An academic's proposing a complete overhaul of social services... putting Maori at the centre

It's an idea that's come from yesterday's launch of a fourth inquiry into Oranga Tamariki, with the goal of addressing the high number of uplifted babies from Maori families.

Sir Mason Durie says people have spent decades of trying to fix the system so Maori are better represented.

He says that approach hasn't paid off, and the next option is a complete redesign.