Future focus at National Hui

Providers came together to hear what’s ahead for the sector and build on the momentum established through regional hui.

Genuine partnerships and co-design were the focus of the hui.

With new legislation set to come into force by July 2019 there are still big changes to come, and this was an opportunity to start re-imagining services together.

Minister for Children Hon Tracey Martin spoke at the event, acknowledging the challenges faced by providers. “I hope that what unites us is a desire to do better,” she said. “Between us we must make the changes outlined by the Expert Advisory Panel.”

Chief Executive Gráinne Moss expressed her desire for the Ministry to work very differently in the partnerships space. “Co-design of services does result in significantly different outputs,” she said.

“We’ve got an opportunity to shift the way we work to make things better for children, and we’ve actually got time to have this conversation about how we can build on momentum, get smart and use each other’s strengths.”

Throughout the day, partners were able to help plan new services – brainstorming new solutions to cater for the inclusion of 17 year olds in the youth justice system, feeding into the design of  services for young people transitioning out of care and youth justice placements, and giving insights into the needs of whānau for the development of intensive intervention services for tamariki at risk of harm so they remain safe at home. 

There was continuous discussion about the new section of the Oranga Tamariki Act related to improving outcomes for tamariki Māori, which will apply to all provider relationships.

“We need to deliver real change to tamariki Māori or we haven’t succeeded,” Gráinne said. 

The voice of the partner was heard at the end of the day through talks from Barnardos’ Mike Munnelly and Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services’ Liz Marsden about what’s been challenging when working with Oranga Tamariki, and what’s been going well.

Barnardos CEO Jeff Sanders said he believes in co-design. “The hui has been more valuable than I thought it would be with such a large group.”

“I enjoyed hearing the messages from the Minister and Gráinne. I’m seeing a shift where there is genuine talk about partnership.” 

The day offered learning for both Oranga Tamariki and providers with an opportunity for transparency and honesty for all parties.