Te Pai Ora SSPA supports the call for urgent improvements to the child protection system made today by Aroturuki Tamariki.

Te Pai Ora SSPA Kaiwhakahaere Matua Belinda Himiona says the findings from Aroturuki Tamariki's review of the implementation of Poutasi report recommendations are stark and confronting – and a challenge to our political leaders this election year to make eliminating child abuse a priority.

“The review found that the safety net that should be there to protect our most vulnerable tamariki remains inadequate. The gaps Dame Karen Poutasi identified after Malachi Subecz’s death in 2021 still exist – and our tamariki are no safer. This is unacceptable.”

Belinda echoes Aroturuki Tamariki in applauding the Government’s recent decision to accept all of Dame Karen’s recommendations but agrees that this is only a start. “This review clearly identifies that much more work is needed, particularly in how Oranga Tamariki responds to reports of concern and in how the community sector is resourced to support that work.”

“The review emphasises the critical support role that community organisations can play in the care and protection system. Our members know their communities, they understand the issues and are ready and willing to do more to prevent harm. But we need to be well-funded and resourced to do this – which currently we are not,” Belinda says.

The review identifies that the current short-term funding model is undermining our sector’s ability to establish robust and consistent solutions. While Oranga Tamariki is working to provide greater funding clarity and certainty to our sector, many providers are still very stretched and face further cuts. “Our members are deeply committed to their communities – but constantly chasing funding is a real burden. It takes away from vital frontline work.”

One positive highlight in the review is the example of an Oranga Tamariki and iwi provider partnership, where non-statutory mahi has been devolved to the community provider. “This type of arrangement shows how our sector can support the work of government while addressing wider whānau and community needs.”

Belinda hopes that this review will put the issue of child safety squarely on the political agenda this election year.

“All politicians should be talking about this. Because there are things we can do to make our children safer – this review and the Poutasi report make that clear. We need to know that the people who want to lead our country are committed to making those things happen.”

About Social Service Providers Te Pai Ora O Aotearoa | www.sspa.org.nz

Te Pai Ora SSPA is a membership-based organisation, representing more than 260 non-profit, community-based social service organisations from around Aotearoa New Zealand. Our member organisations are diverse, including small rural organisations, iwi and kaupapa Māori service providers, Pacific providers, and large national children’s organisations. Our members provide life-changing and often life-saving services and support in their communities.

Te Pai Ora SSPA’s members are funded by government agencies to deliver social services in our communities, with a predominant focus on children, rangatahi, families and whānau.

Our vision is that Aotearoa New Zealand’s community-based social services are sustainable, making a positive impact every day in our communities and hapori, supporting children, young people and whānau to thrive now and into the future.

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