Summarised by Centrist
Minister for Children Karen Chhour has labelled Oranga Tamariki a “cash cow” for external community service providers who, she claims, fail to deliver on their promises.
Chhour, an abuse survivor and former child in care, stated that Oranga Tamariki had been overly generous with contracts worth over $500 million, funding services that were not adequately provided.
“For too many years, Oranga Tamariki has been the cash cow for community service providers who say they will provide services, and then don’t,” Chhour asserted.
Chhour stated that there would be “no reduction in frontline services” and insisted that service providers must report regularly on their work and the children they support.
“The funding they provide is for the care and protection of children in state care. Nothing more, nothing less,” she said.
In response, the Public Service Association (PSA) called Chhour’s remarks “offensive” and demanded a retraction.
PSA assistant secretary Melissa Woolley criticised the Minister’s comments as “inflammatory and disrespectful,” arguing that these providers and workers play a crucial role in supporting families with the highest needs.
Woolley also challenged Chhour to present evidence of financial mismanagement, stating, “If she has evidence of this, she must be transparent about this including to the Auditor General.”
