Te Puni Kōkiri has confirmed to Māori MPs that money earmarked for Whānau Ora services does sit with other government agencies.
It backs up concerns held by prominent Māori claimants, including Dame Tariana Turia, Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi and Merepeka-Raukawa Tait, who met with the Prime Minister on Tuesday night.
The claimants have taken a case to the Waitangi Tribunal over concerns that new funding for Whānau Ora services is being directed to government-led projects.
But Whānau Ora Minister Peeni Henare says it's just a case of miscommunication.
RNZ Māori news correspondent Leigh-Marama McLachlan reports.
