Community Safety And The Protecting Our ... - Auckland Council

MAORI FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION CAUCUS UPDATERESPONSE FROM THE MAORI CAUCUS TO THEPROTECTING OUR TAMARIKI PROJECT AND PROCESSDiscussions within the Maori Caucus highlighted the following issues:qqqqqqqqMaori are significantly over-represented in “Family Violence” statistics.However Maori are not appropriately represented in the many diverse forums, hui, groupsetc…in which “Family Violence” issues are discussed and caucused.The issue of inadequate Maori representation and participation in all the varying caucusgroups at this particular forum highlighted an ongoing frustration held by many of the Maoriprofessionals who were present at this hui.This frustration was due to the varying caucus groups in which Maori would like to have andneeded to participate. However participation was somewhat inhibited due to the inclusion ofa separate Maori caucus in which Maori also felt an obligation to attend. Some Maori alsofelt that the research done in this field did not provide a reasonable level of Maoriconsultation or perspectives.Nevertheless, the inclusion of a Maori caucus is both acceptable and appropriate. HoweverMaori input in all the caucus groups is necessary in order that we can share our expertise tonon-Maori as skilled professionals in our particular field and also provide a Maori viewpoint.That appropriate Maori representation and perspectives are necessary to raise awarenessand provide a knowledge base for all professionals, both Maori and non-Maori.The “Protecting our Tamariki” forum raised awareness to Maori present at this hui that weneeded better representation in the issues of family violence and that there berepresentation of Maori at all levels of hui, consultation, research and information sharingThat as Maori we will spearhead our own initiatives towards addressing better Maorirepresentation and consultation throughout the myriad of the many social service deliveryagencies within the West Auckland/Waitakere rohe.Next Steps for the Maori Caucus:Identify and Prioritise Issues and Needs for the Maori Service Providers and the MaoriCommunity, including:qqqqDevelopment of a Maori Service Providers Network• Examine and use existing Maori Network Models• Set up a network to provide support, skills and intelligence to Maori Service Providersand the Maori CommunityInventory / Directory of Maori Service Providers• To identify competencies, skill level of each organisation and service provider.Identify Funding OptionsShare information and intelligence.For further information or to join the Maori Caucus please contact Ngaromata Reid, WaitakereSafer Community Council Trust (WSCCT) phone 837-2273 or email WSCCT@ihug.co.nz orBreena Tatana, Puriri Project, phone 832-3711, or email Taiao@xtra.co.nzPAGE 31