Oversight system | Pūnaha tirohanga whānui

Oversight of the oranga tamariki system

The oranga tamariki system is responsible for providing services and support to tamariki
Children (plural) aged 0-13 yearsView the full glossary and rangatahi
Young person aged 14 – 21 years of ageView the full glossary and their whānau
Whānau refers to people who are biologically linked or share whakapapa. For the Monitor’s monitoring purposes, whānau includes parents, whānau members living with tamariki at the point they have come into care View the full glossary under, or in connection with, the Oranga Tamariki Act. This includes services and support such as early intervention, emergency help, care, youth justice and transitions out of care. This also includes work to support whānau wellbeing and reduce risks to tamariki.

Lots of organisations are involved in the  oranga tamariki system. There are government organisations such as Oranga Tamariki, Police, Health and Education organisations, iwi
TribeView the full glossary, hapu, and Māori social services as well as community non-government organisations.

Three oversight agencies work together to check that law is being applied correctly, services are being delivered effectively, and that those services are improving outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi.

Find out about the three oversight agencies

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Finding your way around the islands of kaitiaki

English

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Te tipu haere ki nga moutere o kaitiaki

Te reo māori

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Finding your way around the islands of kaitiaki

New Zealand Sign Language

The three oversight agencies

Advocacy

Mana
Prestige, authority, control, power, influence, status, spiritual power, charismaView the full glossary Mokopuna, the Children and Young People’s Commission, advocates for the interests, rights and wellbeing of all mokopuna, including those in the oranga tamariki system, and where needed, help mokopuna and their whānau
Whānau refers to people who are biologically linked or share whakapapa. For the Monitor’s monitoring purposes, whānau includes parents, whānau members living with tamariki at the point they have come into care View the full glossary navigate the system to resolve problems. 

See the Mana Mokopuna (www.manamokopuna.org.nz) Website or phone the Child Rights Line on 0800 224 453

Monitoring

Aroturuki Tamariki
Children (plural) aged 0-13 yearsView the full glossary, the Independent  Children’s Monitor, listens to the voices of tamariki and rangatahi
Young person aged 14 – 21 years of ageView the full glossary and their whānau
Whānau refers to people who are biologically linked or share whakapapa. For the Monitor’s monitoring purposes, whānau includes parents, whānau members living with tamariki at the point they have come into care View the full glossary in monitoring the performance of the oranga tamariki system. This includes compliance, quality of practice and outcomes, and identifying areas for improvement. Monitoring reports are used by others to advocate for system change. 

Aroturuki Tamariki Website (www.aroturuki.govt.nz) or email info@aroturuki.govt.nz 

Complaints and Investigations

The Ombudsman handles complaints about Oranga Tamariki, its care or custody providers, and other government organisations. The Ombudsman also investigates and monitors serious and significant issues.

Ombudsman New Zealand | Children in care (www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
children-in-care) or phone 0800 802 602

Our role in the oversight system

Our role is to carry out objective, impartial, and evidence-based monitoring of the oranga tamariki system. Our monitoring activities inform our reports which are required to:  

  • assess how the oranga tamariki system supports the rights, interests, and well-being of tamariki
    Children (plural) aged 0-13 yearsView the full glossary    , rangatahi
    Young person aged 14 – 21 years of ageView the full glossary     and whānau
    Whānau refers to people who are biologically linked or share whakapapa. For the Monitor’s monitoring purposes, whānau includes parents, whānau members living with tamariki at the point they have come into care View the full glossary     experiencing the system  
  • assess whether powers used under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 are being used appropriately and consistently  
  • support public trust and confidence in the oversight of the oranga tamariki system  
  • drive continuous improvement by identifying areas of high performance and areas for improvement in the oranga tamariki system   
  • inform understanding of the oranga tamariki system and its interface with other systems  
  • support decision making.  

We work closely with our oversight partners, the Ombudsman and Mana
Prestige, authority, control, power, influence, status, spiritual power, charismaView the full glossary Mokopuna - the Children and Young People's Commission.