A new initiative which will see social agencies and iwi band together to help at-risk children in Northland has been launched.
Kainga Ora, which aims to have a positive impact on young Northlanders aged up to 24 by bringing together government agencies, non-government organisations, iwi and community leaders, was announced by Education Minister Hekia Parata on Friday.
"With Kainga Ora we have an opportunity to improve outcomes for the children, young people and families of Northland," said Ms Parata, who is the lead minister for the initiative.
Those at risk of poor long-term outcomes - such as receiving a benefit for five years or more, receiving a custodial or community sentence, or low educational achievement - spent a long time on a benefit as a child, or were stood down from school and referred to youth justice. This included children and young people who were notified to Child, Youth and Family as a child.
"The Northland region has been identified as an area with a high proportion of its younger population at risk of poor outcomes - about 12 per cent," said Ms Parata.