The Maori Party is hoping a new report on Whanau Ora will stop any further criticism of the initiative.

Newly compiled research shows that hard-to-reach families are being helped by the scheme.  The research shows gains are being made in medium-term outcomes with recipients getting better access to services, as well as reporting improvements around their well-being, safety and education. The report says whanau-centred approaches are effective and suggests that conventional programs may be the problem when dealing with those previously regarded as "hard to reach" by social services and agencies.

However, there are still problems with the ability of the workforces to implement the Whanau Ora approach and tensions between services and providers which are inhibiting collaboration. Also identified as a problem is whanau transience, meaning problems for their engagement with support services.

Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says the report shows there are more positives than negatives, and that the programme is having an effect.

Mr Flavell said if anyone tries to say differently, they're either playing politics or they're clearly misinformed.