Podcasts about oranga tamariki

Just when I thought the issue of pay parity couldn't get any more confusing, the Government has made it so. Yesterday, the coalition government moved under urgency in Parliament to raise the threshold for proving work has been historically undervalued when making a pay equity claim. Under the new legislation, any current claims would be stopped and need to restart under the new higher threshold to show genuine gender discrimination and make sure the comparator settings were right. So 33 current claims will be stopped as a result. ACT's deputy leader and Minister for Workplace Relations Brooke Van Velden, the architect of the bill, said she supported pay equity, but the legislation introduced back in 2020 was problematic. “At the moment, people can choose a comparator for sex-based discrimination across the entire workforce. We're saying let's start firstly at home. If you can find people within your own employer, that would be a good starting point. If that comparison can't be made with a similar employer, that comparison's not there within your industry, if you can't find one there you've got to stop.” Which all sounds perfectly reasonable, because I've always thought how on earth do you compare completely different occupations? As van Velden told Parliament, Health New Zealand admin and clerical staff, as an example, have been compared to mechanical engineers. Health New Zealand librarians have been compared to transport engineers and Oranga Tamariki's social workers have been compared to air traffic controllers. I can't get my head around that at all. Equally, van Velden makes an interesting case about how wide-ranging and unwieldy claims can be drawing in vast numbers of employers. But the Government is moving or has moved so quickly, there's no Select Committee on the bill and as Thomas Coughlan points out in the Herald, officials didn't have time to write up a regulatory impact statement – which is an irony considering the changes were made by Brooke van Velden who is responsible for creating the regulatory impact statement. So before MPs vote on a bill they can have a look at the regulatory impact statement. How much is it going to cost? What are the effects? What are the wide-ranging impacts of introducing this legislation? They don't have that, and didn't have that when they went to vote last night. And as Thomas Coughlan concludes in his piece in the Herald, if the government cannot publish official papers that explain why this is a good idea, the public can be forgiven for concluding this is because it isn't one. It's the optics for me. Absolute optics. How can National champion pay parity in 2020 and champion the very legislation that they're now amending, and then say no, it's unworkable, unsustainable? They actually thought it was a jolly good idea in 2017. National began the process of amending the equal pay legislation in 2016. There's excerpts from speeches to Parliament back in 2020 when the equal pay legislation was introduced doing the rounds on Facebook, and quotes Nicola Willis saying this was a process National kicked off in the last government. “A bill was drafted, things were ready to go, and then there was a change of government – that's when Labour and New Zealand First formed the coalition. So my colleague Denise Lee, who believes very passionately in the concept of equal pay and pay equity, took a member's bill to this Parliament to progress pay equity in the absence of the new government where National had left off.” So she's taken credit for legislation that she now says is unsustainable and un-workable. How can you do that? Well, you can do that when you've got a bloody great hole in your budget, can't you? Yesterday, she said what this is about is ensuring we're clear, transparent and fair to ensure that where those claims are made, they relate to gender based discrimination and that other issues to do with pay and working conditions are raised during the normal employment relations process. So either the bill that that she worked so assiduously on and took credit for in 2020 was drafted poorly, or she's completely changed her mind about its workability. Or they didn't see through what the implications might be? And again, when you pass bills under urgency, which that was in 2020 and which this is now, you get those gaps because you don't have time to look at the far-reaching consequences – remember, there's no regulatory impact statement. So it was passed under urgency in 2020. Maggie Barry, at the time a National MP, harrumphed about it and said, for heaven's sake with Covid going on, we're passing this under urgency, this is a nonsense. But she still voted for it, as did National. And now they're saying it's unsustainable and unworkable. What this looks like is National stepping back from legislation they worked on, recommended and pushed through the House, and in fact took credit for it when it passed, so they can balance their books. It gives their critics all sorts of opportunities to lambast the government for stealing from the poorest paid workers to give rebates to wealthy landlords and tax cuts to the wealthy pricks. I actually happen to agree with the restrictions that Brooke van Velden is imposing, I think that they make sense. But it's a unique gift that this government has to make something right look so very, very wrong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oranga Tamariki is pinning its hopes on a $70 million IT upgrade, as alerts about children being abused surge. Phil Pennington spoke to Corin Dann.

