Te Kahu Oranga Whānau partnership
A vision for all tamariki to be in the safe care of their whānau, hapū and iwi is at the heart of a Strategic Partnership Agreement signed with Te Kahu Oranga Whānau in Kaitaia.
Te Kahu Oranga Whānau is a collective of iwi and Māori organisations in Te Hiku o te Ika (the Far North), which includes Waitomo Papakāinga Development Trust, Te Whare Ruruhau O Meri, Te Rūnanga o te Rarawa and Tuhiata Mahi Ora.
Partnership evolution for whānau in Te Hiku
Partnership evolution for whānau in Te Hiku
About our partnership
This is the 8th Strategic Partnership Agreement Oranga Tamariki has signed across the motu. The partnership has been built through the values of Māoritanga and commitments under te Tiriti o Waitangi and Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. It enables further action in Te Hiku to ensure tamariki are in the safe care of their whānau, hapū and iwi.
The vision of the partnership was founded on the saying ‘mā te hiku or te ika, te upoko e kōkiri’ – ‘it is the tail of the fish (Far North) that thrusts the head of the fish (Wellington area) forward’. In alignment with this, Kaitaia Oranga Tamariki office will be renamed as Te Hiku o te Ika.
Te Kahu Oranga Whānau is taking on some of the responsibilities of Oranga Tamariki and driving the kaupapa. They are able to step in when tamariki are in unsafe situations and provide support through wider whānau networks.
Published: October 11, 2023