The review into the use of Whānau Ora Commissioning funding is set to conclude this week. Photo: RNZ / Mihingarangi Forbes
Te Puni Kōkiri has confirmed the review into the use of Whānau Ora Commissioning funding is being concluded this week, and the findings will be released next month.
The review, led by Doug Craig, was set up after reports agencies with soon-to-expire contracts had paid for an ad campaign urging people to switch to the Māori roll, and to the Moana Pasifika rugby team.
Concerns were also raised about contracting decisions and conflicts of interest by a Pasifika Futures senior executive.
The agencies maintained the ad campaign was part of the mission to advance Māori wellbeing, and denied they had put any public money towards the rugby team.
Te Puni Kōkiri launched the review and released terms of reference in late June, but would not set a firm timeframe despite earlier assurances from the prime minister it would be completed in July.
In a statement to RNZ, Te Puni Kōkiri confirmed it "will be completed this week".
"As part of the review process, it is appropriate that those covered in the report are given the opportunity to comment on its findings before any public release. Te Puni Kōkiri expects to release the findings of the report in mid-August," the statement said.
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