Oranga Tamariki/SIA review of services - Cabinet decisions

Phase One of the review covered five large programmes and one national provider, totalling approximately $126 million. The review assessed each programme using four criteria: reach, impact, value for money, and operational factors.

The review recognised the essential role these services play in reducing harm, strengthening protective factors, and supporting children and families earlier and more effectively. Its focus has been to ensure programmes are commissioned well – applying social investment principles – so that they are sustainable and achieving the outcomes that matter.

On Monday 13 April 2026, Cabinet made decisions based on the outcome of the review and affected providers were advised of these decisions on Thursday 16 April 2026.

Following this first phase of the review, Cabinet decided that: 

Family Start

• Oranga Tamariki and the Social Investment Agency will jointly report to their Ministers by 26 February 2027, on a transition and implementation plan for the transfer of the Family Start programme and funding to the Social Investment Agency, including how the funding will be better targeted and considered alongside other services. 

Strengthening Families  

• Oranga Tamariki, and Te Puni Kōkiri will jointly report back to their Ministers by 26 February 2027 with a transition and implementation plan for transfer of the Strengthening Families programme and funding for delivery via the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agencies. 

Workers in Schools 

• The programmes have strong school-based referral pathways and close integration into school environments. This programme is valued by schools and communities, with its suite of programmes being delivered in schools. It has close alignment with the education system and will transfer to the Ministry of Education by 31 August 2027, subject to transition and implementation planning 

Gateway and Post-Gateway 

• Gateway and Targeted Support Post-Gateway programmes reach children and young people on the cusp of being in the care of, or in the care of, Oranga Tamariki or youth justice and contribute to multiple portfolio outcomes. The programmes will therefore remain with Oranga Tamariki.  
• Oranga Tamariki, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand will report back to Ministers by 26 February 2027 on progress of national improvements to address coverage, consent processes, contractual arrangements, outcome measurement and quality. 

Large National Provider  

• The programmes delivered by a large national provider reach children and young people experiencing high risks to safety and wellbeing, including those on the cusp of care and youth justice.
• Oranga Tamariki will recommission all its services for high risks / needs children and young people in 2027/28, including most of the services currently delivered by the large national provider. Oranga Tamariki will remain the commissioning agency.