Selected Achievements

Whānau Social Assistance Programmes
Whānau Social Assistance programmes aim to enhance the overall well being of Māori, by supporting our most vulnerable whānau to build a long-term sustainable Māori economy

Kaitoko Whānau, meaning family support, are community-based workers in Māori communities focused on improving service delivery for families, rather than individuals, to foster positive development of the whānau whānui. They work alongside families experiencing hardship, and assist them to connect with government agencies, local councils and other social service providers to ensure appropriate assistance is made available. Additionally, these workers liaise with community groups and Māori Wardens to promote and encourage a wider network of support.

Oranga Whānau establishes a network of “Nannies” providing direct, personal and practical support to caregivers and parents, especially young parents and their whānau. Through sharing knowledge, practices, values and attitudes between generations, Oranga Whānau is promoting positive parenting, safe and healthy babies and resilient whānau.

A formative evaluation of Kāitoko and Oranga Whānau to be completed in 2011/12, will inform programme improvement and future planning. Information gathered on the role and value of whānau navigators will also assist in developing policy and processes.

Māori Wardens

The Māori Wardens Project, a joint initiative between Te Puni Kōkiri and the NZ Police was established to build the capacity and capability of Māori Wardens

Its successes are:

• The delivery of the first dedicated fund for Māori Wardens to deliver communitybased services, and support national events, including activities such as patrolling, event safety and security, community support, local level training, organisational development, and professional services; and
• In terms of development, a suite of training programmes - Foundation Training, NZ Fire Training, First Aid Training, ETITO Security Training, and Advocacy Training has been undertaken by approximately 400 Māori Wardens throughout New Zealand in 2010/11. Training was designed to increase and improve the skills and capabilities of Māori Wardens, and has resulted in the delivery of a sound community-based voluntary service. 80 Māori Wardens acquired NZQA credits towards a Level 2 National Security Certificate in the past twelve months, and overall Wardens with warrants, has increased markedly since the project started from 490 in July 2007 to 860 in June 2011.

The findings from a Te Puni Kōkiri evaluation of the Māori Wardens programme, commenced in 2011 will support future management decisions and potentially inform the governance entity for wardens following the review of the Māori Community Development Act. The evaluation is due to be completed in 2011/12.