Oranga Tamariki Executive and Leadership Team

Wira Gardiner, the Chief Executive Officer at Oranga Tamariki, directs the overarching strategic vision for child welfare across New Zealand. Gardiner architects high-level policies that govern family support services and youth justice programs, ensuring alignment with national safety standards. By coordinating with government stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the operational integrity of all caregiving initiatives. Wira Gardiner monitors the efficacy of intervention strategies, driving improvements in how the ministry addresses risks to child wellbeing. This leadership role involves managing complex organizational transitions to better serve at-risk youth populations. Through rigorous oversight of service delivery models, the Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary resources for frontline staff. Gardiner fosters a culture of accountability, ensuring that every program directly supports the mission of providing a safe, nurturing environment for children in need of protection and stability.

Stephanie Short, the Acting General Manager, Office of the Chief Executive Officer at Oranga Tamariki, manages the daily administrative functions and executive communications for the ministry. Short coordinates cross-departmental workflows, ensuring that the strategic priorities set by leadership reach every operational unit. By streamlining internal processes, the Acting General Manager, Office of the Chief Executive Officer facilitates efficient decision-making regarding family support and adoption assistance. Stephanie Short oversees the flow of critical information between the executive team and external partners, maintaining transparency in all government-led initiatives. This role involves managing the logistical requirements of large-scale youth justice programs, ensuring that resources reach regional teams effectively. Through meticulous planning and execution, Short supports the organizational mission of safeguarding children. The Acting General Manager, Office of the Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence, allowing the ministry to respond rapidly to the evolving needs of families throughout New Zealand.

Elizabeth Scurr, the Chief Financial Officer at Oranga Tamariki, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for all child protection services. Scurr architects financial frameworks that support the expansion of youth justice programs and family support initiatives across New Zealand. By monitoring expenditure against government mandates, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar directly benefits at-risk children and their caregivers. Elizabeth Scurr collaborates with the executive team to prioritize funding for critical adoption assistance and intervention services. This leadership role involves conducting rigorous audits to maintain transparency and compliance with state financial regulations. Through strategic resource management, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes the ministry's ability to provide long-term care solutions. Scurr drives fiscal sustainability, enabling the organization to maintain high-quality service delivery while navigating the complexities of public sector funding and the ongoing requirements of the national child welfare system.

Emily Hockly, the Chief Legal Officer at Oranga Tamariki, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance for all child welfare operations. Hockly architects policies that govern the ministry's interactions with families, ensuring that every action adheres to New Zealand law and child protection statutes. By providing counsel on youth justice and adoption proceedings, the Chief Legal Officer mitigates institutional risk while upholding the rights of at-risk children. Emily Hockly manages complex litigation and legislative requirements, supporting the organization's mission through sound legal judgment. This leadership role involves advising the executive team on the legal implications of new service models and caregiving protocols. Through proactive engagement with legal frameworks, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that the ministry operates within the bounds of public policy. Hockly drives the development of robust legal safeguards, protecting the integrity of the organization and the wellbeing of the youth served by the ministry.