Family welfare and wellbeing are being prioitised in Aitutaki under the new mayor, Nick Henry.

In a significant step towards improving and delivering critical support to welfare services and family protection on Aitutaki, the Island Government and Ministry of Internal Affairs (INTAFF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

This collaboration recognises a crucial development for the community, as both entities aim to work together to address the needs of families and the vulnerable populations on the island.

Aitutaki’s mayor Nick Henry and, INTAFF secretary Anne Herman signed the MOU effective from 24 September, formalising their partnership and reaffirming the protection of children, elderly and persons with disability.

In a media release Henry said that he would work to strengthen Aitutaki’s governance and address the needs of its people.

“We are entering a new era for Aitutaki,” he said.

“With this dedicated team of councillors we are committed to serving our island with a renewed focus on community social wellbeing, protection and leadership.”

Herman emphasised the significance of the partnership with the Island Council of “dynamic women and men”.

“We are confident that Aitutaki will continue to be a leader in addressing the needs of our families at risk,” she said.

Herman confirmed they have recruited more staff to both the local office and head office in the Family Protection Services and have increased the frequency of their visits for visibility and capacity building to better support the vulnerable communities in Aitutaki.

“We are well aware of what the community issues are and it is only through this partnership that we can respond in a manner that moves us toward the safer and happier community we are striving for,” said Herman.

, INTAFF Manager Social Policy & Services Princess Heleina Raukete said specifically, the MOU aims to facilitate the Special Assistant Fund (SAF) - resource sharing, joint project management, and coordinated initiatives to improve accessibility, safety, health, and well-being for elderly, disabled, and at-risk individuals and families.

“Through mutual support, the Parties commit to enhancing the delivery of services by leveraging each other’s expertise, resources, and labour to address the unique challenges faced by the Aitutaki community,” she said.

The MOU was initially presented in April 2024 and signed by former Mayor Tekura “Poo” Bishop.

The agreement also targets expanding into partnerships with Aotearoa New Zealand's Oranga Tamariki and Australia's Department of Social Services, to provide further resources and support for these services.

This MOU also formalises the operational role of the Aitutaki Family Protection Board (AFPB) which serves as a dedicated body focused on addressing family protection concerns on Aitutaki Island.

The AFPB board made up of local government agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders will collaborate to prioritise initiatives that support families, youth, and children, particularly in areas such as domestic violence prevention and overall family welfare. It was established under the warrant of Minister Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown in November 2023. INTAFF