Children's Monitor report backs kaupapa Māori approaches in state care

Positive outcomes iwi-led initiatives are achieving for Māori children in the state care system have been highlighted in a new Independent Children's Monitor report.

It found tamariki Māori remained overrepresented across all areas of the care and protection system, with Oranga Tamariki continuing to fall short in meeting their needs.

Among the initiatives profiled was Mahuru, a youth remand service in Te Tai Tokerau that places young people who would otherwise enter group homes or secure residences into a home-based environment.

Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services chief executive Dr Moana Eruera said the findings reinforced what iwi had been advocating for years.

"The report clearly highlights what iwi have been saying all along. We've been asking government to let us work with our tamariki and whānau earlier.

"We have our own services, we are culturally competent, and we can build the enduring relationships that make a genuine difference."

Eruera said improving outcomes for tamariki Māori required a coordinated response across government agencies, not just Oranga Tamariki.

"There are always issues interconnected with other agencies. More inter-agency work is an absolute must, alongside a genuine understanding of kaupapa Māori approaches and why they work.

"The evidence is there. New ways of working are imperative if we want to improve outcomes."

Strengthening identity and whakapapa

Mahuru team leader Sharon Armstrong said strengthening cultural identity and whakapapa was central to achieving better outcomes for rangatahi Māori.

"We see positive results not just for young people, but for their whānau as well.

"The whakapapa and cultural identity of these young people is often what's missing. Many are searching for a sense of connection and belonging. A kaupapa Māori approach provides that support while complementing western frameworks."

In Porirua, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira has been running the Hapori pilot program as part of its strategic partnership with Oranga Tamariki.

Deputy CEO Jennie Smeaton welcomed the report, saying the findings reinforced something that iwi, communities and frontline providers had long understood: the best outcomes were achieved when agencies, iwi, service providers and communities worked together with a shared purpose and commitment to tamariki.

"In Porirua, we have seen first-hand the positive impact that genuine collaboration can have. Improving outcomes for tamariki Māori cannot be the responsibility of any one agency alone. It requires trust-based relationships, shared accountability, and a willingness to listen to the voices of whānau, hapū and iwi.

"Our focus remains firmly on ensuring that tamariki Māori are safe, thriving, connected to their identity, and supported to reach their full potential. This is achieved not through competition or siloed approaches, but through collective action and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of our people."

Calls for wider investment

VOYCE - Whakarongo Mai chief executive Tracie Shipton said the report's findings were disappointing because many of the issues identified had been known for years.

"This report is not significantly different from previous reports. We expect things to be improving, particularly for Māori tamariki and rangatahi in care, but progress has not been fast enough."

Shipton said the report also showed iwi-led and Māori-led initiatives were delivering positive results across the country.

"If we know these approaches are making a difference, why aren't we investing in them consistently across the motu rather than through isolated pockets of funding?"

She questioned why successful Māori-led models continued to be funded through pilot programmes rather than being adopted more broadly.

Oranga Tamariki acknowledges challenges

Oranga Tamariki chief executive Amanda Malu acknowledged tamariki and rangatahi Māori remain overrepresented within the care system.

"As the new chief executive, I want to make sure we're doing everything we can to better support tamariki and rangatahi Māori in our care.

"We know there is room for improvement, and responding to concerns within expected timeframes is a priority for me and an expectation I am setting for the organisation."

Malu said stronger partnerships with iwi and community organisations are critical to preventing children from entering care and supporting whānau earlier.

She said improving outcomes for tamariki Māori required a whole-of-system response.

"Oranga Tamariki cannot do it alone."

The agency was also continuing work in response to the Dame Karen Poutasi Review and the Oranga Tamariki System Action Plan, she said.

Government says progress is being made

Minister for Children Karen Chhour said the report identified areas requiring improvement, but also highlighted signs of progress.

"Many of the underlying causes of negative experiences of care cannot be resolved by a single government agency. They require coordinated, sustained action across government and communities."

Chhour said the government was working more closely with iwi, Māori organisations and community providers, which are often best placed to support whānau.

"I do not believe government can or should walk away from its obligations to keep children safe, but we must help communities develop their own solutions. We can and must work together."

She pointed to $90.5 million in Budget 2026 funding to strengthen frontline Oranga Tamariki services and improve responsiveness to reports of concern.

"Our children deserve nothing less than a system that protects and values them. That is our goal as a government."

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