Gráinne's latest update

Easter this year provided a great opportunity for many to take a much-needed, decent break. Still, the month of April was a big one.

April 1st marked two years since Oranga Tamariki was established. In this time we’ve achieved a lot, collectively with other Government agencies, community groups, NGOs, and all New Zealanders.

We’ve gained more social workers and caregivers; and partnerships with iwi and kaupapa Māori providers are supporting our work to keep children connected with whānau.

Media were understandably interested in our progress in April, and thanks to our strong partnerships we had some great successes to share.

Listen to the "Two years on and what's changed" on Radio New Zealand

Over the last two years we’ve been undoubtedly growing and building as an organisation. But we’re now approaching ‘July 1’ – a key date – when new legislation is enacted and the next stage of the transformation begins. 

It’s exciting to be thinking about our new Transition Service, and working with community providers around the country to ensure eligible young people are supported right away in their transition to adulthood.

We’re also working with our providers of care services to prepare for the implementation of the new Care Standards, which will lift the quality of care for children and young people across Aotearoa.

A real highlight of April for me was the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Waikato-Tainui iwi, signaling a new level of commitment to working together, as envisaged by the new legislation - Section 7AA.

Read about the Waikato-Tainui strategic partnership

There’s a whole suite of changes underway right now, some because the Act requires them, but others simply because we know they’ll contribute to better meeting the needs of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.

On practical level, to support all the changes we’re making we’re updating policies, systems, structures, technologies. If you’re a user of our Practice Centre, there’s less than a month to go now until the new website is launched externally so keep a watch out for it!

And if you’re on this journey of change with us, in any capacity, thank you. We can’t succeed in the big tasks at hand without you.

Ngā mihi nui

Gráinne Moss