New Māori-led prototype to support whānau and reduce care entry

Enabling Communities is a business group of Oranga Tamariki and an initiative that is designed to give selected partners an opportunity to determine how to best meet the needs of tamariki and whānau.

Opportunities for their involvement ranges from prevention, early support, care and protection, youth justice and transitions.

There are 9 prototypes around the country which were selected to stand up prototypes in their community. These prototypes will inform the system shifts necessary to improve outcomes for tamariki and whānau. They are situated in Te Taitokerau, Midlands, the Central and Southern regions.

The 9 prototypes are: Tai Timu Tai Pari, Te Kahu Oranga Whānau and Te Rūnanga o Ngāpuhi in Te Taitokerau, Eastern Bay of Plenty Iwi Provider Alliance, Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka.

The new prototype, Tama-Āriki was developed by the Tai Timu Tai Pari collective.

It takes a holistic, whānau-centred, and locally grounded approach which empowers whānau to navigate care and support services for mokopuna in the Whangārei-Te Kaipara region.

Tai Timu Tai Pari are a collective of three Māori NGOs: Te Uri o Hau Tangata Development Ltd, Te Hau Āwhiowhio ō Otangarei Trust and He Iwi Kotahi Tātou Trust.

Oranga Tamariki has worked alongside Tai Timu Tai Pari since 2022.

Darrin Haimona, Oranga Tamariki Deputy Chief Executive Enabling Communities says the launch of Tama-Āriki recognises this relationship.

“The collective has played an important role in supporting the triaging of reports of concern in the Whangārei community and connecting whānau with tailored support to address their specific needs.”

Oranga Tamariki will invest $5 million through to March 2027 for Tai Timu Tai Pari to deliver Tama-Āriki and is committed to the safety of tamariki as a priority set by the Minister for Children.

“This investment enables a community-led, early intervention model that collectivises Māori and community providers across Whangarei and Te Kaipara to deliver better outcomes for tamariki while reducing pressure on statutory services,” says William Kaipo, CEO Te Hau Āwhiowhio o Otangarei.

Tai Timu Tai Pari will build on its work with the more than 10 organisations in the region by supporting stronger community referral pathways and workforce capability.

“The prototype provides direct support for mokopuna and whānau and expands on the report of concern triage process through the establishment of a new community hub,” says William Kaipo. 

The hub will provide a space to triage reports of concern and will also provide community-based referral pathways for mokopuna and whānau and support community navigation.

It ensures a joined-up approach for tamariki and whānau to access support.

Further information on the prototype and its implementation will be shared as it progresses.

Oranga Tamariki will continue to hold the delegations for decision making under sections 15 and 17 of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 (making and investigating reports of concern).

More information

Tai Timu Tai Pari

Who is Tai Timu Tai Pari?

• Tai Timu Tai Pari is a charitable company and Māori-led regional enabling organisation with three equal accredited shareholder partners:

  • Te Hau Awhiowhio o Otangarei Trust (Social Services Level 2, s396)

  • He Iwi Kotahi Tatou Trust (Level 2)

  • Te Uri o Hau Tangata Development Limited (Level 2)

  • Tai Timu Tai Pari’s membership and partnerships extend beyond its shareholder-provider partners to a broad network of Māori, Pasifika, and community organisations across Te Tai Tokerau.

What are the key deliverables for this investment?

This model means that Oranga Tamariki engages with a single, trusted regional enabler rather than managing multiple contracts.
Specific deliverables include:

• Establish a community‑led, whānau‑centred early intervention model

• Improve tamariki safety, wellbeing, and long‑term outcomes

• Reduce renotifications of Reports of Concern (ROCs) and prevent escalation into statutory services

• Strengthen partnership and shared accountability with Oranga Tamariki through working towards eventual transfer of statutory delegations

• Build local workforce capability and capacity.

How long is the investment for in Tai Timu Tai Pari?

The outcomes agreement is to March 2027. This prototype will be evaluated and will also inform the larger programme evaluation which will help Oranga Tamariki to understand what works well, what are the outcomes for children and what can be scaled up for further investment and procurement.

Information about other Enabling Communities prototypes

Community-led contact centre goes live in Whakatāne

Kahungunu launch new Te Ara Mātua services hub to support tamariki in Heretaunga