Gráinne's update - November 2018

As we near the end of 2018, rather than winding down, we’re building momentum and preparing for another big year. 

We have a large, immediate challenge to implement the legislative changes to the Oranga Tamariki Act that come into force by 1 July 2019. Work is ramping up to meet the new requirements, and we’ve had a busy month.

Higher aspirations for tamariki Māori are central to new legislative responsibilities, and we’re building some really strong partnerships now with iwi and Māori organisations so they can take the lead in reaching their aspirations for tamariki and whānau.

On 12 November we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Te Rūnanga ō Ngāi Tahu. This partnership is significant and will mean tamariki and rangatahi in care who affiliate to Ngāi Tahu are supported to reconnect with their whānau, hapū and iwi.

Another exciting step towards doing better for tamariki Māori was the launch of our Māori Cultural Framework for staff on the same day.

During all of our hui and engagement this year you suggested that sharing tools across the sector is important, and when Oranga Tamariki do this you see partnership in action and feel valued.

You also told us about the wide range of understanding and knowledge of te ao Māori across Oranga Tamariki and the sector, and how we all have to increase this. So we are delighted to share with you the new Framework, which will give understanding and deepen our collective understanding of key Māori values, practices, concepts and events that have impacted Māori. 

To help support our collective learning and build confidence we've developed an app, called Te Kete Ararau - a name gifted to us by Te Atiawa. And we've ensured this app is available to all across the sector.  So please do use the Framework and Te Kete Ararau as freely as you wish.

Ngai Tahu MOU
Find out more about the MOU signed by Oranga Tamariki and Ngāi Tahu on RNZ.

Maori Cultural Framework
Find out more about the Framework and the Te Kete Ararau app

Staff in our sector play an important role in society and do amazing work every day. New Zealand’s inaugural Public Service Day was held on 7 November, and we were thrilled to have two Oranga Tamariki staff members recognised for their work.

Kyle Kuiti, Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice Residence Manager, was awarded a Public Service Medal. Care and Protection Coordinator Patricia Prchal – who at 79 years old is one of our most experienced social workers - received the State Services Commissioner’s Commendation for Frontline Excellence.

These awards not only recognise the contribution of these two individuals, but celebrate the work done by thousands of public servants across the country.

Find out more about Kyle Kuiti on Stuff

Find out for about Patricia Prchal on Stuff

The Government announced the final Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions this month.

Over the next four years, the Inquiry will involve many Crown agencies – including Oranga Tamariki - which support children, young people and vulnerable adults in care. 

It will provide a unique opportunity to consider how all of us who support children and young people can continue to improve our care systems, and we are committed to doing all we can to support the Inquiry.

Ngā mihi nui,

Gráinne Moss
Oranga Tamariki Chief Executive