Care and Protection Services
Definition of a Caregiver: Children belong in families, and they have a right to live with their whānau/family and to be safe from harm, however sometimes those ideas conflict. When things are going wrong, Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi has the responsibility to ensure children and young people are safe. This is when an appropriate whānau like setting is arranged and caregivers are recruited to assist in caring for children and young people.
What does this Service provide?
1. We find appropriate whānau or non-whānau Caregivers to provide a whānau like setting in which to care for children or young people who for various reasons cannot live with their parents or usual Caregivers.
To find out more information please contact: Pania Stevenson on 575 3765 Ext 222
Success Story
Craig and Marie Ramsden of Pāpāmoa together with their whānau are living proof that caregiving for Māori children will significantly contribute to the future success of those in need.
The kaupapa of this whānau may be considered unique as they believe it is for the whānau as a whole to awhi, to tautoko and to look after these tamariki.
The Ramsden’s have opened their doors for many tamariki over the years, some children stay short term where as others stay longer. The whānau have taken the next step by becoming permanent guardians as tamariki have become whāngai. Marie says it has made her proud to see the tamariki reach significant milestones in their development and to begin enjoying life.
“I love to watch the raw childlike expression of life [in these tamariki], they are skipping, singing and laughing” said Marie.
The manaakitanga that is apparent within the wairua of this whānau shows in their relationships with all of their tamariki. The Ramsden’s believe that to work with Maori tamariki, introducing them back into their whakapapa and whanau connections are paramount.
If you are interested in making a difference to the lives of tamariki in need while providing a loving and supportive home by being a caregiver; contact Pania Stevenson on 575 3765 Ext 222 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register.