Podcasts about chief ombudsman

One of the country's most powerful and outspoken watchdogs is stepping down as chief ombudsman. Peter Boshier took on the job in 2015 having been the principal family court judge and a law commissioner. Last year Peter Boshier himself hit the headlines when he turned 72 the legally mandated age to retire from the job. A loop hole has kept him in the role pending a replacement being found. Peter Boshier spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier is leaving his role next month after 10 years in the role. The current Government asked him to stay in the role after he quit last year as he approaches 72, the oldest someone can be in the position. His ten year term is coming to an end once and for all and he has a strong parting message. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chief Ombudsman is concerned that people are being put in secure aged care facilities without the proper legal authority.

The Chief Ombudsman says the Department of Corrections needs to change the way it's running the unit that houses some of New Zealand's most dangerous prisoners. Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Chief Ombudsman says the Department of Corrections needs to make major changes to the way it runs the Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit at Auckland Prison in Paremoremo, citing concerns over the ill-treatment of prisoners and human rights abuses. Correction's Commissioner of Custodial Services Leigh Marsh spoke to Corin Dann.

The Chief Ombudsman says our treatment of New Zealand's most dangerous prisoners does not support rehabilitation. The Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit holds 13 of the countries worst offenders, including the Christchurch mosque shooter. Peter Boshier says their treatment is cruel, inhuman, and degrading - breaching the UN Convention against torture. He says his conversations with inmates raised concerns about re-integration after release. Boshier says prisoners felt 'dead', 'full of despair', or 'hopeless' in confinement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 17 December 2024, I see red, I see red, I see red! Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks to Ryan Bridge after revealing New Zealand's financial troubles are even worse than feared. The Chief Ombudsman says we need to treat our most dangerous prisoners better. The Black Caps finally deliver a win against England. Plus, the Huddle debates whether it's a council's job to make submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chief Ombudsman says the Ministry of Social Development's payment scheme for survivors of abuse is 'unreasonable'. Peter Boshier's expressed the opinion after a complaint by a law firm representing 1000 claimants. He says the Ministry's criteria for accepting claims is too narrow, and there's no clear way for people to review refused claims. "We've found that aspects of this are unreasonable, the basis upon which decisions were being approached not clear, what was being taken into account not clear." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“There for the grace of God goes I.” We generally say it when something bad and we know that it could just as easily happen to us, and anyone who is a parent should say that whenever they hear nightmare stories about kids being abused by their parents or caregivers. I say that not just as a by-stander looking on. I say that as someone with three kids —all grown up now— but someone who has raised three kids and I know just as well as the next parent how much that can drive you to despair at times. Which is why it is so important to remember that it's not just the no-hopers who end up with Oranga Tamariki knocking on the door. The child welfare agency's clientele runs the full range of society, including those so-called respectable middle-class and upper-class families. And I'm willing to bet that the reason some of them are in strife with OT is that they just can't cope. Or, more to the point, don't know how to cope. And until we realise that just banging-on about OT being useless isn't the only route we should be going down, then nothing's going to change. I am not saying we shouldn't be criticising OT when they get things wrong. Which is what the Chief Ombudsman is doing —again— after what he says was “a series of failures” which meant Oranga Tamariki didn't do what it should've done when it received multiple complaints about pre-school and primary school-aged kids being abused by their mother's partner. Peter Boshier is slamming OT, saying it even had photographic evidence of abuse but didn't do enough to ascertain what was going on and, as a result, left the kids in serious risk. So it's only right that the Ombudsman calls them out like this. But, even if OT turned itself into a gold-plated example of a child welfare agency, that still wouldn't be enough. Because I'm willing to bet that some of these people who end up being investigated by Oranga Tamariki —not all of them— but I bet some of them, only come to OT's attention because they just don't know how to cope. Especially when it comes to coping with a crying baby. Which is what Dame Lesley Max, who runs the Great Potentials Foundation, is talking about when she says we should be teaching kids about parenthood when they're at school. Of course, chances are your so-called “family values” people would be dead against teaching kids how to be parents at high school, you know: “Aww, that'll just encourage them to go out and get pregnant.” All that nonsense. But I agree with Dame Lesley, why aren't we teaching kids how to do what is the most important job in the world? Maths and science isn't going to help you in the middle of the night, when you've got a baby that's been crying all day and all night and you're at the end of your tether. Geography isn't going to help you then, nor are media studies, yet that's what we do. And we wonder why most of us are nowhere near ready to be parents. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chief Ombudsman fears history may repeat itself after releasing yet another scathing report about Oranga Tamariki. Peter Boshier's latest investigation found the agency's failure to act on reports of concern led to two young children being kidnapped. He's concerned Oranga Tamariki has failed again, after assuring him things had improved after the murder of 5 year old Malachi Subecz. Political reporter Anneke Smith has more.

“It must be better than this” is the message from children's advocate Dame Lesley Max following the Chief Ombudsman's crack down on Oranga Tamariki. Peter Boshier has taken aim at the organisation over its handling of complaints against a man, accused of abusing his partner's young children, despite nine separate reports. Great Potentials Foundation Co-Founder, Max says it should not have gone unnoticed. She says it's striking there were nine reports of concern when in so many cases there are no reports of concern. OT says it's taken the Chief Ombudsman's recommendations on board. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chief Ombudsman says we can't yet be confident Oranga Tamariki will keep kids safe following the release of a new report. This report revealed Oranga Tamariki failed to investigate an abuse case involving four children, despite nine separate reports of mistreatment by their mother's partner. Peter Boshier says Oranga Tamariki was also given photographic evidence related to these incidents - and they should have carried out a proper in-depth investigation, at the very least. "I had hoped that after I did my report on the death of Malachi Subecz two years ago - and the assurances were given by Oranga Tamariki that there would be dramatic change. And yet, this has happened." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chief Ombudsman is urging school boards to take accountability for decisions. Peter Boshier has made his case notes public relating to his recommendations not being followed - by the boards of Auckland's St Peter's College and Christchurch's Cashmere High School. St Peter's refused to apologise for excluding a student for buying and smoking marijuana - and Cashmere didn't apologise or take steps after declining an out-of-zone enrolment without explanation. Boshier says the schools should have apologised for the inadequacies in their responses. "We recommended that these students' disciplinary records be amended and have nothing attached to it - and then we said the board, when it's doing a decision like this, should have a clear process." St Peters principal James Bentley has refused to apologise. "Marijuana buying and using is an illegal activity - we hold the view, as many schools do, that this has no place in our schools. We'd hoped the Ombudsman would have supported us on this, but unfortunately he took a different approach." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 7 August 2024, the Polkinghorne trial has turned to Philip Polkinghorne's relationships with sex workers today. The unemployment rate rose to 4.6% today. Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr says it's slightly better than predicted but he still thinks a cut to the OCR next week is warranted. The Chief Ombudsman has named and shamed St Peter's College in Auckland as one of the schools that have refused to follow his recommendations after excluding a student who had bought and smoked cannabis. But the school's principal defends the decision not to apologise to the student for being tough on drug use. The Huddle discusses councillors facing threats for taking a stance on the Maori wards issue. Plus was it smart or embarrassing to send a team to the C2 canoe racing when they had zero experience? Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello has been severely reprimanded by the Chief Ombudsman and forced to apologise for trying to keep information about tobacco and vaping policy secret. Chief Ombudsman Judge Peter Boshier took the rare step of forcing the New Zealand First Minister to apologise to RNZ and to Otago University Professor of Public Health Janet Hoek for her handling of Official Information Act requests. Guyon Espiner spoke to Charlotte Cook.

