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.

At Key Assets, we're committed to providing safe, loving, and supportive homes for children in care. If you’re considering becoming a matua whāngai, here are some key requirements to get started:

  • Dedicated Space: Is there a spare bedroom in your whare exclusively for the mokopuna in your care?
  • Residency Requirements: Are all applicants either New Zealand citizens or permanent residents?
  • Safety Checks: Do all applicants consent to police and Oranga Tamariki vetting?
  • Applicant’s Age and Experience: We seek matua whāngai who bring maturity, judgment, and life skills to their role. While most applicants are over 25, we also welcome younger adults with relevant life experience who feel ready to take on this responsibility.

“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