In a recent interview with Nine to Noon host Kathryn Ryan, Nikki Hurst, Executive Officer of the Council of Christian Social Services joined Belinda Himiona, Chief Executive of Social Service Providers Aoteaora to express concerns over the uncertainty surrounding Oranga Tamariki’s funding decisions. Hundreds of charities and NGOs, providing vital support to vulnerable children and families, are still waiting for confirmation on whether their contracts will be renewed. These organisations offer essential services such as counselling, social workers in schools, teen parent units, and support for neurodivergent children, foster parents, and family and sexual violence programs.
“We’ve had very little direction or support from Oranga Tamariki… the communication that comes out is very light and the reality is there’s not good direction on what to do with the cessation of these contracts”
Nikki Hurst
With contracts ending in June, some providers have received non-renewal notices, while others have been told their contracts would be renewed but have not yet received official confirmation. Hurst highlighted the stress and potential risks this delay poses, particularly to vulnerable young people, as the delay in communication from Oranga Tamariki causes significant anxiety among these crucial service providers.
Read more about these issues and a summary of some of the points raised HERE