In the show today, New Zealand first leader and Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters is demanding more answers about the grounding of the Interislander Aratere ferry, Leaked documents about the Cook Strait ferry grounding show a crew member pushed the wrong button, accidently triggered the auto pilot and sending the Aratere onto the wrong course, the cost of bricks and mortar for building a new single storey house has dropped for the first time in at least 12 years, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello has been severely reprimanded by the Chief Ombudsman and forced to apologise for trying to keep information about tobacco and vaping policy secret, the Olympics are just under two weeks away and a new bilingual sporting resource will help people cheering along in te reo.

The number of people reporting serious misconduct in their workplace is on the rise. So far this financial year, the Chief Ombudsman has received 203 protected disclosures - up 58 percent on the year before. Peter Boshier says more people believe it's the right thing to do if they spot wrongdoing. "When there's serious wrongdoing - things like sexual harassment - I think there's more willingness to talk about these things and to raise them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I stumbled upon an article yesterday about Lyn Slater.  The headline was ' I'm 70 years old — why shouldn't my clothes convey my sexuality, and sense of style?'  Lyn Slater is a former model, influencer, writer, and professor, she is indeed a very stylish woman, and the question she asks about clothes is a fair one.  Age, for reasons I can't fathom, still seems to be an issue in this Western society, and we found that out this week with Peter Boshier, the Chief Ombudsman who is two years older than Lyn, and because of that has to quit his job.  It's also the talking point in American politics at the moment, because the two contenders for the most powerful job on earth are old.  Which I assume leads you to ask: how come you can be President of America but not Chief Ombudsman of New Zealand?  How come Lyn can ask questions about her sexuality and style but poor old Peter is too old to turn up to the office?  We went through a period a decade or so back as well, remember when Hollywood actresses complained of having no work because they're too old? That's all reversed, or at least partially has been reversed.  But, remarkably, we don't seem to know whether age is an issue or not.  And the problem is we have made it a problem because of a number, not because of competence, which should be the real measure.  Surely your ability to do whatever it is you want to do is the criteria, not the chronology?  We spend our time espousing the fact 60 is the new 40, and yet it doesn't play out in terms of old-fashioned laws.  The ombudsman law is from 1975. I was 10. There was no internet, no cell phones, and 65 to me seemed old. Because when I was 10 my mum was a bit over 30 and my grandparents were in their late 50s, and that seemed old.  Now I am in my late 50s and because society has changed I am nowhere near being a grandparent, and I don't feel old. And if there was an age limit in my time in this job as opposed to the measure they do use, audience and revenue, I'd be pretty pissed off.  I supposed Peter Boshier went into it with his eyes open. He knew the rules.  But that doesn't make the rule right, and it doesn't make the attitude that drove the rule right.  Talent, skill, brains, determination, acumen, experience, these are the measures of value, that's why they say age is but a number.   Look up Lyn Slater and tell her she's too old. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How old is too old for a job with high responsibility? The Chief Ombudsman, Peter Boshier, will retire from his role at the end of the week because of a 49 year law stating the person in the job must step down at the age of 72. Video journalist Samuel Rillstone went to ask the people what they think.

The Chief Ombudsman is being forced to resign, he's too old for the job according an old law. Peter Boshier will age out on his birthday later this week. The almost 50 year old act governing the job demands he "shall so resign on attaining the age of 72 years." How grown up is too grown up for the big jobs? Geoff Pearman, the founder of Partners in Change speaks to Lisa Owen.

Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier's enforced retirement has sparked discussion about reforming an old law. The Ombudsmen Act 1975 states an Ombudsman must resign once they turn 72- and Boshier's resigned ahead of his birthday. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Boshier's still making excellent decisions- and should be granted exception. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions over whether the law forcing the retirement of Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier is fit-for-purpose in the 21st century. The near 50-year-old Ombudsmen Act states an ombudsman must resign once they turn 72. It's meant Boshier's resigned ahead of his birthday on Saturday. Electoral law expert and barrister Graeme Edgeler says this law doesn't make sense, as the Ombudsman appointment only lasts 5 years. "It's not like we're appointing someone at 50 who's still going to be doing the job at 80, so it is very different from judges." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have in the news yet another report into Oranga Tamariki. Yet another damning indictment into an organisation that should never exist. The Chief Ombudsman has called for changes “on a scale rarely required” at Oranga Tamariki. He reviewed about 2000 complaints over four years for his report children in care, complaints to the Ombudsman, 2019 to 2023. He said he could not yet provide reassurance that Oranga Tamariki's practices and processes were consistently operating as they should.   You could have basically taken any report that's been written over the last 20 years, and it doesn't matter whether it's called CYFS or Child youth and Family or Oranga Tamariki, it is the same complaints time and time and time again about an organisation, I repeat, that should not exist.  If parents and caregivers gave their children even the most basic and rudimentary of care, like just didn't kill them, we wouldn't be spending more than a billion dollars a year on a government department that is constantly criticised. And I really feel for the people who work there. You would go in there with the best of intentions, and they would be crushed out of you within months, I'd imagine. CYFS, child youth and family, whatever, are roundly attacked for taking babies off mothers. The next day, they're roundly attacked for NOT taking babies off mothers, for not acting soon enough.   There have been criticisms of this organisation since I can remember. I mean, I'm going back in the far mists of time, but I remember them all. Since 2017, I'm just going back to 2017, and I've been talking about this since the 1990s, but since 2017, 65 New Zealanders 17 or under have been killed/murdered. Some of them youth fighting but since 2017, 65 New Zealanders 17 or under have been killed - 24 of those were aged under 12 months. Those weren't youths fighting in the street. They were the most vulnerable children and homes killed by their carers since 2017.  I am going right back now: Saliel Aplin and Olympia Jetson. They were murdered by their stepfather when they threatened to tell the authorities that he was sexually abusing them. So many adults knew that they were being abused. Teachers knew and warned the authorities. CYFS workers knew, police knew. They'd complained to the police. The police had investigated. They couldn't find any evidence. Their own mother. She was a hapless soul who tried to get away. She was in a terrible, violent, oppressive succession of relationships that resulted in numerous children, and she couldn't keep them safe.    If I say those names and you were around at the time, you'll remember the school photo of those two girls. They were gorgeous, bright, brave intelligent. But they were only 11 and 12, there was only so much they could do. They knew the risks they were taking; they phoned the authorities themselves. They were trying to get help from the adults. Their mother knew. They told friends they would die. They'd been threatened with death by their stepfather if they told. And they told their friends they would die, and they did. He stabbed them. While a whole bunch of adults knew about this abuse. Their mother was very sad and regretful. She said she'd never be in a violent relationship again. She said she would like to see trained social workers employed in primary schools so abuse to children could be detected and dealt with quickly by professionals. She was calling for major changes at CYFS, with whom she remained angry, saying there are a lot of questions to answer over its management of her family's case.   But is it CYFS fault or Child Youth and Family's fault or Oranga Tamariki's fault?  How can a government organisation prevent dysfunctional families from abusing the most vulnerable? Surely you need eyes and ears within those families. Oranga Tamariki has a more than $1 billion budget. Wouldn't that money be better spent on trying something different? Although when you do try something different, then all hell breaks loose.   I remember when women on benefits were offered free long-term contraception by the then National government way back when, must have been about 2012. Paula Bennett was accused of Nazi type policies from an uncaring National government, it was offered. It was free. It was reversible. And then when National says it's going to can free contraception for women, then everybody criticises them again for not understanding women and their needs.   So, if you try something, if you put your head above the parapet, it's very quickly knocked down. This is appalling. It's been appalling. It has stayed appalling. Children keep dying. The ones who survive, God only knows what happens to them when they have their families, because the very children I'm talking about their siblings are now in their 20s, 30s and 40s, having their own families, how the hell do they parent? Not all of them are going to turn out bad at all. Many people can take a dysfunctional childhood and turn it into a very successful adulthood by not repeating the mistakes, by not repeating the abuse that was dished out to them.   But why the hell do we have a government organisation that has been rebranded, renamed, had its chief executives replaced over and over and over again, and all those children want is someone to save them. And you can't do it from a government organisation. Even if you throw a billion dollars at it. Wouldn't that money be better spent perhaps putting welfare workers with every at-risk child? There aren't that many of them. There aren't that many of them that are struggling. And yet they're the biggest, biggest problem.   The deaths of so many New Zealand children, it's just a damning indictment on this country. There's a stain on this beautiful country. Serenity Jay, Hail-Sage McClutchie,  Mikara, Baby Ru, James Whakaruru, Saliel and Olympia, you know, you can see their faces and you know that they're going to have to make room on the wall of shame because more babies are coming after them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"'Change on a scale rarely required," that's what's needed to fix Oranga Tamariki according yet another scathing report into the agency; this one by the Chief Ombudsman, Peter Boshier. The investigation reviewed thousands of complaints about OT, detailing what the Ombudsman describes as some of the most concerning treatment of vulnerable people, at the hands of an agency tasked to protect tamariki. Among them a rangatahi kept in an institution against their wishes for years, and a young disabled mother whose baby was uplifted at birth and never returned. The report found 109 formal deficiencies. Peter Boshier speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6347292360112

The Chief Ombudsman is calling for a complete overhaul of Oranga Tamariki, saying it is failing on almost every level. Judge Peter Boshier has found the agency is still regularly failing to follow its own laws in a way he says is totally unacceptable. But an advocate for children in care doesn't trust that Oranga Tamariki will heed the recommendations made. Jemima Huston reports.

A scathing Chief Ombudsman's report into Oranga Tamariki is another reason to disestablish the government agency. That's the blunt assessment of Merepeka Raukawa-Tait, chair of the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency and formerTe Pāti Māori candidate, who says whanau-first approach should oversee the wellbeing of rangatahi. It comes after Judge Peter Boshier released his review of more than 2000 complaints made to the ombudsman, finding that Oranga Tamariki is failing to follow its own laws and that large scale change is needed. Both Oranga Tamariki and Minister for Children Karen Chhour declined to be interviewed on the show Thursday morning. Raukawa-Tait spoke to Corin Dann.

The Chief Ombudsman says Oranga Tamariki needs to start getting the basics right.  In his latest report, Peter Boshier details distressing themes from an investigation of two thousand complaints over four-years.  He says there were frequent instances of reports of concern not being acted on, nor being reported correctly.   Boshier told Mike Hosking that Oranga Tamariki's legislation is sound, and some sites manage to do the work well.    He can't understand the inconsistencies and why some sites lack discipline and oversight.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Macca and Paul talk to David Locke – Chief Ombudsman and CEO, Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) Macca and Paul talk to  David Locke commenced as Chief Ombudsman and CEO... LEARN MORE The post Saturday 9th, December, 2023: David Locke – Chief Ombudsman and CEO, Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

The Chief Ombudsman is reminding local councils official information should be available to the public, unless there's good reason to withhold it... not the other way around. It follows years of concerns raised by communities and journalists about closed-door or "secret" workshops with council staff briefing elected officials. The Ombudsman investigated what was happening at eight councils, finding at least two - Rotorua Lakes Council and Taranaki Regional Council - were effectively closing all workshops to the public by default. Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier says such secrecy inevitably breeds suspicion. He spoke to Corin Dann.

The Chief Ombudsman says some local councils have been holding closed-door meetings to protect councillors from reasonable scrutiny. Judge Peter Boshier has reported back on his review of eight councils, concluding that too many have been closing all workshops to the public. He says some also changed the names of meetings to dodge official information obligations. Local Government New Zealand president Sam Broughton spoke to Corin Dann.

