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Download AudioOranga Tamariki has tried to put a positive face on social work with an exhibition of the work of its kaimahi.
The photographs were put up for National Social Workers Day on Wednesday and show staff engaged in every day activities – such as meeting with whanau over a cup of tea and biscuits.
Senior social worker Toni-Anna Ruawai says a photo of herself hand in hand with her partner and their kotiro with their kuri – sums up her feelings about her job.
“The photo is of me walking away from work, together as a whanau – and the reason why I chose that to be a part of the exhibition is because I’d quite like whanau to walk away from us, hand-in-hand, happy and healthy, and I think that’s what all social workers want,” she says.
Toni-Anna Ruawai says Oranga Tamariki has deserved much of the negative backlash its had – but she believes that’s now changing.
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