We are dedicated to supporting any child in New Zealand whose wellbeing 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.
Consultation - Supporting oranga for disabled people
We want to work with you on a future Oranga Tamariki Disability Strategy.
We want to work with disabled people who have lived experience of care and protection and/or youth justice services, and the people who support them.
One of our most important goals is to make services better for all disabled people we work with – that includes disabled tamariki, rangatahi, parents, caregivers and their whānau.

News
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Whare Ngaakau Nui – a new home for tamariki and rangatahi with high complex needs
A karakia was held in Manurewa in December 2022 to officially open Whare Ngaakau Nui, a new purpose-built home for tamariki and rangatahi with high complex, special needs and specialist treatment.
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Social work graduate inspired to make change
Oranga Tamariki Disability Advisory Group member, Hannah Watson, talks about her journey to graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work and the people who inspired her.
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Prime Minister’s Oranga Tamariki Awards 2022
On 7 December, 25 recipients of the 2022 Prime Minister’s Oranga Tamariki Awards travelled from around Aotearoa to Wellington to have their achievements acknowledged over a special two-day celebration.
Practice Centre

The Practice Centre is an online resource aimed primarily at Oranga Tamariki practitioners.
It contains policy, guidance and tools to help us in our work with tamariki and rangatahi and their whānau or family. The policies are our must-dos, and the guidance our how-tos.
Research
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Success factors for a home visiting programme
This evidence brief explores factors that are critical for a successful home visiting programme. The brief and the companion report with case studies will be used as a resource to better support Family Start programme partners in providing effective servi…
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Evidence Centre Seminar: December 2022
This virtual seminar featured Prof Ian Lambie ONZ, Chief Science Adviser to the Justice Sector, presenting his research on young offenders and how the system has failed them. Ben Hannifin, Director of Youth Justice System Development at Oranga Tamariki al…
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Children arrested by Police in 2020-21
This report will help us to understand more about children who offend and opportunities for change.
Compliments, complaints and suggestions
We're keen to hear about your experience with us. Do you have any ideas about how we can improve our service?
VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai: advocacy service for children in care
If you're a child or young person in care, VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai is an independent connection and advocacy service, separate from Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, and we're here to listen to you, support you, and be on your side. Part of what we also do is organise fun and engaging events for kids with care experience so you can connect with each other.

Social Worker recruitment
We're leading a new way of working to support children or tamariki who need care, creating a major shift in emphasis.
We have a number of social worker positions available now and invite dedicated and passionate social workers to play their part in helping change the way New Zealand protects children.