22 May 2014

Child, Youth and Family to sign agreement with Ngāti Kahungunu

On Thursday 29 May, Child, Youth and Family and Ngāti Kahungunu will sign a Memorandum of Understanding that will see us working more closely together for tamariki and rangatahi. Child, Youth and Family’s Deputy Chief Executive, Bernadine Mackenzie, says we need to work together with iwi to develop innovative ways to support whānau and make sure children and young people are kept safe and well cared for.

At the moment, almost half of Ngāti Kahungunu tamariki and rangatahi in Child, Youth and Family care are placed with whānau.

“We know we can do better to find safe placements within extended whānau, but we also recognise we need the help of hapū and iwi to do this. We can’t do it on our own.

“That’s why signing agreements like these with iwi are so important. It allows us to establish a formalised relationship where we can have meaningful dialogue about the future safety and well-being of tamariki and rangatahi.”

This is the fourth MoU of its kind to be signed, following on from signings with Ngāti Porou, Ngāphui and Waikato-Tainui.

Ms Mackenzie says previous signings with iwi have resulted in great traction and innovative ideas for supporting whānau and hapū to guide Child, Youth and Family’s work with young Māori. “I am confident that we will see similar success by working more closely with Ngāti Kahungunu.”

The signing will take place at 10.30am on Thursday 29 May at the Takarangi Meeting Room, Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga, Orchard Road, Hastings.

ENDS

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