8. Question No. 8—Whānau OraSORAYA PEKE-MASON (Labour) to the Minister for Whānau OraQuestion No. 8—Whānau Ora8. SORAYA PEKE-MASON (Labour) to the Minister for Whānau Ora: How is Budget 2023 supporting the kaupapa of Whānau Ora to improve whānau wellbeing?Hon PEENI HENARE (Minister for Whānau Ora): Whānau Ora has supported our whānau from crisis to crisis from COVID-19 recent weather events and currently through tough economic times. The success of Whānau Ora comes down to Government working together with our whānau and community to determine their own wellbeing. Since 2018 this Government has increased the Whānau Ora budget by 145 percent to invest in the kaupapa that lifts whānau wellbeing. This year we have invested $168.1 million for the next four years. With this funding we will ensure the Whānau Ora workforce including our Māori and Pacific providers are well looked after. We will also ensure we can continue to rise to the increasing demands in the current economic context supporting thousands more whānau each year to access the support they need and deserve.Soraya Peke-Mason: How will Whānau Ora support māmā their pēpi and their whānau through the funding provided in this year's Budget?Hon PEENI HENARE: This year the Government announced $64.4 million over four years for the Ngā Tini Whetū initiative for delivery across the North Island. This funding is focused on supporting māmā pēpi and whānau through the first 1000 days' period—a period we know is a pivotal time for whānau parents and their child. The first 1000 days is often determinative of future wellbeing outcomes for whānau and the initial prototype of Ngā Tini Whetū was a great success. Recently I attended the launch of reports evidencing this success which speaks to the power of whānau-led service delivery. This funding allows Whānau Ora to test the Ngā Tini Whetū model with a specific kaupapa of huge importance to whānau.Soraya Peke-Mason: How will Budget 2023 support the Whānau Ora workforce?Hon PEENI HENARE: This year's Budget will provide $35 million over four years to ensure Whānau Ora providers can continue their support for whānau and continue to develop their skills. I've seen firsthand the work Whānau Ora kaimahi do across Aotearoa New Zealand and I am proud to see funding that recognises this extraordinary work. The funding increases will ensure staff wages can reflect performance and living costs. Pasifika Futures one of the three commissioning agencies have told me that this recognises the considerable cost pressures that they are currently under but allows them to continue the important work that their whānau need.Soraya Peke-Mason: What feedback is the Minister hearing about the announcements?Hon PEENI HENARE: Hugely positive—with the exception of the other side of the House. The Whānau Ora Budget announcement has been well received. My colleagues and I travelled the motu—which means country—last week and here is some of the feedback. Pasifika Futures say they are pleased to have the amazing work our families and partners have recognised in Budget 2023. Tairāwhiti region says Ka nui te mihi Minita." These are huge investments for Māori that I believe will only strengthen us as a people and as a community."