Paula Bennett

Wellington, March 17 NZPA - The Government is not denying that the Ministry of Maori Affairs, Te Puni Kokiri, will run the new Whanau Ora welfare delivery service, although it says more than one department will be involved.

Labour says putting the ministry in charge of it would make a mockery of Prime Minister John Key's statements that Whanau Ora will be for all New Zealanders.

Asked about this today, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett told reporters: "I think there are a number of departments and ministries that are involved in this, my own included."

Whanau Ora is a Maori Party initiative, developed mainly by co-leader Tariana Turia.

It is designed to provide comprehensive support for vulnerable families, bringing together all the agencies that deliver different forms of welfare, like housing and benefits, as well as justice, the police and truancy services.

It is believed to have been developed for Maori families, but Mr Key has said it will be used by any family that needs its services.

The New Zealand Herald reported today that it would be piloted in up to half a dozen districts before decisions were taken to extend it throughout the country.

Details will be announced in the May 20 budget, and the service is expected to be delivered by non-government organisations under contract to the Government.