Highly respected Māori leaders have joined social provider Whānau Ora to announce an investigation into Oranga Tamariki.
From Monday, new legislation forces the ministry to partner up with iwi and Māori organisations while committing to the Treaty of Waitangi and devolving resources.
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So far Oranga Tamariki has managed to partner up with three iwi, including Ngāpuhi, Waikato and Ngāi Tahu. When asked if progress was fast enough, Children's MinisterTracey Martin said they could always do better.
While Oranga Tamariki's chief executive Grainne Moss is excited about the new co-designs with iwi, Waikato Tainui have told The Hui: "In order to be successful, it will require Oranga Tamariki to reform its organisational operations and culture with a commitment to embed that approach across its organisation."
Other iwi leaders have said Oranga Tamariki withholds information and is difficult and arrogant.
Whānau Ora chair Merepeka Raukawa-Tait has said Oranga Tamariki operates with a lack of tikanga knowledge. She added they operate in a way seen to be targeting young Māori mothers in particular.
The investigation into Oranga Tamariki will be supported by a powerhouse of Māori leaders including Dame Tariana Turia, Emeritus Professor Sir Mason Durie, Sir Wira Gardener and educator Sir Toby Curtis.
Martin told The Hui she hopes she gets invited.
Watch the video for the full interview.
