Oranga Tamariki Ministerial Advisory Board members: Chris Graveson, Alfred Filipaina, Tā Mark Solomon, Dame Naida Glavish, Dr Ruth Jones, Shannon Pakura, Minister for Children Karen Chhour, and Oranga Tamariki Pou Tikanga Doug Hauraki. Photo: Supplied / Ministry for Children
Māori leader Sir Mark Solomon will head the re-established Oranga Tamariki Ministerial Advisory Board, with the support of five members.
The appointed board members include those of the previous board; Dame Naida Glavish, Shannon Pakura, Alfred (Alf) Filipaina and Ruth Jones, and new member Christopher (Chris) Graveson.
The board will report directly to the Minister for Children Karen Chhour, who said the experts would provide independent advice on the performance of Oranga Tamariki.
"Specifically, I have asked the board to focus on continuing the work of devolving decision-making to communities, on implementing the Oranga Tamariki strategic direction, on strengthening the role of caregivers, building professional social work practice, and monitoring organisational culture."
Sir Mark has experience across a range of areas including government panels, non-government organisations, iwi Māori entities and private businesses.
Māori advocate Dame Naida (Ngāti Whātua) has had many formal and informal roles as part of her leadership responsibilities, and is involved with a range of iwi, government, and community organisations.
Pakura (Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi) is the chairperson of the Social Workers Registration Board. She has worked in the social service sector and was formerly the Chief Social Worker for the Department of Child, Youth and Family and president of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers.
Filipaina (Ngāpuhi and Samoan heritage) was a member of the New Zealand Police from 1978 until retiring over 38 years later. Since 2003, he has been a councillor on Manukau City Council and Auckland Council. He is currently the Chair of the Mangere Community Law Centre.
Jones (Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Ngāti Porou) has been a leader in the disability sector of Aotearoa, having been a practitioner and manager for the past 20 years. She is a qualified social worker and co-director of Kanohi ki te Kanohi consultancy.
Graveson (Ngāi Tahu) is an expert in legal, policy and operational knowledge on Justice for Children. Graveson is a member of two international working groups for United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Vienna, through which he contributed to the development of international standards for children who are witnesses or victims of crime.
The board's term is from 1 July 2024 until 30 September 2026.