By Dan Parker
One trust in the running for some new government funding for Maori has been given an official blessing by the Governor-General.
It was a vice-regal opening today for the Consultancy Advocacy Research Trust's new facility set up to help Wellington's poorest and most troubled families.
The district police commander was on hand, adding to the unusual sight of police, the Governor-General and gang members standing together.
"CART has been working with police for quite some time," says Wellington District Commander Pieri Munro.
"We find this is one place where we can refer to - it seems to be building a proven record in term of working with our youngsters."
"They have already worked well and have produced people who are doing well at sport and who are living healthy lives in the community," says Governor-General Anand Satyanand.
CART has been working with 50 families and as well as operating a gym it targets three main areas:
Whanua Ora, ensuring the wellness of the families the Growing Champions programme, which provides the children with sport an anti-P programme
"We've been working with this family for about eight months before and we are getting really good results, the kids are now playing for rep teams and doing really well at sport and the father is now actually coming to watch the games and is committed to stop smoking the P," says field worker Waki Manunui.
Former Black Power member Mr Manunui says his violent past helps him relate and get through to some of the families he works with.
And this new style of community engagement can now boast some influential fans.
3 News