Ngā Tini Whetū

Published: August 19, 2021

Ngā Tini Whetū is an innovative prototype using the Whānau Ora commissioning model to decentralise early intervention support. AIKO was selected as the evaluation provider and has worked with the four partners to develop an evaluation plan. 

Background

Ngā Tini Whetū is being implemented across Te Ika a Maui by Te Puni Kōkiri, Oranga Tamariki and ACC, in partnership with Te Pou Matakana, the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency (WOCA).

Ngā Tini Whetū enables more whānau to access early support tailored to their needs. This innovative prototype shows how government agencies and Crown entities can collaborate with kaupapa Māori organisations to support whānau.

Key findings

The report highlights several positive findings, including:

  • the public service is maturing in how it supports and embeds Whānau Ora
  • that Ministerial leadership was instrumental for getting the prototype underway
  • Crown and Māori sharing common goals and aspirations for tamariki and whānau
  • the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency successfully challenged agencies to better understand how to partner with a Māori commissioning agency
  • senior leaders are championing collaboration between agencies.

The report also found opportunities for further strengthening and exploration as the prototype continues:

  • The report notes agencies need to identify how to build experience, capability and evidence to support Whānau Ora and other forms of collaborative working across government.
  • The report noted while more work is needed to embed collaborative ways of working, what has been completed is unique, innovative and courageous.
  • There is also an opportunity to explore how innovative funding can support future Māori-Crown and Iwi-Crown partnerships and facilitate cross agency resourcing.

Research files

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