February 04, 2020
"Not one more mokopuna" spoken in the dark at Iwi Chair Forum
Iwi chairs voted unanimously in favour of recommendations put forward by Whanau Ora in relation to the future of Oranga Tamariki.
Although a power cut left forum attendees deliberating in the dark today, there was no hiding the support for the kaupapa.
Head researcher Heta Kaiwai says the report used submissions submitted in person, over the phone, over social media and through email to accommodate all whānau who wanted to share their stories.
He says the findings in the report were confronting and painted a bleak picture of a system that has been in place for generations.
Chair of Whānau Ora Merepeka Raukawa-Tait says Oranga Tamariki has proven to be a pipe-line to the justice system, noting 80% of Māori men in the justice system were once in state care.
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