Health funding cuts will silence respected Kāpiti advocacy group

A well respected and longstanding voice in the health sector for the Kāpiti Coast’s communities has become the latest victim of National’s slash and burn agenda, Labour MP for Mana Kris Faafoi said today.
“Last week the Kāpiti Community Health Group was told that its funding would be cut from June. That effectively means the end of the road for a vital independent voice for the people of Kāpiti,” Kris Faafoi said.
“The Health Group has been advocating for the people of Kāpiti since 2001 and has successfully improved public transport to health services, lead the establishment of the Kāpiti health information website, and worked to keep the Kāpiti Community Nursing service.
“The drive of the Health Group has always been to ensure the wellbeing of the Kāpiti community. It has been a strong voice which has now been silenced by National’s funding cuts.
“This is a serious loss to the community. The Kāpiti Coast has unique health needs and the loss of the Kāpiti Community Health Group means there will no longer be an independent voice fighting on behalf of locals.
“I have written to the Minister of Health urging that he reconsider the decision. Kāpiti must have a voice to ensure the community’s health needs are met.”