He pitopito kōrero
News
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Support services for people experiencing violence are always available, even during the holidays. Contact details for support services are on our website.
The Campaign for Action on Family Violence has information about how to get support for people experiencing violence. There is information to get help for yourself, friends or whānau, or your kids.
For people using violence or worried about their behaviour, find information, live chat and links to support services at www.inyourhands.org.nz. This website also has information for people who want to support someone who might be using violence.
The December 2023 DVFree newsletter has helpful information about understanding family violence during the holidays.
The It's Not Ok Campaign has previously put out these holiday messages:
We hope that you are able to take some time out to be with your whānau, rest and rejuvenate over the holidays.
UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of disabled people. Aotearoa disability advocate Robyn Hunt provides background in her article on The D*List, The history and hijacking of disability day - and what we're doing to claim it back. The D*List is an independent and disability-led social change movement in Aotearoa. The D*List interviewed Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker and other disability rights activists about Disability Pride for IDPD.
Whaikaha — Ministry of Disabled People said while IDPD
"...is about promoting understanding of disability issues and mobilising support for the rights of disabled people, we also recognise that Aotearoa needs to do better for disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau, and families. In partnership with Māori and the community, we are working on transforming the disability support system using an Enabling Good Lives approach."
Learn more about Enabling Good Lives and system transformation.
Roadmap for a violence and abuse free Aotearoa for disabled people
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission has published A Roadmap for a violence and abuse free future for disabled people in Aotearoa (2023). It is an evidence-based roadmap for system change that reflects a human rights and te Tiriti o Waitangi approach. It is designed to prompt action by decision-makers and people who can influence change. The 2-page road map covers why take action, what needs to change, who needs to act, how to do it, key facts and tāngata whaikaha Māori and how to apply a Te Tiriti approach. It is based on the key points and recommended actions from 2 reports about violence and abuse experienced by tāngata whaikaha Māori and disabled people that were published by Te Kāhui Tika Tangata in 2021. The roadmap is available in te reo Māori and alternate formats.
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata launched the Lets Go There Together campaign to highlight urgent human rights needs in Aotearoa ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The 6 urgent human rights needs include the rights of disabled people, along with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Indigenous people's rights, the gender and ethnic pay gap, the right to a decent home and Rainbow rights.
Family Violence Death Review position paper on adults at risk
The Family Violence Death Review Committee (FVDRC) published a position paper in August 2023 on Responding to adults at risk who need care and support and who are experiencing family violence. It gives an overview of the issues associated with (mis)identifying adults at risk who need care and support and who are experiencing family violence. It highlights the need to look carefully at situations where the capacity, capability and wellbeing of both the carer and the adult at risk are in question. It also highlights the limitations of current approaches and states that:
"Safeguarding adults from abuse cannot be achieved by individuals or individual agencies acting alone. Safety for adults at risk requires collective action. Agencies need to work alongside the adult and their family or whānau to provide support and services that embody a duty to care and to supplement this caring with action."
The paper explains that safeguarding:
"...is an interagency approach to reporting, investigating and responding to alleged or identified family harm and other forms of abuse, neglect or harm for adults at risk.
The threshold for statutory intervention is high and often does not occur until the adult at risk has been exposed to multiple risks over time. As a result, individual agencies cannot address the immediate and holistic needs of the adult and their family or whānau.
Protection for adults at risk requires a framework that supports different agencies working together. Along with elder abuse and neglect, abuse of adults aged under 65 years needs to be recognised as a form of family violence. This requires a whole-of-system response, integrating family violence responses with adult safeguarding responses."
The position paper draws on the duty to care concept outlined by the FVDRC's Seventh report: A duty to care | Pūrongo tuawhitu: Me manaaki te tangata.
For more updates from the Family violence mortality review, see the first national mortality review pānui from the National Mortality Review Committee and National Mortality Review Function Management Group.
Whaikaha announces new services, related updates
Whaikaha has announced 2 new services: 1) Growing Voice and Safety – People for Us and 2) Growing Voice and Safety – Assisting Change. The services aim to increase the focus on the voice, good lives and human rights of disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori, while also reducing the risk of neglect and abuse in disability support services funded by Whaikaha.
People for Us will provide a way for Whaikaha to hear feedback from disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori and to learn what concerns, issues and trends need to be addressed in disability support services. Assisting Change will be an intensive advisory service for providers who have quality issues and who do not have the capacity and capability to make improvements. For details about the new services see Growing Voice and Safety.
Whaikaha will commission external organisations to deliver these services. The registration of interest (ROI) to develop and deliver the People for Us service is currently open on GETS (RFx ID: 28535370). Registrations close 9 February 2024. For questions about the services or the ROI email community_admin@whaikaha.govt.nz.
Additional funding to support transformation of the disability support system was announced earlier this year in September 2023. This funding provides for improved safeguarding for people who are at risk of abuse as well as extending Enabling Good Lives to historically under-served communities, transforming existing disability support service, building community capability for partnership, and system infrastructure. Whaikaha announced in December the 5 organisations that will receive funding to support disability leadership through community-led initiatives.
The December Whaikaha Newsletter said the Disability Action Plan is currently being reviewed. A 2024-2028 Plan will be developed to deliver the eight outcomes in the Disability Strategy. To have a say about what actions government agencies could include in the 2024-2028 Disability Action Plan, email your name and contact details to Whaikaha at partnershipsandstewardship@whaikaha.govt.nz and put Disability Action Plan in the subject line.
Related Aotearoa news
Registration is now open for the 2024 International Traumatic Brain Injury Conference - The Hidden Cost of Violence. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are a common consequence of family violence. In many cases of family violence, TBIs are severe and may result in long-term physical, cognitive and behavioural impairments. Many sessions specifically address the experiences of and intersection of services for disabled, whaikaha Māori and those with lived experience of TBI and intimate partner violence. The conference is taking place 21-22 March 2024 in Whanganui.
Te Aka Matua o te Ture | the Law Commission is reviewing the law related to adult decision-making capacity this includes how the law should respond when an adult's ability to make decisions is affected. The Law Commission completed the first public consultation in March 2023. The Law Commission's second issues paper and public consultation has been moved to early 2024. For background information see our news story on the first consultation.
Related international news
Australia-based Women with Disabilities Victoria published resources related to preventing violence against women with disabilities. The Resistance and Backlash to Gender and Disability Inclusive Practice (2023) is a resource to help identify, respond to and support the prevention of resistance and backlash in the workplace when doing violence prevention work. The Taking Action Guide (2023) has information to increase awareness, skills, knowledge, and confidence to implement prevention strategies in the social sector, disability sector, local government, and prevention programmes. More resources are available including mini webinars and videos.
The Canada-based Learning Network in partnership with the DisAbled Women’s Network of Canada (DAWN) published Addressing Sexual Violence and Promoting the Sexual Rights of Women Labelled with Intellectual Disabilities (2023). It explores sexual violence faced by women labelled with intellectual disabilities through an intersectional, strengths-based approach. It focuses on removing structural barriers to supports, justice, and sexual freedom.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Asia and the Pacific Regional Office published the report Disability Inclusion in Gender-Based Violence Programming: Promising Practices and Innovative Approaches from UNFPA Asia and the Pacific Country Offices (2023). The report summarises learnings from work to develop tools to strengthen disability inclusion in gender-based violence programmes. This includes a Tip-sheet on Disability Inclusion in GBV Programming and a GBV and Disability Inclusion Assessment Tool.
