The Labour-led government has just delivered
its first budget in nine years claiming it 'delivers to Maori'.
Te Karere has comprehensive analysis for you
from our team of journalists throughout the country,
but first, let's look at the big numbers that relate to Maori.
The first is a big one - $1.2 billion over four years
to help whanau with costs associated with accommodation;
heating and other living expenses.
Minister of Maori Development, Nanaia Mahuta,
says she's secured $37 million of new funding
for papakainga housing; land development;
and rangatahi programmes.
$14.5 million will be spent over four years
to grow te reo Maori in schools.
Political reporter Eruera Rerekura
has been poring over the numbers all day and joins us live, Eru.
Labour's Maori Ministers say
the key theme of this year's budget is 'bringing back manaakitanga'.
They claim whanau and rangatahi will benefit by rebuilding health,
housing and education services.
The Minister distributes his first ever budget.
Labour says health, education and poverty measures
are the big winners.
Homelessness is one of the biggest issues at present.
Labour's Maori caucus estimate $250m will be made available
to ease accommodation costs.
But the opposition says
it's the same money but with different packaging.
For Maori, child adoption is a universal practice.
More than $104.9 million will be distributed to clothe adopted kids.
The Maori Development Minister
is trumpeting the new funding she's secured.
$15m for papakainga housing.
$7m to develop Maori land.
$15m for rangatahi learning programmes.
$14.5m will be allocated to better integrate te reo Maori in schools.
Labour says all the challenges Maori face won't be fixed by this budget.
But they say a foundation has been laid
for future Maori success.