Funding helps Ma¯ori access health services

time of Te Piki Oranga workers to concentrate on their main work rather than driving clients to appointments.

Often wha¯ nau couldn’t get to the services they need, Hobby said.

‘‘A lack of transport options can be a legitimate barrier to people having better health,’’ she said.

‘‘Many wha¯nau don’t have access to a car, or money for petrol, taxis or bus fares. If their mobility is impaired it is even harder for them.

‘‘It can really set some people back in their health improvement plan if they miss an appointment.’’

Te Piki Oranga was not otherwise funded to cover transport costs and was thrilled that Sealord saw the value in the work and wanted to support the community to improve their health, Hobby said.

‘‘We can’t take a lot of the sponsorship we might get offered because it doesn’t fit with health, but fish does,’’ she said.

Sealord chief executive Doug