Todayโs report into last yearโs Oranga Tamariki contract procurement process confirms the Governmentโs brutal cuts were rushed, poorly managed, and made with no concern for the impact on tamariki.
โIt is now crystal clear that these cuts have come at the expense of the safety and wellbeing of our children,โ says the Green Party spokesperson for Children, Kahurangi Carter.
โAll tamariki in Aotearoa have the right to be loved, nurtured and safe in whฤnau and communities that have what they need to support their wellbeing.
โToday, the Governmentโs lie that any cuts would not affect front-line services has been completely exposed. Weโve heard from staff on the ground: theyโre experiencing increased wait lists, inability for whฤnau to access services, and distress at the prospect of more tamariki going into state care.
โSlashing $30 million โ nearly six per cent of the budget for contracted services โ was never about efficiency. It was about cutting costs to fund tax cuts for wealthy landlords and tobacco companies.
โIncredibly, the report shows that Oranga Tamariki axed nearly half of the team responsible for contract management and development, directly before a major contracting round, and with no robust systems in place to support it. Not only did this leave providers in chaos, but it left frontline staff unsupported and tamariki at risk.
โThe effects of decisions on children and their families are still not known. Letโs be really clear: this was all avoidable. The Minister forced these cuts through, painting these service providers as a โcash cowโ.
โOur Green Budget reverses these funding cuts and ensures our tamariki get the care and support they deserve.
โThe well-being of our tamariki and rangatahi must be at the centre of decision-making. It really is as simple as that,โ says Kahurangi Carter.