Today’s report into last year’s Oranga Tamariki contract procurement process confirms the Government’s brutal cuts were rushed, poorly managed, and made with no concern for the impact on tamariki.

“It is now crystal clear that these cuts have come at the expense of the safety and wellbeing of our children,” says Green Party spokesperson for Children Kahurangi Carter.

“All tamariki in Aotearoa have the right to be loved, nurtured and safe in whānau and communities that have what they need to support their wellbeing.

“Today, the Government’s lie that any cuts would not affect front-line services has been completely exposed. We’ve heard from staff on the ground: they’re experiencing increased wait lists, inability for whānau to access services, and distress at the prospect of more tamariki going into state care.

“Slashing $30 million – nearly six per cent of the budget for contracted services – was never about efficiency. It was about cutting costs to fund tax cuts for wealthy landlords and tobacco companies.

“Incredibly, the report shows that Oranga Tamariki axed nearly half of the team responsible for contract management and development, directly before a major contracting round, and with no robust systems in place to support it. Not only did this leave providers in chaos, but it left frontline staff unsupported and tamariki at risk.

“The effects of decisions on children and their families are still not known. Let’s be really clear: this was all avoidable. The Minister forced these cuts through, painting these service providers as a ‘cash cow’.

“Our Green Budget reverses these funding cuts and ensures our tamariki get the care and support they deserve.

“The well-being of our tamariki and rangatahi must be at the centre of decision-making. It really is as simple as that,” says Kahurangi Carter.

Notes:

• The report can be found here: Controller and Auditor-General, Tumuaki o te Mana Arotake, Oranga Tamariki: Inquiry into procurement and contract management B.29 [25f]

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