Last-minute Government funding cut puts Women’s Support Motueka’s family violence  services at risk

For over 30 years, Women’s Support Motueka (WSM) has provided essential counselling  and support services to wāhine/women in the Motueka community affected by family  violence and abuse. In the last four years alone, WSM has provided counselling to over 250  wāhine. In late June 2024, Oranga Tamariki (OT) gave WSM three days’ notice that a four year family violence contract for funding would be terminated. This came despite an  agreement requiring at least six months’ prior notice in case of such a termination. The contract from OT was a significant source of funding that allowed WSM to provide  counselling services to 26 women and their families each year.

Concerns over OT’s decision to terminate the contract are rising, especially given a  statement from OT Chief Executive Chappie Te Kani confirming the ministry’s commitment  to funding services supporting high needs like family and sexual violence services (The Post, 24 July 2024)

“Our contract with Oranga Tamariki allowed us to provide this essential service to our  community and we consistently exceeded the expected outcomes set by this contract,” says  WSM Manager Maluz Moreno. “Our service effectively addresses family violence and sexual  abuse trauma, empowering clients to make long-term positive changes for themselves, their  tamariki and their whānau. Our approach is flexible, mana-enhancing and inclusive of all  wāhine/women.”

“Oranga Tamariki’s decision to discontinue purchasing services from us, with such little  notice, has created uncertainty about the sustainability of our service,” says Moreno. “The  complexity of the challenges our clients face, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and  the ongoing economic crisis, continue to disproportionately affect women impacted by  family violence. There is increased pressure on organisations to find resources to ensure  their services are not reduced while continuing to support those in need. We are  determined to continue providing our services despite these challenges and will be  exploring all possible avenues to secure funding and support for our essential work”, says  Moreno.

“Our heartfelt appreciation goes towards all the Oranga Tamariki kaimahi/staff who have  been impacted by the funding cuts and reductions. It will be difficult to do the mahi when  NGOs are facing funding cuts and uncertainties,” added Moreno.

Women’s Support Motueka is gratefully accepting donations to support free counselling for  women and their families affected by family violence and abuse.

Related Story: Radio New Zealand Interview

Contact
Maluz Moreno
Manager
022-096-3690a