August 30, 2012 – For Immediate Release

MOU Formalises a Single Objective

The Memorandum of Understanding signing today gives us the opportunity to facilitate the return of Ngāpuhi tamariki in state care to their whānau, the Chair of Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi-O-Ngāpuhi Rāniera (Sonny) Tau says.

“With nearly 500 Ngāpuhi tamariki in state care, we have a responsibility to find a pathway for those tamariki to be reunited with their whānau back home here. That is the essence of whānau.

“A formal relationship brings two organisations together with a single objective – to do what’s best for our tamariki.”

The MoU with CYF will be the first with an iwi organization. Mr Tau said it signals a partnership based on finding solutions and providing support to whānau.

“The Minister for Social Development Paula Bennett has made it very clear that she wants iwi taking more responsibility for their whānau. We support that notion and welcome the opportunity to build on that with Government to enrich our Ngāpuhi families.”

Two social development goals outlined in the Rūnanga’s five-year strategic plan are that better life outcomes is an integral part of hapū development and social development is driven by Ngāpuhi whānau and hapū.

Mr Tau said the MoU would go some way to realizing those aspirations.

“In Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services we have the largest, most progressive and supportive iwi Maori service provider in the country,” said Mr Tau

“It’s come about through hard work and sheer determination to see our people uplifted, and we’ve managed to do it all largely off our own backs, but working collaboratively with like-minded organisations like CYF.

“We look forward to changing the lives of those of our tamariki who are less fortunate than ourselves and offer this pathway into the future with great optimism.”

ENDS

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