The new funding of $446 million for essential areas of social services is great news says the National Network of Stopping Violence Services co-leaders, Brian Gardner and Parekotuku Moore.

The new funding of $446 million for essential areas of social services is great news says the National Network of Stopping Violence Services co-leaders, Brian Gardner and Parekotuku Moore. 

“We want to see this new money affect real whanau and families.  The money, and more, could be used to address the low pay of those in this voluntary sector, to convert part-time roles to full time, to provide more culturally appropriate services and resources and to do more preventative work rather than ‘the bottom of the cliff’ stuff,” says Parekotuku Moore. 

Brian Gardner says the “It’s Not OK” campaign has helped make stopping domestic violence a priority for the country, but services need to be available when it is asked for otherwise the results could be tragic. 

“Our Wellington service report a doubling in the number of men seeking help for their stopping violence courses.  There’s a two-month waiting list for our services in Hawkes Bay.  A delay in response could mean the difference between life and death, usually of a mother or a child.”

Brian and Parekotuku agree that the rollout of funding over four years could go a long way to sorting out the critical long term issue of building a strong and capable workforce.

“The sector is fragile.  There are not enough skilled people available to work with whanau in need.  We require planned, prioritised and targeted funding to ensure that community services can operate effectively despite the changing demands.”

For further comment, contact

Brian Gardner,

National Manager Tauiwi

027 4529556

Parekotuku Moore,

Kaihautu National Director Maori Development

027 214 4403