NZ Goverment defends plan for Pacific health

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Updated March 18, 2010 17:01:32

New Zealand's ruling National Party has been accused of putting politics before mental health patients and their families when it voted against a bill to improve the delivery of mental health services. The opposition Labour Party's spokesperson on Pacific Affairs, Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, says the Mental Health Amendment Bill would have clarified and strengthened the role of extended families, or whänau, in caring for their loved ones suffering mental health problems. The bill was voted down by 62 votes to 60. But the government insists it is trying to help Pacific people in New Zealand with a new plan to improve their health. The Minister of Pacific Islands Affairs, Georgina Te Heuheu, says they have a Samoan MP elected in a general seat, Sam Lotu-Iiga, and a real commitment to basic principles which will benefit Pacific people in the long run.


Presenter, Bruce Hill
New Zealand's Minister of Pacific Islands Affairs, Georgina Te Heuheu

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