Moss resignation seen as chance for ‘reset’
AUCKLAND: Critics of Oranga Tamariki's practices say the resignation of its embattled chief executive offers a chance for a ‘‘reset’’ rooted in Maori leadership.
Grainne Moss announced yesterday she was resigning after four years at the helm of the Government agency, which has come under intense scrutiny since a video was published of the uplifting of a weekold Maori baby in Hastings in 2019.
That event has led to no fewer than five reviews of Oranga Tamariki and its child uplift practices: an internal review, and inquiries by Whanau Ora, the Chief Ombudsman, the Children's Commissioner and the Waitangi Tribunal.
The number of children in state care and the number of uplifts has fallen under Ms Moss' watch, and partnerships are being created with iwi to prevent their tamariki from going into care or keeping them within extended family.
But many prominent Maori leaders remained deeply distrustful of Oranga Tamariki.
In a statement, Maori leaders Dame Naida Glavish, Dame Tariana Turia, Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi, Dame Areta Kopua, Lady Tureiti Moxon and Merepeka RaukawaTait called Ms Moss' resignation a ‘‘principled and responsible decision’’.
The women filed an urgent claim last year against Oranga Tamariki in the Waitangi Tribunal on behalf of the National Urban Maori Authority.
Given that 60% to 70% of children in state care are Maori, the claim advocated that 60% to 70% of the resources go to Maori under a new Mokopuna Maori Authority.
The group had long been calling for Ms Moss to step down to make way for Maori leadership, stepping up the call in December after deputy head of Oranga Tamariki Hoani Lambert, the most senior Maori leader, resigned instead.
At the time, Ms Moss said she was not going anywhere, despite the refusal of new Minister for Children Kelvin Davis to express confidence in her.
Sir Wira Gardiner has been appointed acting chief executive.
Sir Wira, husband of former National MP Hekia Parata, has been involved in significant interactions between the Crown and iwi on Treaty settlements and negotiating between parties on complex issues.
Children's Commissioner
Andrew Becroft said Ms Moss had given her ‘‘utter commitment and dedication’’ to the role, but the issues were ‘‘much bigger than the individual’’.
‘‘For a long time we have been saying the issues are structural, and around decisionmaking for Maori, and this resignation provides the opportunity for that reset.’’
Maori Council executive director Matthew Tukaki said Ms Moss had ‘‘inherited a difficult portfolio’’, with issues going back well over half a century.
Mr Davis said he did not push
Ms Moss to resign.
‘‘She has made the decision to step down, and I respect that decision.’’
He said he welcomed Sir Wira into the acting chief executive role.
In a statement, Ms Moss said she was proud of what the agency had achieved in the past four years but believed it was the right time for her to step down and make way for new leadership.
Ms Moss will move into a new role as chief executive of the Public Service Association. — The New Zealand Herald