Oranga Tamariki
Our belief is that in the right environment, with the right people surrounding and nurturing them, any child can and should flourish. We are dedicated to supporting any child in New Zealand whose well-being 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. Oranga Tamariki plays a critical role in realising the Government’s vision that New Zealand is the best place in the world for children and young people. We are a Ministry founded on a fundamentally different approach – one of listening and learning. It's important that the voices of children and young people, families, whānau, hapū, and iwi, alongside caregivers, Māori organisations and NGO partners, are at the centre as we work with others to design a new way of doing things. Our Mana Tamaiti objectives: - Ensuring the participation of tamariki Māori, rangatahi, whānau, hapū, and iwi in decisions affecting them at the earliest opportunity. - Supporting, strengthening and assisting whānau Māori to care for their tamariki and rangatahi to prevent the need for them to enter care or youth justice. - Supporting tamariki Māori to establish, maintain and strengthen their sense of belonging through cultural identity and connections to whānau, hapū and iwi. - Prioritising placement of tamariki Māori within their broader whānau, hapū and iwi wherever possible. - Supporting, strengthening and assisting tamariki and rangatahi Māori and their whānau to prepare for their return home or transition into the community.