November 14th, 2024

Māori Party condemns job cuts at Oranga Tamariki, claiming it commits children to state abuse

In a stark rebuke, the Māori Party has strongly criticised the New Zealand government for cutting hundreds of jobs at Oranga Tamariki and disbanding the Treaty Response Unit, actions they claim will expose vulnerable children to state abuse.

The Māori Party argues that the removal of the Treaty Response Unit and significant workforce reductions will further harm the ministry's capacity to support vulnerable children.
The Māori Party argues that the removal of the Treaty Response Unit and significant workforce reductions will further harm the ministry's capacity to support vulnerable children.

The Māori Party has condemned the New Zealand government's decision to cut hundreds of jobs at Oranga Tamariki, the country's child welfare agency, including the disestablishment of its Treaty Response Unit, according to a party media statement released on April 17.

The party's spokesperson, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, labelled the move as "absolute carelessness" and "short-sighted racism," suggesting that it will commit vulnerable children to state abuse.

The announced job cuts are set to affect nearly a quarter of Oranga Tamariki’s workforce, a detail that emerged during a parliamentary session earlier in February. According to Kapa-Kingi, the organisation has consistently failed to protect children, with an increasing number being abused under its care.

"Oranga Tamariki have failed every single review," Kapa-Kingi stated, accusing the ministry of blaming its staff rather than addressing systemic issues at the leadership level.

The Māori Party argues that the removal of the Treaty Response Unit and significant workforce reductions will further harm the ministry's capacity to support vulnerable children.

"Cutting jobs and restructuring the scope of work will only perpetuate a failing Ministry - all whilst our tamariki continue to be raised in the increased dismay of the state," Kapa-Kingi said.

The party is advocating for the establishment of a Mokopuna Māori Authority to replace Oranga Tamariki, insisting that children are best cared for by their own whānau, with whom they share whakapapa.

Kapa-Kingi also said that "Until the government enables this, actions that repeal 7AA and cut jobs only further constitute a failing government agency that ultimately needs to be replaced."