'Significant reduction' in Maori entering care

Oranga Tamariki says it's seen a reduction in the amount of Maori children entering state care since its name change and establishment of its Treaty commitments.

The new figures report on the progress being made to improve outcomes for Māori after a change which requires decision-makers to consider the importance of a child's mana, culture and whakapapa. 

The report shows in the 12 months to March 2020, 874 tamariki Māori entered into care, compared with 1,220 in 2019. 

Oranga Tamariki's deputy chief executive Hoani Lambert spoke to Māni Dunlop about the drop.