The Children's Minister says good progress is being made on reports coming into Oranga Tamariki. The Ministry for Children estimates it's seen a 45% increase in reports of concern in the year to April. Karen Chhour says the number of children in unsafe households is alarming but it's positive seeing more people reporting them. She told Mike Hosking the urgency of each report can vary, with several potentially applying to the same child. Chhour says not all reports need Oranga Tamariki intervention, with lower urgency cases better dealt with by community resources. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 30 April 2025, numbers revealed this morning show more 1,300 children are waiting to be assigned a social worker by Oranga Tamariki. Child Matters CEO Jane Searle gives her reaction to Ryan Bridge. Labour is already calling the upcoming budget the "slash and burn budget." But Ryan questions Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds on what she would do differently. We get reaction from Canada as Mark Carney and the Liberal Party pull off a remarkable win in the country's election. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A children's support charity says a mix of heightened awareness and more abuse could be the reason for more reports to Oranga Tamariki. The Ministry for Children estimates its seen a 45 percent increase in reports of concern in the year to April. It comes as Newstalk ZB reveals more than a-thousand children are overdue to be assigned a social worker. Child Matters Chief Executive Jane Searle told Ryan Bridge it's aware of a large volume of under-reporting - especially in serious cases. She says increased reporting is certainly not indicative of just more awareness. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour Leader is pushing back against criticism of emergency housing motels amid an increase in reports of concern to Oranga Tamariki. It estimates its seen a 45% increase in reports in the year to April, and data shows that as of March 31st, there were 1,391 children overdue to be given a social worker. Chris Hipkins is rebuking the idea the situation is a legacy of the previous Labour Government, telling John MacDonald that economic circumstances often result in a rise in negative statistics, as families are under a lot of financial pressure. He accepts this kind of thing builds over time, but an increase of this magnitude cannot solely be blamed on the previous government, and the current government has played a role. "If we've got more kids living on the streets and living in cars because they've booted everyone out of emergency accommodation and they're being referred to Oranga Tamariki as a result of that, which the government was told would happen, with their emergency accommodation policy, then yes, that is the government's responsibility." Motels were one of the Labour Party's emergency housing solutions, and Hipkins admits that it's not optimal, but it's better than having people living in cars or under bridges. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions to Ministers JAMIE ARBUCKLE to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Minister for Maori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti: Have Maori-Crown relations improved since the coalition Government took office? KATIE NIMON to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the fiscal policy response to economic shocks? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister of Education: Is she committed to the purpose of the Education and Training Act 2020 that establishes and regulates an education system that "honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supports Maori-Crown relationships"; if so, how? Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER to the Minister of Transport: Does he accept evidence that a person struck by a vehicle travelling at 30 km/h has a 90 percent chance of surviving, dropping to only 20 percent if hit at 50 km/h; if so, will he listen to the pleas from school principals, aged care residents, and communities who want to keep safer speeds of 30 km/h? Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN to the Minister for Disability Issues: Does she stand by her statement, "That is why we are prioritising disabled people, their families, and carers"; if so, is she confident that all Government agencies are acting in the best interests of disabled people? TAKUTA FERRIS to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries: What assurances can he provide, if any, that his proposed fisheries reforms will not diminish Maori customary gathering rights or the ability of New Zealanders to gather kai moana to feed their whanau? TAMATHA PAUL to the Minister of Housing: Can he guarantee that cutting a net 673 roles at Kainga Ora will not impact any front-line services, including those working with the Ministry of Social Development to place people in public housing? Dr CARLOS CHEUNG to the Minister of Housing: What reports has he seen on the housing market? SHANAN HALBERT to the Minister of Education: What evidence, if any, does she have that supports the removal of the relationship and sexuality education guidelines? MILES ANDERSON to the Associate Minister of Transport: What recent announcements has he made about the Ashburton Bridge? Dr PARMJEET PARMAR to the Minister for Children: What recent announcements has she made regarding a safety-first approach for Oranga Tamariki?

FIRST WITH YESTERDAY'S NEWS (highlights from Wednesday on Newstalk ZB) Who'd Be a Cop?/Who'd Be an MP?/Who'd Look After These Kids?/Who'd Be an Office Lady?/Why Can't We Do Game Shows?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Children's Minister says 'outdated' requirements could be institutionalising kids by limiting resources. The Government is scrapping Oranga Tamariki targets for placing children with family and investing with Māori organisations. A Bill passed last week to remove Treaty provisions from the Children's Ministry. Children's Minister Karen Chhour says she hears non-Māori caregivers have felt unwanted in recent years. "I want good caregivers, people who are willing to open up their homes and love these kids, to feel comfortable putting their hands up knowing that they can do a good job for these young people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 8 April 2025, former Finance Minister Steven Joyce tells Ryan Bridge we're in unchartered territory when it comes to the global economy. Minister for Children Karen Chhour explains why she's happy Oranga Tamariki is ditching a target to place kids with their wider family. Black Caps coach Gary Stead wants to stay on as test coach, but will step down as ODI and T20 coach. Plus, the Huddle debates whether former Labour MP Andrew Little would make a good new mayor for Wellington. 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.

