August 25, 2019
Tūhoe steps up for child protection role
A Tūhoe leader says criticism of Oranga Tamariki forced him to consider what the iwi had been doing about its children going into care.
The Bay of Plenty iwi last week signed an agreement under which the Children's Ministry Oranga Tamariki will notify it of any tamariki with Tūhoe whakapapa coming into their care.
Te Uru Taumatua chair Tamati Kruger says the relationship is with the Whakatāne office rather than the central ministry, and the agreement is a set of principles rather than a contract.
"For Oranga Tamariki, they bring experience, they bring support and they bring information. We will provide the homes. We will provide the love and care," he says.
Mr Kruger says the initial aim is to work with Tūhoe children in the vicinity of Te Urewera, and then work out.
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