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Download AudioThe manager of a Lower Hutt facility that co-locates iwi services with Oranga Tamariki says it’s a resounding success.
Site manager and Te Ati Awa Social Services head Maraea Ropata says the agency moved a year ago into the Waiwhetu headquarters of Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa because its previous location, spread over a multi-storey building, wasn’t fit for purpose.
She says there is more of a treaty relationship, with social workers positioned closer to iwi and community networks.
“Because the co-location included organisations like Kokiri Seaview, who has a social service, Ōrongomai Marae which has a social service, Koraunui Marae which has a social service and they all have desks now throughout Oranga Tamariki where they can come in, sit with social workers, social workers are invited to go out to those organisations so we have a physical movement of co-locating, even on the marae. It’s very exciting,” Ms Ropata says.
Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa also has a medical centre and a range of other youth and family services operating from the site.
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