Mackie said she wanted to see resources divested “from Oranga Tamariki into iwi or hapū or community-led services that actively support and enhance the lives of our young people”.
Under questioning from Labour’s Willow-Jean Prime in the House, Chhour apologised for what the two women had endured.
“I am sorry for what you’ve been through... We have taken learnings from what has happened in the past and we have put processes in place to make sure that those horrendous acts that have happened in the past do not continue.”
The Herald revealed on Tuesday that Oranga Tamariki (OT) had “bold plans” to relinquish “at least” half of its funding and shift into a “support and co-ordination” role.
OT chief social worker Nicolette Dickson said the plan would see Treaty and community partners provide care and prevention services. That would involve “at least 50% of funding being managed by partners”.
Chhour supported the move.
“I’ve been a champion of the need for Oranga Tamariki to devolve funding and the provision of care and protection services to the wider community for years,” she said.
She did not see the devolution of services as an admission of failures by OT.
“It’s about finding a way to work together for the betterment of young people.”
She said talks were happening now with interested parties.
“I encourage people who are wanting to have that conversation about how they can be part of that solution to come and have a conversation with myself and Oranga Tamariki.”
She did not say how much money would be transferred to community and iwi organisations. The Herald asked if it would involve closing OT care facilities.
”I don’t want to have conversations about shutting down Oranga Tamariki care facilities until I know that there is something else in their place,” Chhour replied.
”We can’t afford to have reactionary policies and have nowhere for these young people to go.”
The Herald asked if that option was on the table.
”Not until I know I have an alternative solution for these young people and a safe alternative for these young people, and then those conversations can start,” Chhour replied.
She was seeking more information about which groups would be funded.
“I have also asked my Oranga Tamariki Ministerial Advisory Board to take a closer look at where and how we could get funding closer to communities, and their children.”
Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad supported greater investment and resourcing of community, iwi and kaupapa Māori organisations.
“I’ve heard directly from care-experienced young people that they want to see this happen,” she said.
Achmad told the Herald she would like more information on the plan.
“This shift needs to be well considered and planned and happen in ways that mean mokopuna will always be kept safe during these changes.”
