The Children’s Commissioner of New Zealand announced in June 2019 that his Office would undertake a thematic review of the policies, processes and practices of Oranga Tamariki Ministry for Children relating to care and protection issues for pēpi Māori (Māori infants) aged 0-3 months.
This second report comes to the clear conclusion that to keep pēpi in the care of their whānau, Māori must be recognised as best placed to care for their own: this involves by Māori, for Māori approaches that are enabled by the transfer of power and resources from government to Māori.
Part 2 of this report canvasses specific aspects of social work practice and legislation that are required to stop harm from occurring now, and support transition to by Māori, for Māori approaches. The final chapter includes some discussion of wider influences that have influenced the direction of our recommendations. It finishes with four recommendations, with specific actions under each.
Read the first report: Te Kuku O Te Manawa: Ka puta te riri, ka momori te ngākau, ka heke ngā roimata mo tōku pēpi
