An important new study, supported by Aotearoa –Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad, has called for urgent action to better normalise and support kinship care in Aotearoa New Zealand — highlighting its unique strengths, but also the lack of recognition and resourcing for families who step in.

The Strengthening Kinship Care in New Zealand research project, completed by Family for Every Child, is the first major study of its kind in over a decade. It shows how relatives and close family friends who step in to raise children provide love, stability, and cultural connection — yet too often without adequate support.

Kinship Care the Norm In NZ

Kinship care is a deeply rooted and culturally accepted practice. Most children in kinship care are raised informally, outside of Oranga Tamariki involvement, as families step in naturally when parents cannot.

Research Lead Dr. Braden Clark, a recognised leader in the social services sector, says: “New Zealand must prioritise kinship care and ensure that children are supported and cared for in their familial environment, whenever possible, with policies that recognise its unique strengths and challenges.”

Kinship care arrangements may be needed due to various reasons. These include mental or physical ill health, death, imprisonment, violence, abuse, neglect, family disconnection due to a lack of access to services, cultural norms; or a focus on children’s developmental needs being supported in the care of kin.

A safer alternative to State care

The findings were released to coincide with Global Kinship Care Week (7–13 October), which celebrates the vital role of kinship carers. Where safe, family care offers children greater stability and stronger cultural connection than State care — which has consistently failed.

Royal Commission into Abuse in Care revealed widespread, systemic abuse, with estimates that up to 200,000 people were abused in care between 1950 and 1999. Poor record-keeping, barriers to disclosure, and deliberate concealment mean the true figure is likely higher.

And yet New Zealand still does have a Child abuse prevention and intervention strategy and action plan, to monitor and provide accountability framework in Aotearoa - involving all govt departments, Iwi, diverse NGOs, wider community sector and faiths - this is vital in care reform

The Family for Every Child research report stresses that all kinship care arrangements — whether formal or informal — require recognition and tailored supports, including addressing the unique needs of marginalised groups like children with disabilities or indigenous children. Needs vary depending on the carer, child, and circumstances, but carers consistently called for wraparound services that go beyond financial help.

Recommendations include:

• Collecting stronger evidence about kinship and whanau care
• Promote public awareness and acceptance of kinship care
• Develop clear policies, strategies, and guidance
• Strengthen the capability of the social service workforce
• Coordinate cross-sector responses
• Ensure adequate and accessible funding
• Foster social norms that value kinship care.

Dr Claire Achmad, Te Kaikōmihana mo Ngā Tamariki o Aotearoa – Children’s Commissioner says the report is very welcome.

“As Children’s Commissioner, I have the privilege of meeting mokopuna from diverse communities across the motu, including those with experience of kinship care arrangements, and those who have been removed from the care of their wider family and whānau.

“What comes through strongly from mokopuna is the importance of being safe and experiencing ongoing belonging and connection to their family and whānau – recognising that these two things can occur at the same time, she says.

“As the findings of this research make clear, Aotearoa New Zealand needs to ensure better support for all people providing kinship care,” Dr Achmad says. “It’s my hope that this report sparks action: increased collaboration, understanding and support for those who step up to provide this vital care, so that all mokopuna in Aotearoa New Zealand grow up safe and surrounded by love, stability and a strong sense of belonging.

The value of family care shone through the report interviews. Interviews with kinship carers revealed the value of kinship care — and the toll it can take. Highlights:

• Family bonds strengthened: Children reconnected with cousins, aunties, uncles, and their marae, developing a strong sense of belonging.
• Unexpected responsibilities: Many carers never imagined they’d become full-time parents. Some grandparents spoke of the shift from being “fun” grandparents to raising children again — often at the cost of their health, finances, and relationships. Carers emphasised the importance of their role, balancing parental responsibilities while respecting the authority of children’s birth parents
• Support from friends: Where family support was limited, friends provided meals, childcare, and companionship.
• Lack of accessible information: Carers often only discovered support when they reached breaking point. Clearer guidance and practical starter packs were seen as essential.

Lack of Understanding of Kinship Care. Caregivers want organisations to learn more about kinship care and whāngai, so families welcomed with guidance and understanding, not just put into a stereotypical box.

The project was had the backing of many respected social services groups. Dr Clark worked alongside Co-researcher and Project Manager, Dr Michelle Egan-Bitran, (Programme Advisor New Zealand and Pacific at Family for Every Child). Both worked alongside the guidance of an Advisory Group, which included Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou, VOYCE Whakarongo Mai, Children’s Rights Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand, Foundation for Equity and Research New Zealand and WelTec.

Over fifty percent of the New Zealand Kinship Care Research Advisory Group for Family for Every Child in Aotearoa are Indigenous - 50% were Māori and included representation from Family for Every Child partner organisations, stakeholders, Pasifika, people living with a disability, and researchers

About Family for Every Child

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving family. Family for Every Child has been working in Aotearoa New Zealand since 2022 to make this a reality. Family for Every Child is a global alliance of 51 local organisations working in 40 countries to improve the lives of children and families in need.

To mark Kinship Care Week, Family for Every Child and the Children’s Rights Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand will co-host a webinar focusing on: Strengthening Kinship Care: Upholding the rights of children and their families/whānau on October 13th, 12 – 1:30.

Dr Egan-Bitran, Programme Advisor New Zealand for Family for Every Child, will chair the session which will include Dr Braden Clark, who is the lead researcher on an about to be released Family for Every Child research project to be announced during Global Kinship Week. He will focus on key findings and implications for policy and practice.

They will be joined by two other participants, Dr Luke-Fitzmaurice-Brown who will focus on strengths and risks of rights-based approaches to kinship care and Dr Kerri Cleaver will focus on Indigenous whanau care.

Register here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jZm8jEdLTMmN3gKuovcwOg

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