the spokesperson for Education and Children (number 8 on their list), and Shanan Halbert becoming the spokesperson for Tertiary Education and Rainbow Issues (number 33). Willie Jackson remains their highest-ranking Māori member (at number 5), with responsibility for Māori Development and Social Development.
[i] Declaration: A number of entities involved with Whānau Ora matters are customers of Workman Enterprises. Like all Pānui articles, the item above reflects only publicly available information. No opinion is offered herein on Whānau Ora re-contracting process.