UN Women has published an overview of their approach to disability inclusion and intersectionality. It is a multi-pronged approach that includes providing normative guidance, integrated policy advice, operational support, and technical assistance for programme and capacity-development. The approach aims to ensure that initiatives are gender-responsive and inclusive of the rights of disabled people.
Related media
Disability support needs Pacific approach says advocacy group, PMN, 19.12.2023
Organisation slammed after 'inappropriate' restraint of disabled man, One News, 11.12.2023
Sliding backwards on human rights, RNZ, 11.12.2023
Parenting: New podcast aims to help keep disabled kids safe, RNZ, 30.11.2023
Kiwis treated under compulsory care laws hits record high, Newsroom, 13.10.2023
International Day to End Violence Against Women and the 16 days of activism
The 25th of November is the International Day to End Violence Against Women and announces the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This campaign is supported by the United Nations’, UNITE to End Violence Against Women, a multiyear initiative to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls worldwide. The 2023 UNITE! 16 days of activism campaign is organised around the theme, “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”. The focus of this year’s campaign is advocating for an increase in the funding of primary prevention programmes for violence against women and girls.
Te Aorerekura, the National Strategy to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence in Aotearoa, includes a call towards sustained long-term investment in primary prevention in Shift Four:
“Te Aorerekura seeks to strengthen the factors that provide protection from family violence and sexual violence occurring and which decrease the factors that drive violence. This shift focuses on collective investment in changing environments, attitudes, behaviours and norms through a range of integrated actions. These primary prevention actions operate at the individual, whānau, community and broader societal levels.”
With one of the key points for this shift being:
“...to grow the proportion of funding into prevention initiatives. A shared investment plan will identify interventions with a strong evidence base for success including Mātauranga Māori and culturally responsive initiatives, as well as removing duplication and ineffective initiatives. Identifying the resourcing required and building the necessary capability across communities and the sectors will take time, but we need to start the journey and regularly review progress.”
The concept note for this year’s UNITE to end Violence Against Women campaign, stresses the importance of investing in different prevention strategies with the aim to stop violence from happening in the first place. It broadens the scope of prevention to include options such as bolstering national social protection schemes, highlighting the strong relationship between economic insecurity and vulnerability to violence. The concept note goes on to say that pairing this with investment strategies to address harmful social norms, unequal power-relations, fund women’s rights organisations, strengthen essential services for survivors, and enable safer environments have the potential to prevent and reduce violence against women. The UN Women’s policy brief, Addressing violence against women through social protection: a review of the evidence (2023), has more information on this topic.
The UN Women’s practice brief, Doing violence prevention well: matching aspirations with funding timeframes (2023), provides practical advice on how to effectively use different levels of funding, short-term or long-term. However, the brief highlights the need for long-term, flexible funding arrangements to ensure the successful implementation of violence prevention programmes, stating that four to five years of dedicated and flexible funding are needed to embed an effective community mobilisation approach to violence prevention. The brief says that “Short time frames and the political pressures to show quantifiable results are two of the biggest challenges currently facing the VAW field.” A separate UN Women practice brief, Innovation and prevention of violence against women (2023), echoes this call for more long-term, flexible funding.
A Mama Cash literature review on the efficacy of feminist activism, Feminist activism works! A review of select literature on the impact of feminist activism in achieving women’s rights (2020), highlighted in this year’s 16 days of Activism concept note, found that strong, national autonomous feminist movements were, “...a stronger predictor of legal and policy reform at the national level related to violence against women than the number of women in parliament, the presence/influence of Left parties or national wealth.” Speaking to the impacts of feminist movements, the report states, “Over the past fifty years, feminist activism has fundamentally reconceptualised and altered our understanding of the phenomenon of violence against women… reframing violence not as a personal issue, but rather as a matter of human rights”.
During a 2016 high-level discussion on the Economic Cost of Violence against Women, the former UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, Lakshmi Puri, emphasised the economic incentives to address violence in addition to the legal and moral obligation. She noted research indicating that the global cost of violence against woman could amount to 2% of the global GDP, equivalent to $1.5 trillion and approximately the size of the economy of Canada.
The UNICEF report, The Violence-Prevention Dividend: why preventing violence against children makes economic sense (2022), also estimates that the cost of violence against children could be as high as 5% of national GDP. The same report also argues that evidence-based violence prevention programmes routinely demonstrate strong returns on investment through averting the economic cost of violence and enabling more children to achieve their potential.
The 2014 report, Measuring the Economic Costs of Child Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence to New Zealand, by Sherilee Kahui and Suzanne Snively, estimates the economic cost to Aotearoa in 2014 at between $4.1 and $7 billion. The report goes on to say that the “...estimate is conservative, as it only captures IPV and violence perpetrated against children.” A related 2020 report produced by Martin, Jenkins & Associates Ltd (MartinJenkins) for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, Economic cost of Abuse in Care (2020), estimated the cost of abuse in state and faith-based care to be between $1.39-$3.13 billion annually. A report commissioned by ACC and produced by Business and Economic Research Ltd (BERL), Estimate of the total economic costs of sexual violence in New Zealand (2021), identified the economic cost of sexual violence in Aotearoa in 2020 to be equivalent to $6.9 billion.
Related Aotearoa events and resources
The 26th of November marks Economic Abuse Awareness Day. Since 2019, the Economic Abuse Awareness Day has sought to create greater recognition of the impacts of this form of abuse. Good Shephard New Zealand have produced an online resource to promote awareness around economic abuse as a form of family violence as part of this year’s 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The resource also provides key information on how to support friends and family who may be experiencing this form of violence. For more information see our recent news story on economic abuse.
If you are organising your own White Ribbon Day or 16 Days of Activism events, White Ribbon have several resources available on their website. These resources include social media tiles, posters, and videos of 8 actions that people can take to help bring an end to men’s violence. You can also contact your local Family Violence Network for more information on what events might be happening near you as part of White Ribbon Day or the 16 days of Activism. See the White Ribbon NZ Facebook page for updates.
The Ministry of Social Development has released a new violence prevention website, Change Is Possible. This website contains a number of resources designed to help men be free of violence by teaching them to be better fathers and to challenge traditional understandings of masculinity.
Related media
How we can all support men to live a life without violence, The Stuff, 25.11.2023
Taking the White Ribbon Pledge to help reduce men’s violence, The Gisborne Herald, 25.11.2023
ILO Director-General Message for the elimination of gender-based violence, ILO, 24.11.2023
Strong local support for Timaru's White Ribbon Day a 'big plus', The Stuff, 24.11.2023
‘We don’t condone violence’, Otago Daily Times, 23.11.2023
Bettering the next generation, Otago Daily Times, 23.11.2023
Escape the man box, King Country News, 23.11.2023
Raising awareness of family violence, Otago Daily Times, 23.11.2023
Zonta says NO to violence against women, The Southland Tribune, 23.11.2023
Tauranga unites against domestic violence, Sun Live, 22.11.2023
Zonta backs no-to-violence campaign, Times Online, 22.11.2023
The long-term impact of economic harm, Good Shepherd New Zealand, 20.11.2023
In countries where manhood must be proven, men have shorter lives, Big Think, 7.11.2023
Ethnic communities updates
New resources
Shama Ethnic Women's Trust has developed new resources to address sexual violence for ethnic communities. On 22 November 2023, Shama is launching Let's Talk, a multimedia awareness campaign. The campaign aims to inform ethnic communities about what sexual harm is and where to seek help. Shama has supported the creation of 54 videos in 18 different languages on sexual harm. The online launch will include:
- background about the campaign
- the 5 topics that the videos cover
- reflections from filmmakers and community champions
- talk about how to help inform communities about this important topic.
