The Kauri Centre

Welcome to The Kauri Centre, a renowned establishment located in Hamilton, New Zealand. As a point of interest and school, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for every child to flourish. Our belief is that with the right support system, any child can reach their full potential.

At The Kauri Centre, we prioritize the well-being of children in New Zealand who are at significant risk of harm, both now and in the future. We also work closely with young people who may have offended or are likely to offend, aiming to guide them towards a positive path.

Our commitment to the community is evident through our partnerships and collaborations. Recently, Deputy Chief Executive Darrin Haimona was invited to speak at the Aboriginal Children's Forum, where he advocated for the safety, health, and resilience of vulnerable Aboriginal tamariki and rangatahi.

We actively participate in initiatives such as the Oranga Tamariki Action Plan, collaborating with the Ministry of Education to provide better support for care experienced tamariki and rangatahi in their educational journey. Additionally, we recently welcomed around 40 Pacific Community Providers and leaders to Ngā Hau e Whā National marae for an inaugural Pacific Fono, highlighting our commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

We value the feedback and ideas of our community. We are always open to suggestions on how we can improve our services and make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people.

Our institution conducts comprehensive research and analysis on the harm faced by children and young people in New Zealand. Through a data-driven lens, we explore protective factors and gather information from various reliable sources.

One of our recent reports focuses on changes in the youth justice custody population, examining the size and composition of residences, community homes, and other placement types. We also have a framework in place to measure disparity and disproportionality in the care and protection system, with a specific report addressing the disparities experienced by tamariki Māori.

The Practice Centre, an online resource, serves as a valuable tool for Oranga Tamariki practitioners. It contains policies, guidance, and tools to aid in their work with tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau. Our policies outline the must-dos, while the guidance provides detailed instructions on how to implement them effectively.

Te Aorerekura, a national strategy, aims to eliminate family violence and sexual violence. This comprehensive plan unifies government actions and is carried out by Te Puna Aonui, a cross-agency group responsible for its implementation.

We are proud to lead a new way of working to support tamariki who require care, emphasizing a significant shift in approach. Social worker positions are currently available, and we invite dedicated and passionate individuals to join us in changing the way Aotearoa New Zealand protects tamariki.

For children and young people in care, we offer VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai, an independent connection and advocacy service. Separate from Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, our team is here to listen, support, and stand by your side. Additionally, we organize fun and engaging events for kids with care experience, providing opportunities for connection and camaraderie.

At The Kauri Centre, we are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for every child and young person. Join us in our mission to support and empower the future generations of New Zealand.