Gráinne's update - a milestone day

Today we acknowledge a significant milestone in our journey as Oranga Tamariki.

Changes that come into effect today mark the biggest legislative shakeup for the sector in 30 years. They set the stage for further significant progress in our goal of making sure more children and young people in care are in safe, stable, and loving homes.

The changes to the Oranga Tamariki Act include:

• amendments which support Oranga Tamariki taking a more preventative approach;
• an expanded Youth Justice system;
• new National Care Standards Regulations; and
• a new transitions service to provide young people with support when they move to adulthood.

Underpinning all of this is Section 7AA of the Act – which requires a practical commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Everything we do affirms mana tamaiti. Our work centres on children’s and young persons’ rights, to promote their best interests, advance their well-being, address their needs, and provide for their participation in decision making that affects them.

As was announced in this year’s Budget, the Government is investing more than $1 billion of operating expenditure and $174 million of capital expenditure over the next four years to enable us to continue to make changes.

This new budget, our operating model and the new laws enable us to work with others to make a positive difference to children’s lives, and those of their families and whānau. Children and young people asked for these changes, and so now we have the tools to introduce new child-centred ways of doing things.

We are in a position to transform what we do, so I look forward to continuing to share this journey with you as we seize this opportunity. 

Ngā mihi nui

Gráinne