If you would like to attend the online launch, email crisis2@shama.org.nz.
Shama has also launched a new podcast in collaboration with community groups and Free FM. There are 4 episodes in the Encouraging Conversations: Preventing Sexual Violence in Ethnic Communities in Aotearoa. The different episodes share the experiences of ethnic community leaders from Aotearoa talking about the work they have done with Shama to prevent sexual violence in their communities. For more information see the brief overview of the episodes. Learn more about Shama's work to support ethnic community groups across Aotearoa to develop their skills and create resources to prevent sexual violence in their communities.
The booklet, ‘Our Culture, Our Pride: No Excuse for Abuse’ – Ethnic communities family violence booklet has been updated. The booklet is currently available in English. Work is underway to translate it into 9 languages. Free copies can be ordered by emailing MSD at ecvp@msd.govt.nz. The booklet has been updated by MSD, Shakti, and Te Puna Aonui Ethnic Community network members. This booklet was first developed by Shakti and MSD as part of the Campaign for Action on Family Violence to look at the specific issues facing ethnic communities in Aotearoa.
Muslim Women Australia created the Saving FACE Sector Guide (2023), a primary prevention initiative developed to support the family violence and sexual violence sector to engage effectively and appropriately with Muslim communities in Australia. The guide is a framework that centres faith as a tool to empower communities and individuals to prevent violence against women and children. The development of the guide was funded by the Australian Government.
Cultural safety training
Shama is offering free cultural safety trainings for people working in the health and social services sector who want to engage with and support ethnic communities better. There are 4 in-person sessions available in November 2023 in Waihi, Matamata, Tokoroa and Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland. The sessions cover theoretical knowledge and practical tools to use in work alongside ethnically diverse people. The sessions will also include insights on how to communicate appropriately and sensitively in the areas of faith, culture, racism, and visas, as well as tips for asking critical questions that might arise in these discussions. For more information or to register email: training@shama.org.nz.
New fund for ethnic communities prevention activities
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has launched a new fund to support ethnic communities to develop and deliver solutions and activities for safe, healthy, and diverse ethnic families and communities. The purpose of the Ethnic Communities Innovation Fund is to promote the safety and wellbeing of ethnic people by supporting community-driven initiatives for preventing family and sexual violence. The fund is open to all ethnic groups across Aotearoa New Zealand for the prevention of family and sexual violence. To be eligible to apply:
- applicants do not have to be a specialist family violence and sexual violence service, but do need to demonstrate commitment to the elimination and prevention of family and sexual violence within their communities in previous work or intention if new to this work.
- work predominantly with ethnic communities and/or be an organisation with experience supporting ethnic communities.
- deliver local prevention initiatives based on where the organisation is located.
For more details about eligibility and how to apply see the Innovation Fund question and answer.
Organisations can apply for up to $45,000 for a 12 month period. The applications are due by 9 December 2023. For questions email the MSD Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention team at ecvp@msd.govt.nz.
Read more about the MSD Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention work programme and see the September issue of the MSD Family Violence Sexual Violence Update.
Ethnic Communities Network launched
In August 2023, Marama Davidson, former Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, announced the launch of the Ethnic Communities Network. Helping to establish the network is part of responding to Shift Two: Towards mobilising communities in Te Aorerekura Action Plan. The Beehive media released highlighted: "Ethnic community members and organisations have built a network to strengthen collaboration across ethnic providers, working together to identify and work towards responsive violence prevention strategies for communities and to collectively feed into the government's work." Read more about the launch of the network in the Ministry for Ethnic Communities | Te Tari Mātāwaka October newsletter.
New research projects
Several research projects are exploring family violence and sexual violence in relation to ethic and migrant people:
Shama is researching how ethnic and migrant women experience the Family Court system after reporting family violence. Ethnic women who have experienced family violence and the Family Court system, are invited to participant to share their experiences and feedback. For more information see Shama's Facebook page or contact the lead researcher, Dhilum Nightingale.
Dr Ying Wang, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Auckland, is conducting research to inform resources to support Asian survivors of sexual violence in Aotearoa’s schools and tertiary providers.
Divya Rathore, a PhD student at the University of Auckland is exploring forced marriage in Aotearoa New Zealand and how the law could be strengthened.
Community Research recently announced winners of Te Auaha Pito Mata – New and Emerging Researcher Awards 2023. Pooja Jayan received the Ethnic and migrant Community Researcher Award for the Community-led culture-centred prevention of family violence and sexual violence (2023) published by CARE — Centre for Culture-centered Approach to Research and Evaluation.
The first Ethnic Research Hui Aotearoa 2023 was held in September. It was a collaborative effort by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities and Ethnic Research Aotearoa. Read more about the hui in the Ministry for Ethnic Communities | Te Tari Mātāwaka October newsletter. Ethnic Research Aotearoa (ERA) was established in 2022 by trustees from diverse ethnic communities. ERA aims to give voice and visibility to ethnic communities for inclusive, equitable, and impactful policy and services.
Related media
Ethnic communities set to tackle family violence, Waatea News, 09.04.2023
Support for young Asian sexual violence survivors, University of Auckland news, 11.05.2023
Women’s Refuge helping migrant women facing domestic violence, Bay Buzz, 16.12.2023
Reports highlight value of Whānau Ora approach
Whānau Ora continues to show that devolving decisions and resources to communities and a flexible, holistic whānau-led approach is effective for solving complex problems and improving wellbeing.
Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu evaluation
A recently released evaluation of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu by Ihi Research found both ‘tangible and intangible’ impacts.
Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu is the Whānau Ora commissioning agency for all of Te Waipounamu. It is a partnership between 8 Iwi of Te Waipounamu (Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Koata, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Rangitāne and Ngāti Rārua).
The evaluation looked at Wave 16 of Te Pūtahitanga commissioning, from August 2022 to August 2023, to determine return on investment, as well as impact on whānau. The report, Evaluation of Wave 16 Kaupapa Initiatives for Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu (2023), notes that more traditional government initiatives that focus on service provision tend to have little impact, whereas investments focused on developing capability, such as Whānau Ora, have more potential for impact.
Government funding for Wave 16 was approximately $3 million. The narrowest estimate of value from that investment was $4 million, based on a fraction of the initiatives funded. Real value could be up to $444 million. Interviews with whānau and kaupapa entities showed “...how a small investment in whānau capability has ‘turned the dial’ for many whānau from state dependency and/or subsistence living towards financial independence and wealth creation” and how “...initiatives have contributed to cohesive, resilient, and nurturing whānau relationships.”
The evaluation also found:
“Whānau speak of improved whānau dynamics, improved standards of living, financial independence, extended whānau and community networks, being able to engage and positively contribute to broader civic matters (e.g., COVID-19, sports and recreation, community health), and strengthened relationships and new networks with increased opportunities as a result.”
Despite this, the report notes that "Whānau Ora receives a fraction of government spending when compared to other government agencies, despite the failure of these agencies to positively impact the lives of whānau.”
The report recommends expanding government investment in the commissioning approach of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, and investing in longitudinal research to show the intergenerational impacts of the approach.
