29 Sep 2021

Children's Minister insists he'll 'force the change' to fix Oranga Tamariki

From Midday Report, 12:12 pm on 29 September 2021

Oranga Tamariki has been described as not fit for purpose and needing transformative change - with the Minister insisting he'll 'force the change'.

The Ministerial appointed Advisory Panel report, released today, says Oranga Tamariki lacks strategic direction and also a clear vision of its purpose.

It recommends a strategy to devolve resources to Maori and communities; a new operating model with better support and training for social workers; and it also wants a national governance board to oversee the changes and more scrutiny for children being taken into care.

The Minister says because the panel was unable to provide assurance that Oranga Tamariki is fit for purpose, he has accepted all its recommendations.

The Children's Minister Kelvin Davis talks to Māni Dunlop.