July 26, 2022
Oranga Tamariki steps up iwi partnership
The acting chief executive of Oranga Tamariki says a new Mokopuna Ora contract with Waikato Tainui shows how the agency can place resources and decision-making closer to the community.
Chappie Te Kani says the agreement signed last Friday strengthens the partnership established in 2019.
It’s an initiative designed and led by Waikato Tainui, in which the iwi works with whānau who come to the notice of the child protection agency with the aim of stopping tamariki from ending up in state care.
Waikato Tainui also works with the agency and its partners to ensure Waikato tamariki who are in care remain connected to their iwi and whakapapa.
“Of course, it’s been recognised over the inquiries and reviews of Oranga Tamariki the need to work differently, work in a networked, relational way with Māori, with iwi, and what this agreement enables is for us to work in partnership and find those ways of working to provide care for our tamariki,” Mr Te Kani says.
Oranga Tamariki also has a similar agreement with Ngai Tahu, and it is talking with another iwi.
There are currently 4731 children and young people in Oranga Tamariki care, the lowest number since the agency was established five years ago.