Oranga Tamariki apologises for TradeMe ad

Oranga Tamariki has apologised for what the National Party is calling the crass use of auction website TradeMe to find foster parents for children.

The child welfare agency advertised for a caregiver on the site.

One ad on the website described a young Whanganui schoolgirl who had had a tough start in life and needed a forever home.

It also gave her iwi affiliation and called her bright and loving with strong family values.

Ministry chief executive Grainne Moss said the ads were a mistake and said the guidelines will be reviewed.

Minister for Children Tracey Martin said she only found out on Tuesday about the ads.

She said it wasn’t the most appropriate website through which to find caregivers for children.

TradeMe has since removed the listings.