Ngā Tini Whetū
The findings and recommendations above are also consistent with the report, E Tipu, E Rea – Ngā Tini Whetū – The Collateral Change For Reducing Child Poverty 2022. The report outlines the experience of the Ngā Tini Whetū pilot undertaken by the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency, and jointly funded by ACC, Oranga Tamariki, Te Puni Kōkiri and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Ngā Tini Whetū is a whānau centred, locally-led, and ground up approach to tamariki wellbeing. It is significant as a step towards devolving resources to communities. It was piloted in 7 regions of Te Ika-a-Māui in 2019. As a result of the pilot, the report found improvements in whānau housing, transport, business development, employment and education, and debt reduction and financial resilience. The report shows:
“Ngā Tini Whetū provides a model for how resources can be devolved to kaupapa Māori, wraparound and whānau-centered approaches in order to address child poverty and improve wellbeing outcomes.”
The pilot identified 6 ‘key levers of change’ in the success of the approach for reducing child poverty and improving wellbeing for whānau and tamariki:
- Cross-sectoral approaches—collaboration between agencies meant they could pool resources and expertise.
- Holistic, wrap-around support for whānau—support was tailored to each whānau’s needs and aspirations.
- Whakawhanaungatanga—focusing on relationships with whānau, culturally-appropriate support, and a strength-based approach built trust and confidence with whānau.
- Whakapapa and identity—whānau could reconnect with their culture and heritage, which led to improved wellbeing.
- Being trauma-informed and healing focused—support took into account prior experiences of trauma and worked to address these issues.
- Direct funding—Te Kete Oranga provided direct funding to whānau, which meant they could access services and support when they needed it.
The report found:
“Over the past two years, Ngā Tini Whetū has shown the value of a cross-sectoral approach and a high-trust model where responsibility for funding decisions lies with communities. It serves as a blueprint for a new way of building relationships and reporting outcomes between government agencies and the communities they are supposed to serve. Ngā Tini Whetū is unique in that it recognises that ultimately, the solutions for change must come from within whānau and the community, not from government agencies or outside organisations. Whānau are best placed to identify their own aspirations and goals, and Ngā Tini Whetū is committed to supporting them on this journey.”
The report outlines a number of recommendations, including:
“...prioritising the devolution of resources to kaupapa Māori, wraparound and whānau-centered approaches and kaupapa at the community and whānau-level, utilising Ngā Tini Whetū as a blueprint for how this can take place.”
“...workforce development, including more funding and training for Whānau Ora Navigators (Kaiārahi).”
“..more research to be undertaken on the impact of Ngā Tini Whetū. This should include resourcing the development of a kaupapa Māori evidence base that captures the impact of Ngā Tini Whetū on whānau and their tamariki.”
For more information about Ngā Tini Whetū see the related reports: Ngā Tini Whetū – The Blueprint for System Change (2022) from the Whānau Ora commissioning agency and Ngā Tini Whetū | Lessons Learnt (2021) by Aiko Consultants. Also see the related media below.
Related news
Previous reports from the Family Violence Death Review Committee and Auditor-General both found that the public sector is struggling to design and work in ways that support whānau aspirations and needs and that are consistent with the aims of Whānau Ora.
The Family Violence Death Review Committee’s 8th report highlights Ngā Tini Whetū as an example of whānau-led decision-making, but also discusses infrastructure challenges to collaboration that hold back such prototypes from progressing to a business-as-usual approach.
The Auditor-General's report, How well public organisations are supporting Whānau Ora and whānau-centred approaches, highlighted limited progress towards supporting Whānau Ora (the funding programme under Te Puni Kōkiri) and whānau-centred approaches, despite several reports finding that Whānau Ora is successful for many whānau. For more information see the article State organisations fail Whānau Ora - Auditor General from Te Ao Māori news and the article Public sector slated for slow adoption of whanau ora from Waatea News.
Related media
Whānau Ora delivers $2.40 for every $1 invested, Te Ao Māori news, 28.07.2024
Whānau Ora adored, Waatea News, 24.11.2023
Whānau ora a tikanga, not a kaupapa, Waatea News, 22.11.2023
Data driving case for Whānau Ora, Waatea News, 22.11.2023
It’s back to the the future for our youngest MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, NZ Herald, 22.11.2023
Whānau Ora to give new govt ‘hope’ in social return, Te Karere TVNZ, 21.11.2023
Whānau Ora delivering on investment, Waatea News, 25.09.2023
Whānau Ora investment in South Island Māori more than doubles cost-benefit, Stuff, 22.09.2023
$2.7m investment in Māori businesses pays off, Te Ao Māori News, 22.09.2023 (also see the interview with Tā Mark Solomon from Te Ao Māori news on Te Ao Tapatahi)
Whānau Ora investment in South Island Māori more than doubles cost-benefit, Stuff, 22.09.2023
'We can achieve wonderful things' - Reducing child poverty for Māori whānau, RNZ, 14.05.2023
Ngā Tini Whetū pilot proves worth, Waatea News, 12.05.2023
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait | Chair for the Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency, Waatea News, 12.05.2023
Report finds Whānau Ora model is changing whānau lives for the better, Te Ao Māori News, 11.05.2023
Report a blueprint to reduce child poverty, Waatea News, 11.05.2023 (also see the Waatea interview with Minister Peeni Henare)
Tini Whetu a Ministry Collaboration Proves Successful, Te Hiku Media [in Te Reo Māori], 11.05.2023
New research looks at Rainbow elders' experiences
Hohou te Rongo Kahukura – Outing Violence and Rainbow Hub Waikato spoke with and listened to Takatāpui and Rainbow elders through a combination of focus groups, interviews and an online survey.
The recommendations from the research are outlined in 3 brief factsheets for:
- Takatāpui and Rainbow community groups
- central and local government, funders, and policy makers
- older persons, family and whānau services meeting the needs of older people.
The research project had 2 goals:
"...to advocate for meaningful inclusion of the needs of Takatāpui and Rainbow older people in strategies, policies and services for older people in Aotearoa, and identify any specific risks of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation."
The findings and insights from Takatāpui and Rainbow elders are shared in 16 podcasts, a report and 3 factsheets.
The podcasts share brief snippets of recordings from the interviews with Takatāpui and Rainbow elders, grouped around specific themes. For example you can listen to Takatāpui and Rainbow elders talking about their experiences of:
- Family — sources of joy
- Family — sources of pain
- Belonging, acceptance and surviving discrimination
- Community hopes and dreams, and much more.
Interview participants included people with a range of gender and sexual identity, a range of ages between 54 and 79 years, with and without disabilities, and who identified as Māori, Pasifika and pākehā.
The report, Uplifting Takatāpui and Rainbow Elder Voices: Tukua kia tū takitahi ngā whetū o te rangi (2023), gives an overview of the context, project and approach. It also shares findings from the survey, focus groups and interviews.
More than 400 people over age 55 completed the online survey, representing a range of Takatāpui and Rainbow identities and including Māori, Pasifika, Pākehā and other ethnic identities. Chapters 4-9 in the report group together findings around the following themes:
- Social connections vs isolation
- Mistreatment, discrimination and their impacts
- Community groups and services for older people
- Families and whānau
- Safety with partners and caregivers
- Ageing – hopes, plans and fears.
Throughout the report, the need for more opportunities for social connection was a consistent and key message. The survey findings highlighted how many Takatāpui and Rainbow elders struggled to balance safety and isolation due to the impacts of multiple and compounding forms of mistreatment and discrimination from racism, heterosexism and colonisation; state violence; and abuse, exclusion, denial and violence from family members.
