Minister reticent on confidence in Oranga Tamariki leadership

The minister in charge of Oranga Tamariki, Kelvin Davis, has refused to say he has confidence in the chief executive of the child welfare agency.

Asked directly if Grainne Moss had his confidence, Davis said he was ‘‘currently establishing a working relationship with Oranga Tamariki’s leadership’’ and they were just getting to know each other.

It comes as Davis signalled the agency faces changes under the new Government.

On Monday, Children’s Commissioner Judge Andrew Becroft released a report calling for the agency to hand over power and resources for Ma¯ori to care for their own vulnerable children.

The report was the second released as part of a review triggered by the attempted removal of a Ma¯ori baby from its mother in Hastings hospital.

It called for a raft of immediate changes in Oranga Tamariki practice and legislation, including halting the removal of Ma¯ori babies from hospitals and maternity wards.

Davis said he looked forward to a ‘‘constructive working relationship’’ with the agency.

‘‘And it’s my expectation that the ministry’s leadership will work hard to successfully implement the changes and new direction, when they come.’’

Moss, when made aware of the minister’s comments and refusal to commit to voicing confidence, said she and the leadership team had met the minister. It was a constructive meeting.

The Government itself has come under pressure from Becroft to commit to the changes now it no longer needs to deal with political partners.

Before the release of the

report, Moss said there had already been a 50 per cent drop in the number of Ma¯ori babies coming into care.

‘‘This is due to our commitment to working alongside Ma¯ori to support tamariki.’’

An Oranga Tamariki social worker said most New Zealanders had no idea what those on the agency’s ground floor were dealing with.

‘‘We’re not here to take children from their families, every social worker I know is trying to keep families together ... an uplift is a last resort for safety.’’

The social worker, whom Stuff has agreed not to name, said that although the agency could always improve, she wanted people to know the job can be impossible.

‘‘If a baby is uplifted everyone hates us, if a baby isn’t uplifted and gets hurt then everyone hates us. We’re criticised no matter what ... and we’re just trying to keep kids safe.’’