Ngāpuhi says Oranga Tamariki Bill doesn’t do enough for our people

Today, the voices of Ngāpuhi tamariki and whānau were heard in the corridors of parliament, as Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi O Ngāpuhi (the Rūnanga) presented their position to the Social Services Select Committee on the Oranga Tamariki Bill (Children, Young, Person and their Families Bill).

The legislation in it’s current draft form “doesn’t fully or properly reflect or represent Ngāpuhi whānau, hapū and Iwi” says Rūnanga Chair, Raniera Tau. “Here we are in 2017, and one would expect these issues to not be an impediment. It is therefore imperative that whānau, hapū and Iwi are clearly articulated in the final Bill. There is a bit of work ahead to achieve this”.

The Rūnanga hosted Minister Tolley in Kaikohe earlier this month and applaud her for taking this bold step and also agree with the Crown that the safety of our tamariki is paramount. However, as a Treaty Partner it is critical that the important roles and responsibilities of whānau, hapū and Iwi are not ignored.

Rūnanga CEO Tony Dowling says “as a Treaty Partner we want the Crown to work with us, as partners, as equals, for the health and wellbeing of tamariki and whānau. He aha te mea nui o te Ao – ko te tangata”.

ENDS

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