The survey found that respondents experienced a range of negative behaviours from family members because of their sexuality or gender. For example, 31% had family members stop speaking to them for a long time or end their relationship and 23% had family members refuse to believe their identity. Different groups of Takatāpui and Rainbow elders reported different experiences of both negative and positives experiences. For example, trans and non-binary elders reported the highest rates for most negative behaviours in families with 62% of trans and non-binary elders having had family members stop speaking to them or end their relationship, and 47% having not been believed about their identity.
While most respondents had told some but not all family members, 9% said no one in their family knew. Again, there were differences between groups. For example bisexual elders were the most likely to have not told anyone (23%) and least likely to be out to everyone in their family (34%).
The report highlights that this context means:
"...many Takatāpui and Rainbow elders are isolated, less resourced and more vulnerable to potential elder abuse – both inside families, and because they are more reliant on other social support systems, which may not always be safe and welcoming..."
It also went on to say:
"Families are important sites of belonging for most people, but for Māori, Pasifika and other ethnic elders, families, whānau and wider communities are also protection against racism and white dominated systems in Aotearoa New Zealand. Māori, Pasifika and other ethnic participants reported higher rates than all participants for every negative behaviour, including 41% who had family members stop speaking to them or end their relationship, and nearly one third (30%) who had not been believed about their identity inside their family. The combination of racism and these high rates of disconnection from family and/or whānau exacerbate risks of isolation and minimise access to support and help that families can provide when needed."
However, the research also documented many elders experience of support from family members. Most respondents reported supportive behaviours from at least some family members. Of these behaviours, the least common was a family member doing research to learn how to support the elder, with just 39% reporting this. The report notes that:
"Participants who talked about being well supported by their families often enthusiastically mentioned love and care from multiple generations in their family and whānau."
In addition, 90% of respondents said they had people “like family” in their lives, and 65% said these people were as important to them as the family they grew up in.
The survey included questions about abusive behaviours from caregivers and partners. Only 7 people (2%) said they had concerns about their partner or caregiver. The report highlights that it can be very difficult for Takatāpui and Rainbow people to ask for help when abusive or coercive behaviours are taking place from an intimate partner:
"Because intimate partners may provide significant support to people in Takatāpui and Rainbow communities, especially when there is less access to support from families and whānau and in the context of wider discrimination."
Previous research indicates Takatāpui and Rainbow people are likely to experience higher rates of intimate partner violence, and also experience significantly more barriers to seeking help or disclosing. None of the 7 elders who had concerns about their partner or caregiver had approached a specialist agency responding to elder abuse or family or sexual violence.
The project held 6 focus groups to invite feedback from Takatāpui, Rainbow Pasifika and ethnic elders and Māori, Pasifika and ethnic service providers. Chapter 3 of the report highlights key findings from the focus groups. The focus groups talked about the impacts of racism and colonisation. They raised experiences and concerns around isolation, loneliness and exclusion, often in spaces or places that were not informed, understanding or respectful of their culture and values. The authors highlighted that "...for all Takatāpui and Rainbow focus group members, connections between older and younger generations were vitally important." The focus groups talked about challenges noting the lack of services specific to their needs, and the need for funding and research to support the development of culturally specific services.
Both elders and service providers identified many suggestions. For example feedback from the Takatāpui group included:
"Whānau need safe spaces to learn about Takatāpuitanga so that they can apply it to their own home and uphold tikanga and kawa. Wānanga about the whakapapa of Takatāpuitanga, the whakapapa of Kahukura will make these words and concepts more accessible to whānau."
Feedback from the Pasifika Rainbow group identified:
"Pasifika Rainbow+ elders need all elder spaces to be safe and appropriate for Pasifika, and safe and appropriate for Rainbow+ people."
The ethnic Rainbow focus group identified gaps between young and older Rainbow people, and lack of visibility of Rainbow elders. They identified a need for resources to help people learn and safe places for family to get support, and:
"We all need community and representation as human beings, and ethnic rainbow elders need more places to find community. Focus group participants were not aware of any elder ethnic queer groups or services in New Zealand, and they believed there was a need for more rainbow support services that are community-led and rainbow-centred. For most ethnic rainbow elders, when their partners leave them or die the whole world collapses."
In addition to the many focus group suggestions, Chapter 9 of the report explores Rainbow elders hopes, worries and plans for the future.
Drawing on the interviews, focus groups and survey, the report outlines recommendations for central and local government, services for older people, family and whanāu, and Takatāpui and Rainbow community groups (see pages 6-8).
In the latest EANP (Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention services) Connects newsletter, Hanny Naus, of Age Concern New Zealand, said:
"The report includes recommendations for all of us involved in services for older people. Their suggestions encourage our thinking and our actions..."
Related Aotearoa News
Age Concern New Zealand and Ministry of Social Development (MSD) are working together on a project to strengthen workforce capabilities across Elder Abuse Response Services. The work will explore development of resources, tools and guidance for training that align with Te Aorerekura’s Family Violence Entry to Expert Capability Framework. The MSD September 2023 Family Violence and Sexual Violence Update said the project will focus on 3 areas:
- "Developing a framework for consent in relation to elder abuse services
- Guidance on best practice for how elder abuse services relate to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and specialist family violence organisations
- An assessment of where the Elder Abuse Response Services (EARS) frontline teams sit in relation to the E2E capability framework."
In recognition of the International Day of Older Persons, Karen Billings-Jensen, Chief Executive of Age Concern New Zealand said "The UN's focus on fulfilling the promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons is a crucial reminder that older people have the right to make their own choices and live with dignity and respect."
Related international news
Update: The Goverment of Western Australia published 2 research reports related to abuse of older people: Everyone’s business: Research into responses to the abuse of older people (elder abuse) in Western Australia Report (2023) and Research into the mistreatment of older Aboriginal Australians (2022). The reports were commissioned as an initiative of the Western Australia Strategy to Respond to the Abuse of Older People (Elder Abuse) 2019-2029. Resources to support awareness and understanding were also published.
Following the United Nations (UN) International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, UN experts issued an official joint statement highlighting the human rights challenges faced by older Rainbow people, and called on countries to design and implement measures to address violence and discrimination. They said "When persons find themselves at the intersection of older age and being LGBT, they face a compounded situation that leads to an increased risk of heightened discrimination, social exclusion, and violence." The Statement outlines 9 recommendations for UN Member States that address structural ageism; public policy including anti-discrimination legislation that explicitly includes age, sexual orientation, and gender identity; awareness programmes; accessibility; training; specialised services; data collection and engagement with organisations to ensure the meaningful participation of older persons and LGBT persons in development and implementation of policies and programs.
UN experts also issued the following related statements:
- UN experts issue guidance in relation to LGBT persons living with disabilities (October 2023)
- UN expert calls for scrapping of colonial laws and policies that marginalise LGBT persons (October 2023).
Also in October, at the 54th session of the UN Human Rights Council, a Human rights of older persons resolution (A/HRC/54/L.20) was adopted which focused on addressing violence and abuse of older people.
In August 2023, the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, Claudia Mahler, released her Report on violence, abuse and neglect of older persons (A/HRC/54/26). The report provides an international overview of abuse of older people including definition and types of violence, drivers of abuse and violence including ageism, legal and policy frameworks, data, prevention, responses and services, and access to justice. The report concludes with recommendations for States, researchers, non-government organisations and independent monitoring bodies. In launching the report, Mahler said "Combatting abuse in old age is not a priority at national, regional or global levels." She also said "Ageism plays a significant role and risk factor in the prevalence of abuse on older persons." The Family Violence Death Review Committee published their Input for the report of the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons (2023).
