Whānau Ora funding investigation

The story so far

In June 2025, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka asked officials for urgent advice on a 30-minute Whānau Ora advertisement that encourages Māori to sign up for the Māori roll, raising concerns about electioneering.^{25 Jun 2025} Te Puni Kōkiri and Māori policy advisers then began an independent review into alleged inappropriate use of public money, examining whether Whānau Ora commissioning services used funds for electioneering and whether contract obligations were met.^{27, 30 Jun 2025} It was reported that Moana Pasifika may have received $770,000 a year through a Pasifika Medical Association contract.^{27 Jun 2025} Owners of Moana Pasifika denied that public funding was used for the Super Rugby side.^{30 Jun 2025}

Key moments

1. 25 Jun 2025Minister Tama Potaka requests urgent advice on Whānau Ora Māori roll advertisement.
2. 27 Jun 2025Independent review launched into alleged misuse of Whānau Ora public funding.
3. 27 Jun 2025Reports say Moana Pasifika may have received $770,000 annually through a contract.
4. 30 Jun 2025Moana Pasifika owners deny Super Rugby team received public funding.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.