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Recognise and Support Tamariki in Whānau Care
This Election, Let's Support the Families Already Doing the Caring
Every day across Aotearoa New Zealand, grandparents, whānau and kin carers step up to provide safe, stable and loving homes for tamariki who cannot live with their parents. They keep children connected to whānau, whakapapa, culture and community while helping prevent the trauma of entering state care.
#prioritiesView Our Election Priorities #voteEnrol to VoteWhy This Matters
Thousands of families are already providing care with limited support.
18,000-22,000
Tamariki estimated to be living in whānau and kinship care.
49.4%
Have a disability, chronic health condition, or learning need.
58.2%
Of carers report financial support does not meet children's needs.
$6k-$10k
Typical legal costs reported to obtain parenting and guardianship orders.
“Two girls knocked on my door and said, ‘we have your grandchildren in the car and if you don't take them, we're taking them to Oranga Tamariki.’”
Why Children Enter Whānau Care
65.2%
Substance Abuse
52.4%
Family Violence
38.9%
Mental Health Challenges
36.1%
Neglect
Our Election Priorities
Practical reforms that political parties can commit to now.
1. Equal Access to Support Services
Every child in whānau care should be able to access the support they need, regardless of how they entered care.
- Education support
- Disability services
- Health services
- Mental health support
- Therapeutic services
✅ Extend Permanent Caregiver Support Services to all eligible whānau carers.
2. Remove Legal Barriers
Families should not have to go into debt to secure safe and stable care arrangements for tamariki.
✅ Provide non-repayable legal aid for parenting and guardianship orders.
✅ Gather evidence through our Legal Experiences Survey.
#Take the Legal Survey3. Improve Financial Assistance
Financial assistance should reflect the real cost of raising children and maintain its value over time.
✅ Review the Unsupported Child's Benefit and Orphan's Benefit.
✅ Ensure carers can meet children's needs without financial hardship.
What We’re Hearing From Carers
“I think staying with family is the ideal, but I think support should be in place for families to do it well.”
“It's not just about giving you some money and letting you look after these children. It's all about their emotional needs.”
“I think one of the biggest things is that all your plans are gone. Most of your money is gone, but I wouldn't change it.”
Have You Enrolled to Vote?
Political decisions affect the support available to tamariki and whānau carers. Make your voice count this election.
#="btn btn-secondary">Check or Update Your Enrolment- ✓ Know where you'll vote
- ✓ Know when you'll vote
- ✓ Understand the issues affecting your whānau
- ✓ Encourage friends and family to vote
Election Day: 7 November 2026
Get Involved
Complete Our Legal Survey
Help us gather evidence about legal costs, Family Court processes and access to legal aid.
#">Take the SurveyStay Updated
Receive campaign updates, party responses and opportunities to take action.
#Share the Campaign
Help raise awareness of the thousands of families caring for tamariki every day.
#Share Now