Mokopuna Ora

Mokopuna-focused, whaanau-informed, hapori-supported Mana Motuhake

Mokopuna Ora is a Waikato-Tainui led initiative committed to ensuring mokopuna are nurtured and protected within their whaanau wherever possible. Our practice is grounded in the unwavering principle that the well-being and best interests of mokopuna are our foremost priority. 

By providing culturally grounded, whaanau informed support, we help whaanau navigate challenges in the care and protection space and empower them to keep their mokopuna safe, connected to their whakapapa, and thriving within their hapori. 

We work alongside whaanau, hapuu, iwi, Crown and not-for-profit services and hapori, to create solutions that help mokopuna grow in environments that nurture their cultural identity, health, and happiness. 

Strategic Objectives

Mokopuna Ora is focused on the following strategic objectives 

  • Whaanau-led Care: We’re working to create a culturally responsive, whaanau-led approach to keep mokopuna thriving and safe within their whaanau  
  • Connection to Whakapapa: Whakapapa is central to who we are.  We ensure mokopuna maintain their connection to their whakapapa, supporting their identity and wellbeing. 
  • Systemic Change: Mokopuna Ora aims to return control of care and protection systems from the Crown (Oranga Tamariki) back to whaanau and the hapori.  

Ultimately this would mean the Crown devolving responsibility for care and protection to the hapori to enable mana motuhake. 

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What does Mokopuna Ora do for whaanau?  

  • Advocates for your whaanau when tamariki/mokopuna are involved with Oranga Tamariki  
  • Helps your whaanau understand concerns, worries and risks raised, and how to navigate Oranga Tamariki systems and processes 
  • Supports you to find solutions for your whaanau 
  • Supports your whaanau to create safe pathways for your tamariki / mokopuna 
  • Connects your whaanau to support services 
  • Advises your whaanau of your rights 
  • Provides a non-judgemental, independent and safe space. 
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Who Is Mokopuna Ora For? 

Mokopuna Ora have teams working in communities based within three Oranga Tamariki offices within the Waikato (two in Kirikiriroa and one in Waikato Rural North), and our strategy team is based within Waikato-Tainui offices on Bryce Street, Hamilton.  

While Mokopuna Ora’s strategic objective centres on supporting Waikato mokopuna, our approach to triaging casework within our domiciled offices is guided by the level of risk and urgency for mokopuna and their whaanau.  On this basis, Mokopuna Ora provides support to whaanau Maaori residing in the areas we are based, who have come to the attention of Oranga Tamariki.  

Contact Us 

We’re here to support you and your whaanau. If your whaanau has come to the attention of Oranga Tamariki and you need help or want to learn more about how Mokopuna Ora can assist, please get in touch: 

Call us 0800 TAINUI 

Email us at Mokopunaoraenquiries@tainui.co.nz 

In the event of emergencies, please contact Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children 

If you believe any tamariki/mokopuna are in immediate danger, call POLICE ON 111 

Report of concern - If you're worried about any tamariki/mokopuna and want to make a report of concern or have a general enquiry, Oranga Tamariki has a call centre to answer your paatai and pass you through to the right area;   

Please call Oranga Tamariki on 0508 326 459 

Complaints – If you have any complaints about the services we have provided, please contact us at mokopunaoraenquiries@tainui.co.nz so we can contact you confidentially 

Feedback – we are always looking to improve how we can best help whaanau and mokopuna, so we appreciate any feedback. Please let us know how we’re going by emailing us at mokopunaoraenquiries@tainui.co.nz 

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