New Financial Oversight for Oranga Tamariki’s Service Providers Announced

Minister Chhour highlighted that this year, Oranga Tamariki has been tasked with a thorough review of contracts with hundreds of service providers, valued at over $500 million.

Children’s Minister Karen Chhour has declared a major shift in financial oversight for Oranga Tamariki, emphasizing a renewed focus on ensuring that funding for external service providers is effectively managed and directly benefits children in state care.

Minister Chhour highlighted that this year, Oranga Tamariki has been tasked with a thorough review of contracts with hundreds of service providers, valued at over $500 million. This review aims to address years of mismanagement and complacency in how these contracts were handled.

“I have challenged Oranga Tamariki to scrutinize these contracts line by line to eliminate inefficiencies,” said Chhour. “For too long, Oranga Tamariki has been a cash cow for community service providers who promised services but failed to deliver.”

The Minister stressed that there has been no reduction in frontline services. Instead, Oranga Tamariki is ensuring that funding is directed exclusively towards those providers who effectively carry out their responsibilities. Service providers are now required to regularly report on their work and the children they assist, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Chhour reassured New Zealanders that their tax dollars are being spent as intended—on the care and protection of children in state care, and not on unfulfilled promises. This new approach aims to restore trust and ensure that funding directly supports the well-being of vulnerable children.