January 26, 2021
Critics get say on Oranga Tamariki advisory board
Some of the foremost critics of Oranga Tamariki have been appointed to a new board to advise Children’s Minister Kelvin Davis what could be done to fix the troubled child care and protection agency.
The move follows the resignation of chief executive Grainne Moss and the appointment of Sir Wira Gardiner as interim chief executive.
The advisory board will be chaired by New Zealand Māori Council executive director Matthew Tukaki and includes Dame Rangimarie Naida Glavish of Ngāti Whātua, former Ngāi Tahu chair Tā Mark Solomon and former Child, Youth and Family chief social worker Shannon Pakura.
It will provide independent advice on the agency’s relationships with families, whānau, and Māori; its professional social work practices; and its organisational culture.
An initial report is expected by June 30.
Mr Davis says Oranga Tamariki needs to be focused on enhancing relationships with whānau and Māori; embedding professional social work practices; developing a positive culture; and starting to entrust funding and decision-making to Māori and to people on the ground in the regions.
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