Children’s rights must be kept at centre of funding decisions

Children's Commissioner Jane Searle says today's follow-up report from the Auditor-General shows some encouraging signs of improvement in contracting and procurement at Oranga Tamariki, but also confirms that children and young people must remain at the centre of every funding and commissioning decision.

“The original inquiry raised serious concerns because decisions about funding community services were being made without adequate evidence about the impact on children and whānau,” says Ms Searle.

“Those services exist to support some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most vulnerable children. When procurement and contracting processes fail, the real risk is that mokopuna miss out on the support, care and protection they need.

“It is encouraging to see the Auditor-General identify improvements in areas such as child impact analysis and engagement with providers.

“But the report also makes clear that important work remains unfinished. Oranga Tamariki still needs to demonstrate a stronger understanding of what outcomes it is seeking for children, how contracted services contribute to those outcomes, and whether investment is making a meaningful difference in children's lives.

“Children's rights, safety and wellbeing must be the starting point for every commissioning and funding decision. Decisions should be informed by good evidence, meaningful engagement with communities, and a clear understanding of what mokopuna and whānau need.”

“It’s also important that Oranga Tamariki continues to rebuild trust with providers, iwi and Māori partners. Strong relationships are essential if we are to achieve better outcomes for mokopuna and honour commitments made under Te Tiriti.”

ends

Find the Auditor-General’s follow-up report here.

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