Ngapuhi says signing a memorandum of understanding with Child, Youth and Family will help to achieve its goal of reducing the number of their tamariki in state care.
The document was signed at Kohewhata Marae in Kaikohe last week.
It is the first memorandum between Child, Youth and Family and an iwi, and it formalises the relationship between the organisations to ensure the best care for Ngapuhi children in custody.
Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngapuhi chief executive George Riley says the iwi wants to ensure it helps give tamariki a good quality upbringing.
Mr Riley says he would like to see them happy and content, but also hopes the iwi's efforts will encourage tamariki to feel proud of their roots and possibly contribute to Ngapuhi in future.
