Whānau Care is the product of an iwi-Crown partnership between Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Oranga Tamariki. With the mandate to work alongside mokopuna Kāi Tahu and their whānau, Whānau Care is a Level 1 Social Services Accredited under Section 396 of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989. Building on the partnership with Oranga Tamariki since the signing of the Strategic Partnership in 2018, Whānau Care have been working with whānau in the takiwā of Ōtākou and Puketeraki rūnaka to re-engage mokopuna Kāi Tahu with their whānau, ensuring he aspirations of Te Rūnanga for our mokopuna are reached. We work in the whānau care space as well as supported accommodation and transitions care.

We aim to uphold the mana of everyone we work alongside through their engagement with our service. The moemoā (dreams) and wawata (aspirations) of our mokopuna and whānau are always at the centre of the mahi we do.

We believe that the best outcomes for mokopuna requiring alternative care to their parents can be achieve in a whānau and hapū centred approach, connecting mokopuna to their tūpuna through their whakapapa.

The transitions support service works collaboratively across agencies to advocate for rangatahi.

Application Process

To apply, you must complete an application. We will give you an application pack either in person or send it by email or post.

If you have any questions or need support completing your application, please send us an email to socialservices@tekaika.nz .