Local Government New Zealand maintains there are still council meetings that need a degree of privacy.  A Chief Ombudsman investigation into eight councils has found some have been effectively closing workshops to the public for invalid reasons.  It followed complaints they were undermining local democracy.   Local Government President Sam Broughton told Mike Hosking that the legislation still allows for publicly excluded meetings.  He said that these might be used for things that are commercially sensitive.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour says he sees no reason why a potential coalition deal shouldn't be made public. Arrangements in 2017 weren't publicly released, when the Chief Ombudsman ruled details couldn't be requested under the Official Information Act - because it came within Jacinda Ardern's capacity as Labour leader. But ACT Party leader Seymour says he'd be happy for this year's finalised arrangement to be in the open. "We're really happy with the way it's going, I mean, we've been chatting through the different challenges that we think the Government will face." Prime Minister-Elect Chris Luxon isn't ruling out it out. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister-elect's leaving the door open to revealing details of a coalition deal. Arrangements in 2017 weren't publicly released, because the Chief Ombudsman ruled details couldn't be requested under the OIA- because it came within Jacinda Ardern's capacity as Labour leader. ACT's David Seymour is in coalition talks with National and says he'd be happy for his promises to be made public. ZB political editor Jason Walls says Seymour is quite transparent as a politician- and he'd want to see which of ACT's proposals made it through. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon's staying tight lipped about coalition discussions.   Meanwhile, ACT's David Seymour says he's happy to make the coalition agreement public once it's been struck.   Arrangements in 2017 weren't made public by Jacinda Ardern, with the Chief Ombudsman ruling details couldn't be requested under the Official Information Act as it came within her capacity as Labour leader.   Former National Health Minister Jonathan Coleman told Kate Hawkesby that historically, it's always happened behind closed doors.  He says negotiations are always kept private, and even in retrospect no one really knows what went on and why things were negotiated.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Rotorua Councillor says they'll be more transparent with the public, but some meetings need to be confidential.  A Chief Ombudsman review of eight councils has found some have effectively closed workshops to the public for invalid reasons.  It followed complaints they were undermining local democracy by making decisions away from the public eye.  Rotorua Lakes Councillor Fisher Wang told Kate Hawkesby that the community should also expect the council to be fully informed.  He says that means sometimes they have to meet and discuss things behind closed doors when the topic is of a confidential nature.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions to Ministers RACHEL BOYACK to the Minister for Cyclone Recovery: What announcements has the Government made about supporting the recovery in affected regions from recent extreme weather events? NICOLA WILLIS to the Acting Prime Minister: Does she stand by all of her Government's statements and actions? PAUL EAGLE to the Minister of Housing: How is the Government incorporating innovative building solutions into the public housing rebuild? JAN LOGIE to the Minister of Housing: What is the Kainga Ora universal design standards target, and when did the board adopt this target? Dr LIZ CRAIG to the Minister of Health: What changes has the Government made to the Carer Support subsidy? CHRIS BISHOP to the Minister of Local Government: Does he stand by all decisions made around the Government's water services reform programme in 2023? DAMIEN SMITH to the Minister of Statistics: Does she have confidence that Stats NZ will achieve the 90 percent completion rate target for the New Zealand Census 2023, and is she "absolutely" willing to resign as Minister if this target isn't met by 5 pm tomorrow? ARENA WILLIAMS to the Minister for Maori Development: What recent announcements has the Government made about support for owners of whenua Maori in Tairawhiti and Hawke's Bay? Hon MARK MITCHELL to the Minister of Corrections: Does he agree with the reported statement of the Chief Ombudsman following his report initiated after the Waikeria Prison riot, "Corrections was being defensive, risk averse and believed it had made changes when there was no evidence of it on the ground"; if not, why not? SIMON COURT to the Minister of Local Government: Does he intend that in the Water Services Entities Amendment Bill, the powers awarded to the wider population through community priority statements are less than those awarded to local Maori through Te Mana o te Wai statements, and does he think assigning input on water management on the basis of iwi affiliation will help provide effective and efficient water services? TAMA POTAKA to the Associate Minister of Housing (Maori Housing): How many new homes have been contracted through the Whai Kainga Whai Oranga programme, and how many whanau Maori have moved into homes completed through the programme? ANGIE WARREN-CLARK to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What is the Government doing to support the transition to a low-emissions, climate-resilient future for businesses?

The Department of Corrections and Chief Ombudsman are in a public spat over a scathing report on the management of New Zealand's 18 prisons. Ombudsman Peter Boshier says Corrections leadership are making recommended changes only at a 'glacial' pace, and need closer tracking of their progress. The Department of Corrections' chief executive, Jeremy Lightfoot spoke to Corin Dann.

Prison guards and justice advocates are both demanding Corrections is to be held account over its treatment of prisoners including inmates being locked in cells for 23 hours a day. It follows a scathing report from the Chief Ombudsman, who says the department has repeatedly failed to make the improvements multiple watchdogs have called for. Judge Peter Boshier says he's "utterly frustrated" at the lack of change. Soumya Bhamidipati reports.

