The National Network of Stopping Violence Services (NNSVS) welcomes the launch of the Maori Programme of Action for Addressing Family Violence, saying it will support community action to stop mens' violence.

The Associate Minister of Social Development Tariana Turia launched the Maori Programme of Action and the Programme of Action for Pacific Peoples at the Beehive this afternoon (Monday 31 August).

NNSVS Kaihautu Parekotuku Moore says the Maori action plan clearly sets out areas of responsibilities for Maori and Government to collaborate on ways to reduce whanau violence.

"The answers lie within whanau and their communities. We know there are people out there who are driving successful solutions to stop violence in their lives. The solutions for Maori must be developed by Maori."

Ms Moore says the Programme of Action has five goal areas: Changing Attitudes and Behaviours; Ensuring Safety and Accountability; Effective Support Services, Understanding and Developing Good Practice; and Leadership.

"Good positive role-modelling is critical. This programme supports ongoing, strong leadership which is necessary to build healthy, loving respectful tamariki and whanau," she says.

Moore is on the Maori Reference group, with other flaxroots leaders like Doctor Hone Kaa (Te Kaahui Mana Ririki), Darrin Haimona (Ngati Haua Hauora), Ngaire TeHira (Waipareira Trust) and Di Grenell (Amokura, an integrated community based initiative to address family violence in Northland).

Parekotuku Moore says the co-launch with the Programme of Action for Pacific Peoples begins a strategic alliance between Maori and Pacific leaders.

"We share the same visions for our people. We want strategies based on our unique strengths and cultures. Joining forces will strengthen our voice to secure resources for our whanau and communities to do what they need to do to stop violence."