In July 2023, the UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Victor Madrigal Borloz, released the report Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (A/78/227). It looks at the impact of colonialism in violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and how this relates to human rights. The report includes 12 recommendations for UN Member States. An easy to read version of the report is also available.
WHO developed a new guide to support intergenerational practice to promote interaction among people of different ages. The guide, Connecting generations: planning and implementing interventions for intergenerational contact (2023), was developed for the Global Campaign to Combat Ageism.
WHO is calling for an intervention accelerator to help identify promising interventions to address abuse of older people in community and institution settings. Learn more in the article, High time for an intervention accelerator to prevent abuse of older people (2022).
Related media
Fighting for a more visible Pacific Rainbow community, E-Tangata, 17.12.2023
Manalagi, Mariah — and a Pacific queer story, E-Tangata, 10.12.2023
Elder Abuse w/ Hanny Naus: November 29th, 2023, 95bFM, 29.11.2023
25 years of empowering kaumātua: Rauawaawa celebrates silver jubilee, Te Ao Māori News, 06.11.2023
Te Tari Taaki | Inland Review has published a policy framework and guidance for handling personal debt that is owed to the government. The document, A framework for debt to government: Guidelines for agencies managing personal debt owed to government (2023), was designed to help government agencies to design, implement and evaluate policy and operational processes related to the creation, collection or write-off of personal debt owed to government. The purpose of the framework is to address problem debt and the lack of consistency among government agencies in managing this type of debt.
The framework and guidance includes consideration of family violence and economic abuse under Part 3: The person-centred approach. This section of the framework outlines how agencies can collectively take into account an individual’s personal circumstances and their ability to repay the debt.
Paragraph 4.5 recommends how agencies can take a person-centred approach. It includes the recommendation that agencies:
"e) Have policies in place around when to refer debtors to financial capability support services or other services (including, where relevant, advocacy and dispute resolution services or specialist services that can support safety and wellbeing for victims of abuse)." (page 14)
Under assessing hardship, paragraph 4.8 outlines the factors that should be considered. This includes:
"Is the debt caused by a partner, ex-partner, family member or caregiver who has coercive control over the person’s finances? Is the person able to make independent and autonomous decisions about their finances? Is the debt adding to entrapment for someone experiencing family violence or abuse?" (page 15)
In relation to understanding the needs of groups most affected by debt, paragraph 4.32 states:
"Debt may sometimes be the result of economic harm. Agencies should ensure that they:
• Understand the signs of family violence and know how to support customers, including a referral system to expert support services,
• Avoid requiring evidence of family violence, and avoid requiring repeat disclosure of circumstances,
• Have a policy on allocation of debt in cases of family violence, and
• Have effective processes in place to protect information, including between account holders if necessary." (page 18)
The framework was developed by Inland Revenue, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Justice, and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The work responds to recommendations from the Welfare Expert Advisory and Tax Working Groups to consider an all-of-government approach to prevent and manage personal debt owed to government agencies.
According to the Cabinet papers for the Policy framework for Debt to Government, the Cabinet Social Wellbeing Committee agreed to adopt the framework as a Cabinet policy tool and also agreed that "...policy papers submitted to Cabinet will include a discussion on whether the proposal is consistent with the principles and guidance in the framework" (see SWC-23-MIN-0092). The Committee also invited the joint Ministers involved with this work programme to report back to Cabinet in July 2024 on initial assessments of the framework, review of agencies' existing debt policies and operations against the framework, and advice on future reporting and evaluation. The Cabinet paper (SWC-23-SUB-0092) also highlighted:
"In terms of driving change, the framework can only be effective to the extent that Ministers choose to give effect to its principles in Cabinet decisions. The framework is forward-looking: there will be no application of the framework to existing policies, except insofar as Ministers agree to do this on a case-by-case basis."
The framework is included on the webpage for Cabinet paper consultation with departments under Consultation on other cross-government issues.
For more information see:
- National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges Inc. submission on the Draft Framework for Debt to Government (see other submissions)
- research reports on debt to government from the Social Wellbeing agency
- initial Reducing impact of debt to government Cabinet papers.
Also see related media below.
Related research on economic abuse
A recent report from Good Shepherd highlights experiences of economic abuse and systemic challenges experienced by victims. The report, Economic Harm Support Service Pilot Evaluation (2023) draws on an evaluation of a 12 month pilot of Good Shepherd NZ's Economic Harm Support Service. The report outlines experiences of economic abuse including: safety risks due to lack of financial resources or practices and policies that force victims to interact or disclose information to perpetrators, joint debt and economic entanglement including post separation, coerced debt, debt by deception and manipulation, economic control and restriction, children used as a way to abuse and control that involves financial entanglement and debt, immigration status used as a tool to control and abuse, and housing including tenancy obligations.
The report outlines systemic issues that compound risks and challenges for victims. For example, government policies that disadvantage victims, such as income thresholds that prevent victims from accessing support or limits to financial support. The authors highlight that:
"Government agencies contribute to the debt burden of family violence victims by requiring repayment of financial support to extract themselves from violent relationships."
They also note that systems are manipulated by perpetrators to cause further harm. The report also examines the successes of and increasing demand for the Economic Harm Support Service. The report concludes with recommendations for government and policymakers, the financial and debt sector, and the Economic Harm Support Service. For more information see the Good Shepherd media release Report Reveals Cost Of Being A Victim Of Violence and related reports on the Good Shepherd service.
Population based studies have found that women's lifetime prevalence of economic intimate partner violence increased from 4.5% in 2003 to 8.9% in 2019 in Aotearoa New Zealand. The researchers write that the finding of increased economic abuse and controlling behaviours "...has relevance from a policy and practice perspective, as it indicates that controlling behaviours and economic abuse need their own recognition and response."
Researcher Ayesha Scott has interviewed women in Aotearoa New Zealand about their experiences of intimate partner violence economic abuse including Family Court proceedings. See the following articles for more information about the research:
- Hidden hurt: The impact of post-separation financial violence in Aotearoa New Zealand (2020)
- Chapter 12: Post-separation financial abuse, the money taboo and the family justice system: perspectives from Aotearoa New Zealand (2023) in the Research Handbook on Family Justice Systems
- Financial Abuse in a Banking Context: Why and How Financial Institutions can Respond (2023).
For more Aotearoa research on economic abuse see
- Economic abuse in New Zealand: towards an understanding and response (2018)
- Women's experiences of economic abuse in Aotearoa New Zealand (2017)
- "What's his is his and what's mine is his" : financial power and the economic abuse of women in Aotearoa (2017).
For more information including international research search our library by economic abuse and financial abuse, Good Shepherd's Economic Harm information and a video Introduction to Economic Abuse from the Australia-based Centre for Women's Economic Safety and Insight Exchange.
Update: Research from He Koiora Matapopore | the New Zealand Family Violence Study looked women's experiences of economic abuse. The researchers identified that about 15% or one in seven women who have been in a relationship have experienced economic abuse. Further, economic abuse compounds the impacts of other forms of intimate partner violence and pushes women into poverty. See the article Economic Abuse by An Intimate Partner and Its Associations with Women’s Socioeconomic Status and Mental Health (2024) by Brooklyn M. Mellar, Janet Lynn Fanslow, Pauline J. Gulliver and Tracey K. D. McIntosh. Also see related media below.