The Chief Ombudsman says the damage in Gisborne and Wairoa is worse than he expected. Peter Boshier is meeting iwi, councils and community groups in Gisborne, Wairoa, Napier and Hastings this week. Boshier says people's lives have been turned upside down. He says it's emotionally moving to see people in North Clyde and Wairoa clear silt from their homes -some are insured, some aren't. He expects he'll see similar scenes in Napier and Hastings later this week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before we get on to the Stuart Nash affair itself, cast your mind back to December of last year, the Chief Ombudsman, Peter Boshier, launched an investigation after multiple claims that agencies were taking too long to respond to the Official Information Act, and the requests around the OIA. The announcement of the investigation came just two months after Boshier found that spin doctors, paid for by you and me, at Government departments appeared to be flouting the law when failing to answer questions from journalists.  Boshier was worried that delays are leading to the perception, especially among journalists, that the OIA is being used as a bureaucratic tool to stifle the flow of information. Both journalists and politicians from other parties complained to Boshier they were waiting months for the Government agencies to finally get around to releasing information. Boshier said the OIA exists to promote transparency and accountability and to enable the public to participate in government decision making and requires agencies to make decisions on requests for information as soon as possible. He hoped his investigation would be completed by the end of 2024, and in his statement, he says I want to lift the rock to see what is underneath.   Well, now with the Stuart Nash affair, we can see exactly what's under the rock, as Boshier put it. An army of bureaucrats scuttling around, covering up information, delaying information, trying to pretend that information isn't important when in fact it is. And who will be sacrificed if the scanty garments of plausible deniability are stripped away from Ministers and Prime Ministers? Oh, it's not the minister's fault. Not the Prime Minister's fault that this was not released. Oh, no, no, no, no, not their fault. It's the bureaucrats and the comms officials who have made the mistakes and they will be named and shamed, and that's where they'll hide in the first place.   The Official Information Act is legislation. It's law. And when Newsroom made a request to Stuart Nash's office for any correspondence between him and major donors to his electorate campaign, it is obvious that that e-mail should have been part of the parcel of information. It is obvious to his staffers. It should have been obvious to the Prime Minister's staffers. It is ludicrous to say they didn't know.  So, when I look at the breakdown of the relationship I had with this Government, I'm going to say, you know what? It's not me, it's you, Government. Because this is what it's been like all the way through. This absolute gaslighting. Trying to make us think that it's our fault, not theirs. The Stuart Nash affair just highlights exactly what has gone wrong for the past five years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MBIE may be forced to apologise to individuals over flaws in the MIQ allocation system after an investigation found it acted unreasonably. The Chief Ombudsman launched the review after gettting 270 complaints, many with common themes. It found while MBIE, the lead agency for MIQ, was working with complex issues in a high stakes environment, the system caused immense stress and frustration for tens of thousands of people trying to enter NZ It concludes MBIE's advice on the design and administration of MIQ allocations failed to give sufficient emphasis to individual circumstances and prioritisation. It also did not ensure adequate ways for users with disabilities to access the online allocations. Chief Ombudsman, Judge Peter Boshier, talks through the details with Lisa Owen.  

An immigrant family who had several unhappy experiences with MIQ wants the government to formally acknowledge the failings of the lottery system.  This follows the Chief Ombudsman's finding that the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) acted unreasonably over the managed isolation allocation system. Richard Lemare spoke to Corin Dann.   

The Chief Ombudsman has delivered a pretty critical report on the MIQ lottery. Peter Boshier's report says officials didn't really think hard enough about the “very real impact” that the lobby system was going to have on people's lives. Now, you'll remember it didn't come in right at the start. It was set up in September 2021, supposedly to improve on the chaos we had. Tens of thousands trying to book a place in MIQ and match it with getting a flight home, them stuck over there, empty rooms over here. The lottery was ostensibly intended to create a level playing field for everyone. But it was only level really if you had internet access and could drop everything and log on at exactly the right moment, as each batch of rooms was released. We replaced chaos, with random chaos. New Zealanders overseas who'd missed out have talked about injustice, and the inhumanity and heartache of it all. They want an apology. I've admitted before that I did a complete 180 in my view on people who got stuck overseas as the whole farrago dragged on. In the beginning my feeling was the writing was on the wall and it was obvious borders were going to close so if you want to move, now's the time. And people who opted not to move, well, you made your bed. As it dragged on though, and we set up MIQ, and it became clear just how inadequate and sloppy the whole thing was, I developed a real empathy for people locked out who couldn't see friends and family who were sick or dying, unable to come back to their rightful home. So rather than a whole lot of recrimination and name calling, let's look on this time as an opportunity. Let's really think about how we could do it better. And most obviously I think, do it bigger. Much, much bigger. What we need to work on now is a better plan for next time. We now have a pretty good idea of how many people we'll need to handle if we get another one of these and we've definitely learned what not to do. We'll need something we can stand up quickly, operate much more cheaply and have away from the main centres. The time to work on that is now, while the mistakes of the pandemic are still fresh in our minds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on The Panel Wallace and panellists Stephen Jacobi and Cas Carter discuss the Chief Ombudsman's investigation into the Managed Isolation Allocation System, National's newest MP Tama Potaka. Plus, our panellists recommend some books to read over the summer break.

Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has been investigating hundreds of complaints made about the Government's approach to MIQ during the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic.  The Chief Ombudsman found the creation of a "lottery" system failed to emphasise individual circumstances, limiting fundamental human rights. Peter Boshier says there was no evidence of evolving policy advice from MBIE to the Government, as the pandemic continued.  "Not everyone was in the same situation, we never are in life. And the best and most principled decisions and actions are taken in regard to people's circumstances. Here, it was effectively a lottery. You are either in or out depending on chance, not depending on merit." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"We are dealing here with the most extreme, coercive action by a government, that is, you the citizen, cannot return to New Zealand as a right," he said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders who were burned by the managed isolation lottery system are disappointed the Government is skirting around an apology. An investigation by the Chief Ombudsman found officials did not adequately consider the 'very real impact' the lottery system had on people's lives Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier said Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) also failed to consider individual circumstances for those trying to get a ticket home in the virtual lobby. He added he would follow up with the hundreds of complainants to see if an apology from the Ministry of Innovation, Business and Employment (MBIE) is necessary. But Grounded Kiwis spokesperson and lawyer Alexandra Birt told Tova O'Brien, New Zealanders deserve acknowledgement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it came to power this government pledged to be the most open and transparent ever. Now an investigation by the Chief Ombudsman's will effectively show whether or not that's true. Judge Peter Boshier's probe will look at whether the Official information Act is being weaponised to delay or stifle the flow of information with some govenment agencies routinely leaving it to the last possible moment to respond. He will also be delving into the role Ministers play in process and whether there is any evidence of "interference".

The Chief Ombudsman says from next year he will be monitoring Oranga Tamariki weekly to ensure children in need of care and protection recieve it. This follows the publication of an independent report yesterday into five-year-old Malachi Subecz's torture and murder by his carer. Dame Karen Poutasi's review proposes major changes - including making it mandatory for anyone tasked with child protection to report suspected abuse. Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier says the report has uncovered more failings by Oranga Tamariki, which were outside the scope of his own investigation published in October. Judge Boshier told Corin Dann the "utter incompetence" surrounding Malachi's death is heartbreaking.

This week our Maori news team examine one of the worst cases of child abuse the Chief Ombudsman has ever seen and the repatriation of more than 60 Maori and Moriori remains.

It's a case of child abuse the Chief Ombudsman has described as the worst he's ever seen. And he says the murder of Malachi Subecz last year was preventable. The five year old's wider whānau made numerous complaints to Oranga Tamariki, saying they feared for his safety. But the agency did nothing, in what the Chief Ombudsman today called a "litany of failures". Jamie Tahana reports.

