Key Takeaways:
- Te Kāika, a Dunedin charity, has rapidly expanded with government funding, but is now under investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs due to concerns about loans to leaders and governance issues.
- The charity’s board has broken its own rules, with only two members for nearly five years, and has employed close relatives into senior paid roles.
- Performance reporting is limited, and there are concerns about the charity’s ability to deliver services effectively, with staffing issues and unexplained loans and payments to leadership.
- Government agencies have provided millions of dollars in funding, but have limited oversight and scrutiny of the charity’s performance.
- Charity governance experts have expressed concern about the setup and lack of government oversight, highlighting the need for smarter oversight and higher quality reporting.
Introduction to Te Kāika
Te Kāika, a charity founded in 2015, aimed to provide low-cost, wraparound primary care services to whānau and low-income families in Dunedin. However, its rapid financial growth has raised concerns about its governance, oversight, and ability to deliver services effectively. With a revenue of over $14 million, 148 staff, and $29 million in assets, Te Kāika has expanded its services to include GP surgeries, social services, and a "wellbeing hub" in Caversham. Despite its growth, the charity is now under investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs due to concerns about loans to its leaders and governance issues.
Governance and Oversight
Te Kāika’s governance structure has been called into question, with a tiny board of only two members, Donna Matahaere-Atariki and Matapura Ellison, for nearly five years. This is in breach of the charity’s own constitutional rules, which require a minimum of three board members. The board’s composition has also raised concerns, with Matahaere-Atariki’s children, Matt and Winnie, holding senior paid roles within the organization. Charity governance experts have expressed concern about the setup, highlighting the need for a more robust and diverse board to oversee the complex environment in which charities operate.
Performance Reporting
Te Kāika’s performance reporting has been limited, with little evidence to back up its claims of "transforming" healthcare and addressing the comprehensive wellbeing of whānau. The charity’s documents provide basic numbers without context, and there is a lack of detail on how funding was used, staff capability, or the actual impact of the support provided. Government agencies, such as Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, have provided millions of dollars in funding, but have limited oversight and scrutiny of the charity’s performance. This lack of transparency and accountability has raised concerns about the charity’s ability to deliver services effectively.
Staffing Issues
Staffing issues have been a major concern for Te Kāika, with high turnover rates and difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff. The charity’s leadership has been criticized for being "controlling or out of control," and there have been reports of staff feeling undervalued and unsupported. The charity’s governance structure, with Matahaere-Atariki’s children holding senior roles, has also raised questions about accountability and independence. The lack of transparency and accountability has made it difficult for government agencies and the public to assess the charity’s performance and hold it to account.
Government Funding and Oversight
Government agencies have provided millions of dollars in funding to Te Kāika, but have limited oversight and scrutiny of the charity’s performance. The Ministry of Social Development, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, and Oranga Tamariki have all provided funding, but have not consistently received performance reports or data on the charity’s services. This lack of oversight has raised concerns about the charity’s ability to deliver services effectively and account for public funds. Charity governance experts have highlighted the need for smarter oversight and higher quality reporting to ensure that public expenditure is effective and efficient.
Conclusion
Te Kāika’s rapid expansion and government funding have raised concerns about its governance, oversight, and ability to deliver services effectively. The charity’s tiny board, family ties, and limited performance reporting have all contributed to a lack of transparency and accountability. Government agencies must take a more active role in overseeing the charity’s performance and ensuring that public funds are being used effectively. The charity’s leadership must also prioritize transparency, accountability, and good governance to restore public trust and confidence. By addressing these concerns, Te Kāika can ensure that it is delivering high-quality services to whānau and low-income families in Dunedin, and that public funds are being used effectively and efficiently.
