We are dedicated to supporting any child in New Zealand whose wellbeing is at significant risk of harm now, or in the future.
We also work with young people who may have offended, or are likely to offend.
COVID-19 - our response
Under the new COVID-19 Protection Framework ‘traffic light’ system, all sites are open with some health and safety requirements. You can also contact us on 0508 326 459 or email contact@ot.govt.nz if you have a report of concern or any questions. Our focus remains to keep at-risk tamariki safe and support whānau and communities. The Practice Centre has more information about the implications for practice at current traffic light settings.
News
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Wellington couple reflect on 21 years of caregiving
After 21 years of looking after newborn babies, Wellington caregiving couple Raewyn and Ian McLaren put away the bassinets and bibs for good this month.
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Pilot raises awareness of harmful sexual behaviour
Oranga Tamariki has partnered with Te Rūnanga o Waihao and Te Rūnanga Arowhenua, the Ministry of Education and STOP, a Christchurch-based non-government organisation, to deliver a pilot raising the awareness of concerning harmful sexual behaviour.
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Respite camps supporting whanaungatanga
It is a priority to enable siblings to be in care arrangements together; however, this is not always possible. If siblings can’t be living together, it is really important to ensure that they have opportunities to at least regularly spend time with each o…
Eliminating family violence and sexual violence
Oranga Tamariki is one of 9 agencies of the Joint Venture for eliminating family violence and sexual violence. You can find out more information on the Joint Venture website.


The Practice Centre is an online resource aimed primarily at Oranga Tamariki practitioners.
It contains policy, guidance and tools to help us in our work with tamariki and rangatahi and their whānau or family. The policies are our must-dos, and the guidance our how-tos.
Research
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Evidence Centre Seminar: April 2022
This virtual seminar includes two presentations on the findings from the second Just Sayin’ survey of young people who are eligible for a transition support worker.
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Complexity of tamariki interacting with Oranga Tamariki – reports of concern compared to entries to care
This analysis explores the complexities of the families of children at different stages of interaction with Oranga Tamariki.
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Good practice for disabled tamariki and rangatahi in care
This literature review focuses on identifying good practice for disabled tamariki and rangatahi in out-of-home care (OOHC).
VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai: advocacy service for children in care
If you're a child or young person in care, VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai is an independent connection and advocacy service, separate from Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, and we're here to listen to you, support you, and be on your side. Part of what we also do is organise fun and engaging events for kids with care experience so you can connect with each other.

Compliments, complaints and suggestions
We're keen to hear about your experience with us. Do you have any ideas about how we can improve our service?
Social Worker recruitment
We're leading a new way of working to support children or tamariki who need care, creating a major shift in emphasis.
We have a number of social worker positions available now and invite dedicated and passionate social workers to play their part in helping change the way New Zealand protects children.