Working with Māori
Kairaranga ā-whānau
Kairaranga ā-whānau is a specialist Māori role. The literal meaning of the term is: a person who is a weaver of family connections.
Interventions
Support and assistance for tamariki and rangatahi not in need of care or protection
We can provide support and assistance to address risks or wellbeing concerns for a tamaiti or rangatahi even if they are not in need of care or protection.
Working with Māori
Hui ā-whānau
Hui ā-whānau are a whānau gathering facilitated using Māori methods of engagement and protocols (te reo me ōna tikanga). They are initiated and facilitated by either whānau themselves or Oranga Tamariki staff to engage whānau as early as possible.
Assessment and planning
Full assessment phase
Our continued building and deepening of understanding in this phase is used to inform a family group conference and support quality planning for and with te tamaiti or rangatahi.
Working with Māori
Practice for working effectively with Māori
We must work effectively with Māori and learn about mana tamaiti, whakapapa and whanaungatanga so we can respect these concepts in our practice.
Interventions
Applying for care or protection orders
When we have determined that a care or protection order is necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of te tamaiti, we carefully consider their circumstances and consult with our supervisor and Legal Services to decide which application to make.
Practice approach
Recording casework
We document key actions and decisions for tamariki and rangatahi and their whānau or family so significant decisions are clearly evidenced and transparent, including how the information was gathered and how we have interpreted the information.
Working with Māori, Care
Enrolling and supporting ākonga Māori in Māori boarding schools
We need to understand the schools’ enrolment processes and the ongoing support ākonga (students) will need. We apply the principles of whakapapa, mana tamaiti and whanaungatanga when we engage with ākonga, their whānau and the community we work with.
Advocacy
Advocacy for parents and whānau or family
We encourage parents and whānau or family to access independent advocacy when we’re involved with them, recognising their right to fully participate at all stages of our involvement, helping reduce disparities and increasing equity for parents and whānau.
Assessment and planning
Core assessment phase
The core phase of assessment builds on the initial phase to deepen our understanding of oranga, establishing a picture of the safety, strengths, vulnerability and needs of te tamaiti or rangatahi and their whānau or family.