The political year officially kicked off today
with politicians making the annual pilgrimage to Ratana Pa.
Political reporter Eruera Rerekura joins us live from there.
Eru, besides the election-year politicking,
concerns were raised about the handling
of Whanau Ora money by the Government?
That's right,
traditionally Ratana has signalled the beginning of the political year
and what a year it's shaping up to be already.
And National has wasted no time attacking the Government
on Whanau Ora
even before they were welcomed onto Ratana Pa today.
So, I'm hoping that next week we can sit together
to deliberate further on these issues.
But Whanau Ora specifically,
I've advised them that the programme has my full support
and that if they have concerns then we should get together
to talk them out.
Despite what others may have been saying,
I think we'll be feeling positive with what's happening
with the programme.
I strongly disagree with that.
When I entered this role,
already for a long time I had been saying
that the Government
shouldn't be interfering heavily with this programme.
Government departments should be supporting the programme.
The majority of those Ministers aren't here.
What I'm telling you and Maoridom
is that the Prime Minister and the Government supports the programme.
The actual challenge for us is how can we make this programme
even bigger, better and stronger.
So that's the audacious goal we're going after.
During my travels across the country community services and whanau
are supporting what the aims of this Government are
and Whanau Ora is a part of that.
Eru, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters
is no stranger to Ratana.
Apparently, he's been making the annual pilgrimage for 40 years?
Yes, and he's always warmly received by the Morehu
especially when he addresses the crowd
with his good sense of humour.
Eru, now that the politicians have visited Ratana Pa,
where to next?
Well, Irena, they continue to campaign in this election year.
Next stop is Waitangi,
but remember the Government is due to make a big announcement
regarding Ihumatao,
along with the Kingitanga and the Auckland Council.
Now, that's one issue on the Maori psyche,
another issue is Whanau Ora.
All parties will have to prove themselves to te ao Maori
if they want that crucial party vote.
Thank you for the update, Eruere Rerekura from Ratana Pa.