April 26, 2023
New path for Kahungunu protection
A new iwi-led plan to transform the way tamariki and whānau in Te Matau a Māui (Hawkes Bay) are supported was launched at Waipatu Marae today by the Minister for Children, Kelvin Davis.
Te Ara Mātua is a partnership between Ngāti Kahungunu, Oranga Tamariki and health and social wellbeing providers Te Tumu Whakahaere o Te Wero.
Mr Davis says the aim is to involve iwi and local organisations in decision making from the outset when whānau require intervention and support.
It’s in the spirit of the 30-year-old Puao Te Atatū report which found the crown’s role is to support Māori and communities to lead the prevention of harm to tamariki and their whānau and to share authority and provide adequate resources.
Mr Davis says since 2018 locally led prevention strategies have led to a 73 percent drop in uplifts, and there are 1600 fewer children in care.