The 2019 Budget has received a dismissive response from the Maori Council.

The Government today announced a big boost in places in Mana in Mahi, as part of plans to build a productive nation.

Just under $50 million from the Budget will increase the programme’s apprenticeships from 150 to 2,000.

There’s $300 million for a new fund to bridge a venture capital gap to help start-ups expand.

And $157 million is going into innovation, to help businesses transition to a high-productivity, low-emissions economy.

However, Maori Council leader Mathew Tukaki believes there's a lot of confusion over how it will translate in the real world.

He told Heather du Plessis-Allan for Maori, there are two core agencies involved, Te Puni Kokiri and the Ministry of Health.

"These are two government departments that are like seagulls looking for a hot chip. They have not been able to manage any government programmes or work for probably the last decade."

Tukaki says that the Budget seems confused, and that it has not changed his lack of hope in government departments.  

Among other key investments is $80 million for Whanau Ora, and more than $200 million will support te reo Maori and communities.

There’s $20 million to boost Pacific languages, and $14.5 millions to get an extra 2,200 young people in the Pacific Employment Support Service.

Tukaki is pleased to see this level of investment. 

"Let's have a look at the context of can language boost the cultural integrity and diversity of our country, and under that guise, I think, for Maori, it's a win/"

Pre-Budget announcements included $98 million to break the cycle of Maori re-offending, $56.1 million to unlock potential of Maori land, and investments to tackle Maori unemployment.