Children's Commissioner Judge Frances Eivers says it should be mandatory for Oranga Tamariki to investigate every report of suspected child abuse. It comes after the Chief Ombudsman released a scathing report saying the agency failed to take action when concerns were raised about the safety of five-year-old Malachi Subecz, who was last year murdered by his carer.  Malachi's whānau raised concerns for months but nothing was done by the state agency.  Eivers spoke to Susie Ferguson.  

Today on the second half of The Panel, Wallace and panellists Lynda Hallinan and Mark Sainsbury talk about the life of legendary country singer Loretta Lynn and what the Chief Ombudsman has called the entirely preventable death of a five year old Tauranga boy. Plus they discuss tiny homes and the call of the kookaburra in Aotearoa.

Oranga Tamariki is being slammed over the death of five year old Malachi Subecz. An investigation conducted by the Chief Ombudsman of New Zealand has found that Oranga Tamariki failed to do the bare minimum to protect Malachi Subecz from abuse from his caregiver in the lead up to his death.  Oranga Tamariki CEO, Chappie Te Kani, is here now to offer an explanation. "I'm still awaiting the work of the Chief Social Worker, his work is broader and deeper than the Chief Ombudsman's investigation. But to be assured, once that review is completed, if the Chief Social Worker highlights to me that systems need to be improved or people held to account, I will do that." LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oranga Tamariki is being accused of a ‘litany of failures' in the weeks and months before a child's life was taken. The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier says a report given to OT when Malachi Subeczs was four, flagged suspected abuse and medical neglect - but it was not acted on. Photos of his bruised face were not given to police. There was no risk assessment. No one was sent to ask Malachi if he felt safe. Malachi was murdered at just five years old, after months of torture.  Speaking on Tova, Boshier said this is one of the 'most distressing' cases he has ever encountered in all his years of being a family court judge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chief Ombudsman is flagging concerns tonight about how government agencies are responding to requests for official information. Peter Boshier has run the ruler over 12 agencies and found some media teams are breaching the Official Information Act. He's also found some ministers are getting a heads up about information heading out, three to five days before it's released. Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier talks through the details with Nick Truebridge. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6312949192112

The Chief Ombudsman has found significant gaps in our Official Information Act practices. Peter Boshier's report looks at how well a dozen core government agencies are complying with the Act. Overall, he's found the public service is increasingly transparent and open. But, he says, chief executives and other senior leaders still need to make sure their agencies have the resources and systems in place to handle their OIA workloads. He's discovered examples of media teams breaching the Act by failing to give journalists a reason when they've refused to provide information. Boshier is growing concerned about the experiences journalists are reporting, and the apparent dismissal of them by some agencies. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chief Ombudsman says it's unacceptable that some inmates in one of our jails are on camera even while undressing, showering and going to the toilet. Peter Boshier has released a report base on a surprise inspection of Otago Corrections Facility that was carried out in October 2020. He says allowing prisoners to be monitored while undressed could be considered a breach of New Zealand's obligations. Corrections chief custodial officer Neil Beales joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Chris Hipkins says Gaurav Sharma's expulsion isn't pre-determined do you: 1) laugh or, 2) simply not believe him? For a government that is this under the gun, statements like that don't help. Not helping either is the release of the letter from Sharma to the Prime Minister's office last December, proving this thing has been going on for a while and showing that despite the Prime Minister's office saying it's all dealt with and it was all settled, the fact we are where we are, tells us that's not true. Then we have the Chief Ombudsman's office writing to the Prime Minister's office - who must be getting sick of all the mail by now - asking whether this Official Information Act activity that Sharma says they are involved in is above board. The sad thing about ombudsmen is they are close to being pointless, they have no teeth. You can see from here how the Prime Minister's office will respond, by saying "no need to worry, it's all under control, squeaky clean, nothing to see here". To which the ombudsman will say, and I have the response, they will assure all is well and I must accept their word for it. So sort of a waste of time really, eh? Anyway, back to the expulsion. By tomorrow, Sharma is gone from the party and the issue for him then is whether he sits as an independent or goes full nuclear and calls a by-election. Either way, none of it is resolved and none of it helps the Labour Party, who are now dreadfully exposed for a variety of behaviour and attitudes they would hoped to have kept under wraps a lot longer than they have. Sharma's only risk is if the public tires of it. All scandals have a life and that life is determined by the specifics of the so called crime and the material associated with it. And also, the news cycle. If something else big rolls in the media only has a capacity to handle one story at a time and the public not much more either. The Labour Party will be praying for something big and/or Sharma to have basically played his full hand. But as we sit here this morning, that is speculative. What we know for a fact is the Government start the week in a world of pain. Most of which is entirely of their own making.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions to Ministers BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy? CHRISTOPHER LUXON to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all of her Government's statements and actions? TERISA NGOBI to the Minister for Disability Issues: What recent announcements has she made on New Zealand Sign Language? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Minister of Social Development and Employment: Does she stand by the Prime Minister's statement, "Absolutely - I wouldn't dispute that for a moment" in response to Fairer Future, who said that "people on a benefit should be able to participate fully in society", and what specific new initiatives, if any, have been agreed to reduce poverty among beneficiary whanau? NICOLA WILLIS to the Minister of Finance: Does he agree with Westpac Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod, who said this week that "over the coming year household spending levels will come under pressure from continued increases in the cost of living"; if so, why won't he provide New Zealanders with income tax relief? INGRID LEARY to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: What recent announcements has she made about the Government's ongoing response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine? ERICA STANFORD to the Associate Minister of Education: Does she stand by the press release issued by her predecessor in February 2020 titled "School attendance has to improve"; if so, is she satisfied with her Government's progress in tackling truancy so far? SHANAN HALBERT to the Associate Minister of Housing (Maori Housing): How is the Government partnering with iwi Maori to deliver new homes for whanau? DAVID SEYMOUR to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by her Government's statements and policies? RACHEL BOYACK to the Minister for Emergency Management: How is the Government supporting grassroots emergency resilience initiatives? MATT DOOCEY to the Minister of Health: Why have solitary confinement rates increased in mental health inpatient facilities despite the $1.9 billion announced for mental health, and what is his response to the Chief Ombudsman, who said about his recent mental health reports, "the Ministry of Health needs to answer to you and the public as to what it's done with the taxpayers' money"? JAN LOGIE to the Minister for ACC: How does she respond to the findings of the Helen Clark Foundation report on perinatal mental health, which calls on the Government to expand cover for mental injury under the Accident Compensation (Maternal Birth Injury and Other Matters) Amendment Bill so that support is available for mental injuries resulting from a traumatic birth?

