An independent review has cleared two former Whānau Ora commissioning agencies of allegations they misused government funds, but recommended stronger oversight to safeguard the programme.
Secretary for Māori Development Dave Samuels says, “Overall, the reports found that the allegations of inappropriate use of funds were not upheld. The reviews made a number of recommendations on how to strengthen our oversight, contract, and conflict of interest management as well as performance scrutiny. I have accepted these.”
The allegations centred on Te Pou Matakana spending Whānau Ora funds on Māori electoral roll advertising, and Pasifika Futures using funds to support the Moana Pasifika rugby team. The Te Pou Matakana campaign was reported in June 2025 and has since been referred to the Electoral Commission to clarify political neutrality.
NZ Herald reported Pasifika Futures allocated around $770,000 a year under its Whānau Ora contract in 2022–23 and 2023–24 to support Moana Pasifika. The Pasifika Medical Association, which oversees Pasifika Futures, rejects claims of misuse, saying the funding went to a community sports programme rather than the professional franchise.
Te Pou Matakana, which had delivered Whānau Ora services across the North Island since 2014, lost its contract in the latest tender round. The shake-up put about $155 million in Whānau Ora contracts under review, with four new commissioning agencies taking over from July.
Samuels says the allegations were “serious,” but no inappropriate use of funds was found. “Whānau Ora is an important programme delivering much-needed services to whānau. It is crucial it maintains its integrity and the trust and confidence of the public.”
Pasifika Futures, which held a Whānau Ora commissioning contract from 2014 until June 2025, was one of the largest agencies, with its most recent contract worth about $44.35 million a year. Critics have called for greater transparency, noting the Official Information Act does not always cover Whānau Ora agencies despite their reliance on public funding.
More to come.
