Hon PEENI HENARE (Associate Minister of Health (Māori Health)): Yesterday, alongside my colleague the Hon Chris Hipkins, the Minister for COVID-19 Response, we announced the timing and sequencing of the COVID vaccine programme and how the programme has a strong focus on protecting our Māori whānau. I also announced an initial funding package of approximately $39 million to ensure Māori communities and providers are prepared and ready for the roll-out of the programme; $24.5 million for the development of community-based vaccine support services that will support Māori health providers; $11 million to be provided directly to Māori health providers to help build provider infrastructure and workforce capability; $2 million for iwi to deliver dedicated and tailored communication campaigns to their whānau; and $1.5 million for workforce development. In addition to the funding, an additional 40,000 courses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be provided specifically for Māori and Pasifika health providers. Together with my colleague the Hon Aupito William Sio, we believe in giving our providers the flexibility to best meet the health needs of their whānau, aiga, and communities.