Related news
The UN Working Group on discrimination against women and girls published the report, Gendered inequalities of poverty: feminist and human rights-based approaches (A/HRC/53/39) in April 2023. The report states:
"43. Poverty and gender-based violence, including sexual violence and denials of bodily autonomy, therefore interact in a vicious, mutually reinforcing cycle. Women and girls facing sexual harassment at work, violence at home or violence on the streets are unable to participate on an equal basis in the labour market, and this in turn means that they are also discriminated against in connection with contributory social security benefits and are more likely to experience poverty, violence and homelessness in old age."
The report makes recommendations for government, corporations, and international and regional economic, financial and monetary institutions. Chair of the Working Group Dorothy Estrada-Tanck presented the report to the UN Human Rights Council, saying the "...report demonstrated that poverty and socioeconomic inequality were the result of blatant systemic failures leading to a vicious cycle of exclusion and discrimination" (English translation by UN).
The 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women will take place in March 2024. The priority theme is "Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective." The review theme is "Social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls (agreed conclusions of the sixty-third session)."
The Mako Mama - Mangopare, the Single Parents Project report summarised findings from research on single parents involving focus groups and survey of 3,545 single parents. Of single mothers who responded to the survey, 67% had experienced violence and abuse from someone they were in an intimate relationship with. For 80% of these, the person from whom they experienced violence and abuse was the other parent of their child/children.
Related media
Old people financially abused as young ones run out of cash, Waikato Times, 25.03.2024
Opinion - Janet Fanslow: We need to speak up about economic violence, Newsroom, 21.03.2024
1 in 7 women experience economic abuse, study finds, RNZ, 06.03.2024
Economic abuse affecting around 15 percent of women in relationships, 05.03.2024
Westpac NZ steps up efforts to stop abusive payments, Westpac NZ Media release, 27.11.2023
The long-term impact of economic harm, Good Shepherd news, 20.11.2023
Using design to combat economic abuse, ANZ bluenotes [Australia], 18.10.2023
Poverty, patterns and politics, E-Tangata, 15.10.2023
Questions over effectiveness of child support system, RNZ, 12.10.2023
Tackling socioeconomic inequalities in Aotearoa, University of Auckland media release, 24.09.2023
Māori missing out on welfare entitlements, Waatea News, 23.08.2023
Debt grab hurting beneficiaries, Waatea News, 09.08.2023
Empowering women through social protection: UN rights office, UN News, 21.07.2023
Northlanders owe nearly $80m to Ministry of Social Development, NZ Herald, 27.06.2023
New research into single parents finds discrimination and stigma, RNZ, 02.05.2023
Researchers found sole parents treated with stigma by agencies, RNZ, 02.05.2023
'A bank account should be a human right' - Westpac, Stuff, 05.04.2023
Government's debt fairness plans revealed, One News, 03.03.2023
The findings from the He Waka Eke Noa project will be released in a series of free online webinars hosted by Tū Tama Wāhine o Taranaki in October and November 2023. He Waka Eke Noa is a comprehensive study of Māori understandings and experiences of violence. It includes the first national survey of Māori experiences of violence and pathways to intervene and prevent violence. Registration for the webinars is free.
The information from Tū Tama Wāhine o Taranaki describes the project:
“He Waka Eke Noa is a co-designed Kaupapa Māori project that is driven by Iwi and Māori social service provider aspirations to investigate the role of cultural frameworks in strengthening family and sexual violence prevention and intervention policies, practices and programmes.”
It also says:
“The project is grounded upon Kaupapa Māori theory and methodology and all components of the project are co-designed and co-produced whereby there is a strong commitment from all parties to ensure that tikanga, te reo, mātauranga Māori and whanaungatanga provide us with both cultural and ethical ways to progress this work to benefit whānau, hapū, iwi, urban Māori and Māori organisations.”
The webinars will take place over 3 Fridays, starting 27 October 2023, with 3 sessions each day. Findings will be presented by Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Professor Leonie Pihama, Dr Cherryl Waerea-i-te-rangi Smith, Rihi Te Nana and Shirley Simmonds. Drawing on the research, the series highlights effective, evidence-based preventions and interventions for family and sexual violence, grounded in kaupapa Māori.
The webinars include the following sessions:
Friday 27 October 2023 – Contextualising and defining whānau violence
- 9 am–10.30 am He Waka Eke Noa – Introduction / Te Horopaki: Contexting Violence upon Māori and Indigenous Peoples – Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith
- 12 pm–1.30 pm Defining Family Violence for Māori: Intersectionality and Violence – Professor Leonie Pihama
- 2.30 pm–4 pm Historical and Intergenerational Trauma: A Genealogy of Violence – Dr. Cherryl Waerea-i-te-rangi Smith
Friday 3 November 2023– Tikanga approaches to prevention and intervention
- 9 am–10.30 am Tikanga and Mātauranga Māori: Cultural Understandings and Healing – Rihi Te Nana
- 12 pm–1.30 pm Tikanga, Mātauranga and Healing Practices – Professor Leonie Pihama
- 2.30 pm–4 pm Rangatiratanga – Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith
Friday 10 November 2023 – He Waka Eke Noa: Findings and meanings
- 9 am–10.30 am He Waka Eke Noa National Survey: Whānau Ora / Paeora – Shirley Simmonds
- 12 pm–1.30 pm He Waka Eke Noa National Survey: Mauri Ora / Waiora – Shirley Simmonds
- 2.30 pm–4 pm He Waka Eke Noa: Māori Cultural Frameworks for Violence Prevention and Intervention – Reflections from Kaupapa Māori Practitioners – Ngaropi Raumati and Billie-Jean Cassidy
Each session focuses on a chapter of the He Waka Eke Noa report. The report is due to be released in November 2023.
Register for free to attend any or all of the sessions. For questions about registration email sophie@aatea.co.nz.
Initial results from the project were previously presented at He Waka Eke Noa Conference in Christchurch in October 2022. Presenters at that hui explored questions including:
- How do Māori understand violence?
- What part do atua play in understanding violence?
- What does healing look like to Māori?
- How has the State failed whānau Māori?
- How do we create structural change?
Watch recordings from those presentations and previous webinars that shared early findings from the project. Also see early results in He Waka Eke Noa Survey: brief report of data on State violence.
He Waka Eke Noa is hosted by Tū Tama Wāhine o Taranaki. The project was developed in collaboration with Tū Tama Wāhine o Taranaki and Te Puna Oranga with funding from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment.
Related news
Te Pūkotahitanga, the Tangata Whenua Ministerial Advisory Group, is hosting the first National Wānanga specifically tailored for Māori working in family violence and sexual violence on 7 December 2023. The theme for the Wānanga is He whatumanawa ki tua. Te Pūkotahitanga's mission for the day is to exchange whakaaro on how to eliminate family violence and sexual violence through te ao Māori perspectives. Register for free by 22 November 2023.
Related media
Survey reveals widespread violence, Waatea News, 15.08.2023
Shirley Simmonds / He Waka Eke Noa National Survey, Waatea News, 14.08.2023
Indigenous knowledge for health and wellbeing, RNZ, 17.06.2023
Linda Tuhiwai Smith: Healing our trauma, E-Tangata, 20.03.2022
Information on how to make a complaint about Oranga Tamariki
The Ombudsman has created online information for children, young people and their family and whānau who are thinking about making a complaint about Oranga Tamariki or its care or custody providers. Find the information at nau-mai.nz.
It says that anyone can talk to the Ombudsman's office including children and young people, family members and caregivers, and other adults like teachers. You can talk to the Ombudsman's office about things like:
- How you are being treated
- Not being heard
- A decision being made that you don’t agree with
- Your pocket money or other allowances
- Experiences in care
- Contact with your family or friends
- Connecting with your culture
- Moving in or out of care
- Anything else.
