A massive turnout at a hui about Oranga Tamariki shows just how long Māori have been concerned about its uplift policy, one attendee says.
The gathering at the weekend saw Māori leaders launch their own inquiry after the controversial uplift of a Hastings baby, in addition to inquiries by the Ministry of Children, the Commissioner for Children, the Ombudsman and Oranga Tamariki itself.
Lady Tureiti Moxon from the National Urban Māori Authority says Māori do not want a Government department dictating what is good for them.
"It's time for change," she told Newshub. "It's time for us to look after our own, by Māori, for Māori. We want to be able to do that outside of Government departments."
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The hui saw the largest gathering of Māori leadership since the foreshore and seabed debate 15 years ago.
Lady Tureiti says a governance group was established, "Māoridom coming together I think in a way that really is requiring change."
"We're trying to ensure as many people as possible in the Māori world have an opportunity to think about the things that were discussed at the hui, and get their support for what we want to do."
A second hui will be hosted by Kīngitanga.
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Around half of all children taken into state care by Oranga Tamariki are Māori. In recent times on average, three Māori babies a week are uplifted by Oranga Tamariki.
Newshub.
