29 May 2012

Peters again criticises Whanau Ora funding

11:01 pm on 29 May 2012

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has made another attack on the Whanau Ora initiative championed by the Maori Party.

During Parliament's question time on Tuesday he asked why $60,000 has been awarded to Rahui Rugby and Sports Club in Otaki, under a whanau innovation, integration and engagement fund.

Mr Peters asked Prime Minister John Key why the club has received money to research the what he calls "vaguely-termed 'whanau connectedness' and 'resilience' in the community".

Mr Key says he fully supports the Minister of Whanau Ora, Tariana Turia, but he can't comment on the individual case of the Rahui rugby club.

Whanau Innovation, Integration and Engagement Fund grants are available to support whanau to engage with each other, communities and providers.

Rahui Rugby and Sports Club could not be reached for comment.

Earlier in May, Winston Peters criticised Mrs Turia after four people with Mongrel Mob connections were charged with misusing Whanau Ora funding.