-
Winston Peters accuses the Government of misusing Whanau Ora funds in Parliament - Source: ONE News -
Related
New Zealand first leader Winston Peters has accused the Government of misusing nearly $5.5 million of Whanau Ora funds.
In parliament this afternoon the New Zealand First leader claimed a successful Wellington businessman is seeking taxpayer funding from the scheme for a family reunion.
"The applicant is quoted in an official booklet promoting Whanau Ora as saying that he planned to 'reconnect' with his extended family through a series of taxpayer funded hui," Peters said.
Peters says using the fund, which is supposed to go to the needy, to subsidise private functions is outrageous.
"This is money supposed to go to the needy. It would appear that it is instead being squandered on enterprising middle-class families," he said.
"Whanau Ora is just a giant koha fund set up in a separatist system to appease the Maori Party."
Peters used the document in Parliament to ask Prime Minister John Key whether he had confidence in Whanau Ora minister Tariana Turia.
Key said he did not have any details in relation to the claim and that matter should be referred to the minister.