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage is pushing ahead with plans for the National Erebus Memorial to be at Parnell's Dove Myer-Robinson Park. That's despite criticism from the Chief Ombudsman that the ministry should have consulted more widely, before forming its preference for a location. Former Waitemata Local Board Member Sarah Trotman voted against the memorial.  She told Kate Hawkesby while it's a great result, the fight isn't over yet. Trotman says the ministry has to realise its consultation has been defective and the site is tainted. LISTEN ABOVE

Despite the Prime Minister promising New Zealand's most transparent government ever, gripes about getting access to official information have sky rocketed. Figures from the Ombudsman show complaints about OIA responses from government agencies jumped 33 percent last year compared to the previous 12 months. The Public Service Commission's announced its going to start publishing more information about OIA's like average response times, refusals and extensions, something that was recommended years ago. Chief Ombudsman Judge Peter Boshier talks to Lisa Owen. 

The Chief Ombudsman has told MPs that some prisoners have better conditions than some others do in MIQ. Peter Boshier presented a review of MIQ to a parliamentary select committee yesterday, after carrying out six inspections of the facilities last year. He spoke to Guyon Espiner. MIQ declined an invitation to speak on Morning Report on Friday.

The Chief Ombudsman has told MPs that some prisoners have better conditions than some others do in MIQ. Peter Boshier presented a review of MIQ to a parliamentary select committee yesterday, after carrying out six inspections of the facilities last year. He spoke to Guyon Espiner. MIQ declined an invitation to speak on Morning Report on Friday.

The Chief Ombudsman says the MIQ booking system is one of the things he's received the most complaints about.Peter Boshier's launched an investigation into it, after about 200 complaints from people around the world.They claim the system is unlawful, unfit for purpose, unfair and poorly managed.Boshier told Andrew Dickens in order to deal with them all, he has to group the cases together.“I don't normally get anywhere near this number of requests on a single aspect of New Zealand life, so this is a really big one for us.”LISTEN ABOVE

The Chief Ombudsman is launching an investigation into the MIQ booking system after receiving a record number of complaints on a single issue. His office received 8-hundred complaints. Peter Boshier says he'll ask why MBIE has worked through so many different types of technology give a queue fairness. Ashwin Naidu lives in Melbourne and wanted to visit his grandmother in New Zealand as she was very sick but was not allowed... He filed four complaints to Ombudsman and joins us for his reaction to the news of an investigation.

The Chief Ombudsman has launched an investigation into the MIQ system following a flood of complaints. Judge Peter Boshier has received more than 800 complaints about the government-run system since July last year. He has previously raised concerns about the systems limited capacity with most people now vying for a voucher through a lottery system. Judge Boshier told Checkpoint he has the ability to recommend changes to the MIQ system, which may have more success than legal action against the government. "I can be very far reaching and much broader than a court is able to go. For instance, I can say this is the way your system is built, I find that unreasonable, I recommend you change it, and do the following. "And most of the time, most recommendations I make are taken up by agencies."

The Chief Ombudsman says he's received a huge amount of complaints about our MIQ and border rules recently, and is considering action.Peter Boshier says more than 700 people complained to him since the beginning of July, indicating a growing frustration of the system.LISTEN ABOVE

The Chief Ombudsman has been swamped with complaints about Managed Isolation and Quarantine. Judge Peter Boshier's office has received more than 700 MIQ and border-related complaints in the last six weeks. Sixty-seven of those from people who have missed out on spots in the government managed facilities. Chief Ombudsman Judge Peter Boshier talks to Lisa Owen.  

An Auckland school has had to apologise to a student expelled for swearing at a teacher in 2019.Macleans College has been told to say sorry to the teenager, after his family lodged a formal complaint to the Ombudsman.The student was expelled after telling a teacher to "F*** off" in an argument over an iPad, which the Year 13 boy was allowed to use due to writing difficulties.The college has strict rules about where and when devices can be used, but the Chief Ombudsman ruled the student's behaviour was not gross misconduct.Kerre McIvor spoke to Kerry White, Principal of Holy Family Catholic School in Adelaide who in his 38 years as a Principal has never expelled or suspended one of his students.LISTEN ABOVE

In today's pod: thousands of nurses are going on strike - the Nurses Organisation explains what they want; the Cook Islands travel bubble has businesses booming and the Chief Ombudsman has raised serious concerns about the state of some of New Zealand's acute care mental health facilities

Soiled carpets, walls covered in graffiti and a lack of communal space - these are just some of findings made by the Chief Ombudsman during inspections of acute mental health facilities. In new reports, two of three places inspected last year were found to be not fit for purpose despite housing some of New Zealands most vulnerable mental health patients. Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier spoke to Susie Ferguson.

Soiled carpets, walls covered in graffiti and a lack of communal space - these are just some of findings made by the Chief Ombudsman during inspections of acute mental health facilities. In new reports, two of three places inspected last year were found to be not fit for purpose despite housing some of New Zealands most vulnerable mental health patients. Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier spoke to Susie Ferguson.

Corrections is being accused of inertia and moving at a glacial pace when it comes to improving "barren and undignified" jail conditions and the treatment of inmates. The Chief Ombudsman says it is undermining public confidence in the prison system. Unannounced follow-up inspections of Christchurch Men's Prison and Whanganui Prison in 2020 show the jails have failed to make most of the improvements recommended during earlier inspections. Among the concerns are the treatment of a transgender inmate, unnecessary and disproportionate use of force, unapproved restraint techniques, the use of so-called dry cells with no toilets or running water, generally sub-standard cells, evening meals at 3:30pm and inadequate access to release programmes, to name a few. Chief Ombudsman Judge Peter Boshier tells Lisa Owen he's very disappointed.  

Last week The Chief Ombudsman announced a self initiated, independent investigation into how the Department of Corrections has responded to repeated calls for reforms aimed at improving conditions for prisoners.  Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier said that “In many areas, he has not seen significant and sustained improvements to prisoners’ welfare and rehabilitation, despite concerns about conditions being raised by him and others at different levels of the department, and report after report being released calling for change.” Peter Boshier is Chief Ombudsman for New Zealand. He was appointed in December 2015, following a distinguished career as a Judge, and in May 2020 was reappointed for a second five-year term. Born and educated in Gisborne, Peter attended Victoria University of Wellington, obtaining a Bachelor of Laws with Honours Degree in 1975. After a period of practice in Wellington he was appointed as a District Court Judge with a specialist Family Court warrant in 1988. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chief Ombudsman is to investigate how well the Department of Corrections has responded to repeated calls to improve conditions for inmates. The Ombudsman says in many areas he has not yet seen significant and sustained improvements to prisoners' welfare and rehabilitation. Corrections confirmed it will no longer use handcuffs on women prisoners who are past 30 weeks pregnant, during labour, or while in hospital after birth on Monday. Reporter Anan Zaki has more.

