Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi has told MPs that vulnerable families must be supported first in order to help vulnerable children.
Appearing before a Maori Affairs Select Committee inquiry into the wellbeing of Maori children, she said that improving the lives of children should not be done alone - help needs to be directed towards the families of vulnerable children first, in order to make a difference.
Dame Iritana said the Whanau Ora scheme is an example of how a welfare programme supports the whole family.