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Kaikōura’s Takahanga Marae is a shining example that Māori are a vital cog during a civil emergency says Minister of Whānau Ora Te Ururoa Flavell.

The call comes after the Minister visited Kaikōura on Saturday, 26 November, to see how whanau were after the 7.8 magnitude quake earlier this month.

Mr Flavell says the marae worked alongside the Civil Defence despite not being a designated centre in their efforts to help more than 800 tourists who were stranded in the small seaside settlement after the quake struck.

Māori Development and Whānau Ora Minister Te Ururoa Flavell says the investment will be managed by the Chatham Islands Housing Partnership.

The new entity comprises Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri Iwi Trust, Hokotehi Moriori Trust, Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust and the Chatham Islands Council.

“Living in a remote area like the Chatham Islands has its challenges,” Mr Flavell says.

“However, today we have a new housing entity with the combined talents and expertise of four groups to wisely decide how the investment will be used.”

Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell says Labour Party attacks about the Government not doing enough to support Te Puea Marae are unfounded and dishonest.

“Te Puni Kōkiri has been there since the first week, ensuring the marae has what it needs to provide support to homeless whānau.

“Within days of the marae opening its doors, Te Puni Kōkiri was available to provide practical support and assistance,” says Mr Flavell.

Whānau Ora will receive a $40 million boost of operating funding over the next four years, allowing it to substantially increase the number of whānau it can support, Māori Development and Whānau Ora Minister Te Ururoa Flavell says.

Budget 2016 also includes $4 million to provide microfinance to whānau and $5 million to go toward increasing Māori electoral participation.