Become a carer

Who can foster?

Who can foster?

Mātua whāngai/foster carers come from all walks of life, just like the mokopuna/children they care for. We welcome mātua whāngai of any gender, sexual identity, marital status, ethnicity, or cultural background.

To become a foster caregiver:

  • You need to be over 25 years of age.
  • You must have a bedroom for each mokopuna placed with you.
  • You can’t have any other children living with you who are under 5 years of age.
  • You need to have a full driver licence.
  • You need to be a NZ citizen or resident.
  • You need to be able to cope in difficult and sometimes stressful situations.
  • You must be willing to take part in on-going training and supervision.
  • You will need to consent to full Police and MSD checks under the Vulnerable Children’s Act regulations.

“We believed that we had quite a lot to bring to fostering… we thought we could utilise the skills, strategies, and financial support that we have to make a difference in another person’s life – to give back to them.”

Don & Kathy, Key Assets Foster Carers

Our service areas include

  • Te Tai Tokerau/Northland up to Whāngarei.
  • Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland and all surrounding areas.
  • Kirikiriroa/Hamilton and all surrounding areas.
  • Tauranga.
  • Ōtautahi/Christchurch.

If you are located outside of these areas, please contact Oranga Tamariki.

“​​I wanted to make a difference in a child’s life and to fill in a gap in my life after losing my husband. I wanted a purpose - someone to care for and look after.”

Phylis, Key Assets Foster Carer

All mātua whāngai receive wrap-around support and training from day one.

Learn more