"It will be sad if it doesn't go beyond the three remaining years. I only hope that the whole whanau-centred approach is going to approach some really good outcomes ... so that anyone who [is elected] will continue in that process."
But more work needs to be done to ensure that services are not duplicated and resources wasted in the sector, he said.
The National Urban Maori Authority represents a collective of organisations in West Auckland, South Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch who are implementing Whanau Ora.
Its chairman, broadcaster and former MP Willie Jackson, said the point of the initiative was to break state dependency, move families out of dysfunctional situations and help them set a course for brighter futures.
"It's about getting people off those benefits, it's not about supporting them forever and a day. I do get a little bit tired because I see the milking of the benefits and it's unacceptable for us.
"We've got to stop that and without a doubt this is the approach.
"This is a waste of time [if funding stops] because we're talking about ... reorganising families.
"We need this in the Maori world because we've become so dependent on the state. The reality is, if they fund this programme properly, it could really make a huge change."
WHAT IS WHANAU ORA?
Whanau Ora (Well Families) is a Government welfare policy initiated by the Maori Party. It is open for everyone but its focus is on Maori families.
HOW IT WORKS
Social agencies work with whanau to help identify and improve problem issues such as poor housing, health, education and legal problems. They also ask the family to plan a future which moves them from state dependency to become financially independent and healthy participants in their community.
It is funded in two parts:
* $33.2m this year for agencies to form consortiums to work together with whanau to improve all elements of their wellbeing.
* $6.4m this year directly for whanau to form their own plans to improve their wellbeing.
THE SERIES
We have travelled to four of the areas where the services are most in demand.
Monday: Tai Tokerau (Northland)
* Urgent review follows abuse of scheme
* Disabled uncle has new hope after 14 years on benefit
Doors open to decent housing and a better lifestyle
* More cash the key to better lives, says CEO
Today: Waikato-Tainui
* Dream of life in Oz unites family
* Children put first with help of family plan
* Engagement and support replace expulsion at school
* Tainui seeks investors to help build $20m centre
Today: Te Arawa (Rotorua)
Thursday: Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland)
NEED MORE INFO?
Email: Whanau Ora
Visit: Te Puni Kokiri