There is information about what happens when you make a complaint, what happens if the Ombudsman investigates and how to contact the Ombudsman. It is free and confidential to contact the Ombudsman. You can call 0800 184 184 or email info@ombudsman.parliament.nz. Also see the Ombudsman's complaint process for children and young people, and for adults.
Children, young people and their families and whānau can also contact Mana Mokopuna – Children and Young People’s Commission or Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children’s Monitor for help with complaints. For more information see the guide to getting support and making a complaint in the oranga tamariki system. Children and young people in care can also contact, VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai, for help understanding their rights and expressing their views on any matter. This includes support to resolve issues or make a complaint.
Reports highlight issues in the Oranga Tamariki system
Ombudsman findings from complaints about Oranga Tamariki
In launching the information for children, Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier said “Complaints have grown year on year... . In fact, more than 2,000 of them since 1 July 2019.”
The Chief Ombudsman recently published findings from a complaint from a 19 year old person who came into Oranga Tamariki’s care in 2004, at the age of 4 months. The complaint covered the person's entire time in care including experiences of harm in care, and how Oranga Tamariki had handled complaints of harm experienced by the young person. The Chief Ombudsman found that "Oranga Tamariki had not addressed the young person’s complaint in a reasonable timeframe, nor had it implemented or monitored all of the recommendations that stemmed from the Oranga Tamariki investigation." He recommended Oranga Tamariki provide an apology, financial remedy, and further therapeutic supports to the young person. See more Ombudsman outcomes of complaints related to children in care.
Report on Oranga Tamariki secure residences
The Oranga Tamariki secure residences and a sample of community homes: independent external review report was recently published in September 2023. The report identifies a number of issues, stating:
"...external pressures to fill beds that arise from the lack of placements, when combined with the lack of experienced and skilled staff who apply a consistent model of service delivery, means that time in residence is now being driven by the needs of the system and staff first, with the needs and experience of young people coming second."
The report outlines 8 areas of the residential operating model that require improvement. See the Oranga Tamariki response to the rapid review. The review was commissioned by former Police Commissioner Mike Bush at the request of the Oranga Tamariki Chief Executive, and undertaken by an independent team. The review was in response to allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour by staff at Oranga Tamariki residences.
In announcing the report, Chappie Te Kani, Oranga Tamariki Chief Executive said "I accept the report and its findings in full." He also said a team and a report line had been set up to manage complaints, triage issues and get urgent work underway while the review took place. There have been 46 complaints or allegations involving Oranga Tamariki staff potentially causing harm to young people in care. The complaints ranged from inappropriate language, to more serious physical and sexual assaults. Of the 46 complaints, 28 were referred to Police for investigation. The remainder have been dealt with as employment matters. In addition, he stated that 22 kaimahi have been removed from Oranga Tamariki residences since 1 June 2023 and 3 staff members have been charged by Police for offences under the Crimes Act 1961. Te Kani further outlined leadership changes, the complaints process and actions to address health and safety. He also said:
"Most importantly, I want to acknowledge the rangatahi and tamariki who have been or continue to be cared for in our residences. You deserve the very best of our care and support.
The review reinforces the voices of many rangatahi who have called for change, who have asked to be understood in the context of their whakapapa and who have bravely shared their own experiences so that things can be different."
In response to the review, the Chief Children’s Commissioner Judge Frances Eivers said:
"The review outlines a vision where support and intervention matches the needs of each young person, with an emphasis on prevention, specialised care, therapeutic intervention, and whakapapa.
Mana Mokopuna supports that potential vision. This approach must be underpinned by strong partnerships with Māori, with community organisations, a strengthened workforce and adequate investment.
System change takes time. We see that some positive change is already underway, but this must be built on, with urgency."
See further commentary in the related media below. Find related Aotearoa New Zealand reports on secure residences in our library.
Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children’s Monitor's first thematic review report
Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children’s Monitor published a report looking at the experiences and practices for children and young people cared for at home while in State custody in August 2023. The report found that despite an increased focus by Oranga Tamariki on returning children and young people home, policies, practices and sufficient support are not yet in place. Read the full report, Returning Home From Care: An in-depth look at the experiences and practices surrounding tamariki and rangatahi cared for at home while in State custody (2023). Oranga Tamariki responded to the 6 issues identified in the report.
Background: Oranga Tamariki oversight and monitoring
Significant changes to Oranga Tamariki monitoring and oversight came into effect in mid-2023 as a result of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 and Children and Young People's Commission Act 2022.
Mana Mokopuna – Children and Young People’s Commission launched in July 2023 welcoming 6 new Children's Commissioners: Judge Frances Eivers is the Chief Children’s Commissioner and Chair of the board along with new Children's Commissioners Dr Claire Achmad, Donna Matahaere-Atariki, Dr Julie Wharewera-Mika, Josiah Tualamali’i and Ronelle Baker. Mana Mokopuna – the Children and Young People’s Commission is an independent advocate for all 1.2 million mokopuna aged under 18 in Aotearoa and care-experienced mokopuna aged up to 25. It replaces the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, previously established in 1989. Mana Mokopuna also monitors places where mokopuna are held in detention.
Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children’s Monitor continues to monitor the performance of the Oranga Tamariki system, including compliance, quality of practice and outcomes.
The Ombudsman handles complaints about Oranga Tamariki and its care or custody providers. The Ombudsman also investigates and monitors serious and significant issues.
For more information see the Cabinet papers on the Children and Young People’s Commission Organisational Model and the Cabinet papers that give effect to the oversight.
Related news - service for survivors of abuse in care
The Survivor Experiences Service started in July 2023. It provides a safe, supportive, confidential place for survivors of abuse in State, faith-based, or other forms of care to share their experiences. It is also open to hearing the experiences of whānau. Through the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry, survivors expressed need for a service to share their experiences, between the closure of the Royal Commission and the time when a new redress system is established. The Survivor Experiences Service will run through to the introduction of the redress system, which is being led by the Crown Response to the Abuse in Care Inquiry.
Related media
New Chief Children's Commissioner: Claire Achmad, RNZ, 11.01.2023
Children's Commissioner on Oranga Tamariki report: 'They deserve to be safe', RNZ, 22.09.2023
Oranga Tamariki review: Agency refers 28 complaints over staff conduct to police, RNZ, 21.09.2023
Oranga Tamariki dumping kids back home, Waatea News, 10.08.2023 (listen to the full interview with Arran Jones on Waatea News)
Improvements urged for tamariki returning to parents while in state care - report, RNZ, 09.08.2023
Community visits to monitor welfare of children in care soon to begin, RNZ, 19.07.2023
Whakapapa connection trounces Oranga Tamariki lock-ups, Waatea News, 11.07.2023
Lady Tureiti Moxon: By Māori for Māori is the only solution for Māori, Te Ao Māori News, 08.07.2023
Punishment won’t fix OT woes, Waatea News, 06.07.2023
Urgent action needed to improve safety in justice facilities, union says, RNZ, 05.07.2023
Retribution call for rangatahi shows lack of compassion, Waatea News, 05.07.2023
Monitoring Oranga Tamariki big test of new office, RNZ, 04.07.2023
The last days of NZ's Children's Commissioner, RNZ, 24.06.2023
New monitor promises to be vigilant over Oranga Tamariki, RNZ, 23.06.2023
Commissioner calls for shut down of state youth facilities, RNZ, 22.06.2023
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