An inquiry into Oranga Tamariki was launched by a powerhouse of Māori leaders at a packed hui in Mangere this weekend .
The inquiry is one of four being conducted into the organisation tasked with caring for our most vulnerable kids, and will focus on the removal of tamariki from their whanau.
Addressing the hui, Dame Tariana Turia likened the situation to being at war.
"For many years we have been fighting for our tamariki. We are now at war. You either fight back in a war or you lie down and die. We will not die."
The Hui spoke to Merepeka Raukawa-Tait, the chair of Te Pou Matakana, Whanau Ora's commissioning agency - which is leading the inquiry.
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- Oranga Tamariki Minister Tracey Martin admits Hawke's Bay attempted uplift wasn't 'well done'
- Christine Rankin angry Oranga Tamariki uplifts becoming a race issue
Raukawa-Tait says this inquiry is unique because it is for Māori, by Māori.
Watch the video.
