Grants given to two Maori family projects

Press, 29 June 1985, Page 7

Grants given to two Maori family projects

PA Wellington The Government has approved grants of $20,000 each for a health programme and a housing survey by the Maori Women’s Welfare League, said the Minister of Maori Affaire, Mr Wetere. The housing survey, in cooperation with the Maori Affaire Department, would be of Maori families throughout New Zealand living in overcrowded or inadequate conditions, he said. “This will enable the department to plan and undertake better its housing operations for this decade.” Mr Wetere said the health programme followed an earlier health survey by the league which culminated in its Hui Rapuora last November at Porirua. “The league now knows what Maori women need, and the programme will encompass different aspects of the health of women and, therefore, of their families. “It will emphasise better

and more nutritious eating habits and discourage smoking and drinking, and other negative aspects of our modern life.” Mr Wetere said the league had declared a “health decade” for Maori women, with the emphasis on their definition of the well-being of the people — the physical, spiritual and

psychological state, which were all inter-related. “The league has 200 active branches throughout New Zealand, and can reach deeper into Maori communities than any other organisation,” he said. “With their experience they are the best organisation to conduct the programme and survey.”