The Chief Ombudsman is to investigate how well the Department of Corrections has responded to repeated calls to improve conditions for inmates. The Ombudsman says in many areas he has not yet seen significant and sustained improvements to prisoners' welfare and rehabilitation. Corrections confirmed it will no longer use handcuffs on women prisoners who are past 30 weeks pregnant, during labour, or while in hospital after birth on Monday. Reporter Anan Zaki has more.

95 percent of ACC sexual abuse claims from women fail. The Chief Ombudsman launchs a major investigation into the Department of Corrections' treatment of prisoners. We speak to the Prime Minister about the government's immigration shake up. The Cook Islands bubble opens up with flights out of Auckland starting this morning.

There's a level of urgency to understand whether Corrections has properly responded to calls for prison reforms.The Chief Ombudsman is launching a review of prison conditions and inmates' treatment, as well as how it monitors complaints, and incident reviews.A justice reform group believes an investigation into Corrections will find the department is riddled with systemic issues.Just Speak's director Tania Sawicki Mead told Kate Hawkesby the same issues are being raised over and over."Time is running out, I think, for Corrections to actually comply with the law and to make sure they aren't inflicting more trauma and more harm on a group of people who need support to reintegrate successfully back into their communities."She says the Ombudsman is likely to find a culture in parts of the organisation which is resistant to any change."Urgency is required."LISTEN ABOVE

95 percent of ACC sexual abuse claims from women fail. The Chief Ombudsman launchs a major investigation into the Department of Corrections' treatment of prisoners. We speak to the Prime Minister about the government's immigration shake up. The Cook Islands bubble opens up with flights out of Auckland starting this morning.

Tuesday 18th May, 2021 The AM Show Time and time again there has been calls to improve the conditions in our prisons. Chief Ombudsman, Peter Boshier has launched a systemic investigation into the Department of Corrections. Peter came on The AM Show to talk about what he is wanting to achieve with his investigation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Waitangi Tribunal has called on the Crown to step down after a report found state care provider Oranga Tamariki to be a foundation of structural racism.The Tribunal now recommends that a Māori Transition Authority be established and is calling on the Crown to support this establishment for Māori to lead the way.The Tribunal's Oranga Tamariki Urgent Inquiry Report, released today, said the state care provider had a poor cultural understanding and had created distrust throughout the care and protection system."They accepted that the broader forces of colonisation and structural racism, alongside the ongoing effect of historical injustices on whānau, hapū and iwi, contributed to this disparity," the report says.The findings come after five inquiries were launched into Oranga Tamariki under former chief executive Graine Moss' leadership, when a Hastings incident revealed Oranga Tamariki social workers repeatedly trying to uplift a Māori baby from hospital despite the mother's objection.The probes included an internal review, inquiries by Whānau Ora, the Chief Ombudsman, the Children's Commissioner and the Waitangi Tribunal.This led to Moss' resignation earlier this year, which Māori political leaders Kelvin Davis and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said was "the right thing to do".The Tribunal said it was time for Māori to "reclaim their space" to make decisions in what was best suited for tamariki Māori, and that the Crown stepped back from making "further intrusion".The Children's Commissioner and Assistant Māori Commissioner said the inquiry outlined the failure of Oranga Tamariki and its current approach to protect Māori children."The Tribunal's comprehensive report is the latest evidence that the state care and protection system is not working for Māori and must be completely transformed," Children's Commissioner Judge Andrew Becroft said.Becroft said a "for Māori, by Māori" approach is a "once-in-a-generation opportunity to get it right for mokopuna and whānau Māori"."We urge the Government to take it.""The 'child rescue' model inherited by Oranga Tamariki has for decades failed to work for mokopuna Māori, and it never will."Too often it has severed the links between mokopuna and their whānau, hapū and iwi, damaging their lifelong connections, identity and wellbeing."The Tribunal said there was "a pressing national issue for many Māori and there is a risk of significant and irreversible prejudice to whānau, hapū and iwi".The report found that prior to the highly publicised Hastings uplift in mid-2019, Oranga Tamariki routinely failed to follow its own policies, with structural racism at the forefront.Māori are more likely to end up in Oranga Tamariki care, accounting for 61.2 per cent of children in 2017, the report found.In 2018, five babies a week were being separated from their mothers, majority of which were Māori. In 2019, the number of newborn babies taken into custody dropped to 248 but were also predominantly Māori.Tamariki Māori were suffering or likely to suffer significant and irreversible prejudice as a result of the current or pending actions of Oranga Tamariki, for which there was no alternative remedy bar an immediate inquiry.The report said the Crown acknowledged that there was a significant disparity between the number of tamariki Māori and non-Māori being taken into care.The Crown accepted that the impacts of colonisation, structural racism and the ongoing effect of historical injustices on whānau, hapū and iwi, contributed to this disparity.The Tribunal said the Crown must support the transformation to come, but it is not one that it can or should lead.LISTEN ABOVE

Deirdre Hutton has experienced all those spheres of regulation, and more, having just stepped down from ten years as chair of the Civil Aviation Authority. In this seminar she is joined by Professor Cary Coglianese, director of the Penn Program on Regulation, and Walter Merricks, former Chief Ombudsman of the Financial Ombudsman Service. Together they will discuss what makes for successful regulation, the risks of excessive regulation or regulatory capture, with illustrations from their very wide professional experience.

"It stinks to high heaven".A political commentator has spoken out over Green MP Julie Anne Genter's continued refusal to release a letter on Wellington's transport package she wrote to Transport Minister Phil Twyford.The Chief Ombudsman last week confirmed he would be investigating the letter, which Genter has refused to release to the public.Genter initially said she had only signed it as a MP, but later confirmed she had signed it as Associate Transport Minister. Shane Te Pou told the Weekend Collective the public needs to see what's in the letter. "Here's the thing: if it was boring and it didn't say much, why wouldn't you just blinking release it? I think there's a lot more too it, and that's why they are not releasing it." The contents of the letter have not been confirmed, but Wellington councillors have reportedly said that Genter had threatened to resign from her role if a second Mt Victoria tunnel was built.