Oranga Tamariki is getting rid of its target to place 58% of the kids in its care with wider Whanau. And it's also ditching a target for investment with Māori organisations - 23% of funding was targeted for those organisations. The Minister for Children Karen Chhour says this is part of OT's 'Safety First' approach. She says the targets were outdated and went against the ‘need not race' directive. And she was concerned whether the priority of Māori organisations were getting in the way of the quality and efficacy of the services being provided. And it all makes sense. The ingrained belief in our child social workers that kids are always better off rehomed with whanau always seemed counter factual. In many cases the abuse directed at the kids was at the hands of whanau themselves - people that had been raised by other people in their family but failed at their own parenting. So why would we give the kids to them? It often seemed that children were being thrown right back into the very cauldron we were trying to help them escape from. There have been examples for generations - let us not forget Baby Ru. He was murdered in October 2023, and nobody has been charged for killing him. There was anger then and anger now when the people who were there when he suffered did not co-operate with Police. Those people were, and are, Rosie Morunga, her partner Dylan Ross, and Ru's mother Storm Wall. Ru's whanau. What happened people? The uplifting of kids is a very serious thing and they need to be housed in safe places with good people. But the history of Oranga Tamariki suggests that too many of the supposed saviours are in fact predators hiding in plain sight. There's no easy answer to this other than strong vigilance by our agencies and the need to find good people who can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Te Pāti Māori MPs, Hana Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, and Rawiri Waititi, did not attend the Privileges Committee over their contempt of the House, following their haka in Parliament protesting the Treaty Principles Bill. The party instead are planning on holding their own hearing regarding the matter. Privileges Committee chairwoman Judith Collins, called the no-show “unprecedented” and has given the MPs “one final chance” to attend the hearing. For our weekly catch up, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp about the party's action, and why they are going about the hearing in their own manner. We also spoke about the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act passing its final reading. But first, we discussed the party not attending the Privileges Committee.

Christopher Luxon says he has no regrets about the Treaty Principles Bill. Parliament's Justice Committee has recommended the bill not proceed when it returns to the House, after public submissions were overwhelmingly opposed to it. The Prime Minister says it's time for the debate to end. He told Mike Hosking allowing the bill to proceed to committee stage, but refusing to support it any further, is the right approach. LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions to Ministers SCOTT WILLIS to the Minister of Climate Change: What was the rationale behind the decision to give Tiwai Point aluminium smelter an extra $37 million per year subsidy of carbon credits? Dr VANESSA WEENINK to the Minister of Health: What recent reports has he seen on the Government's health targets? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? LAURA McCLURE to the Minister for Children: What action is the Government taking to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children is at the forefront of decision making for Oranga Tamariki? RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH to the Minister of Health: Is the primary healthcare sector structured to serve the public good; if not, why not? CARL BATES to the Minister of Police: What recent reports has he seen on the public's perception of safety? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Minister of Health: Are workforce shortages in regional hospitals limiting access to health services; if so, when will normal services be restored? JENNY MARCROFT to the Minister for Resources: What reports has he received on the resources sector? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Associate Minister of Police: Does she stand by the Minister of Police's statement on the coalition commitment to deliver 500 front-line police by 27 November 2025, "It's aspirational"; if not, why not? MARIAMENO KAPA-KINGI to the Minister for Children: Does she think provisions in the Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Amendment Bill allowing the use of physical force against children in State care breach the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to be protected from all forms of physical violence? SHANAN HALBERT to the Minister for Universities: Does he expect increases in tertiary sector enrolment levels, given the unemployment rate is 5.1 percent? PAULO GARCIA to the Minister for Building and Construction: What is the Government doing to support tradies?

Questions to Ministers TODD STEPHENSON to the Associate Minister of Justice: Why is this Government adjusting the funding criteria for the Proceeds of Crime Fund? TANYA UNKOVICH to the Minister for Rail: Is the Cook Strait ferry replacement programme on track? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Will the average jobseeker beneficiary subjected to compulsory money management be able to afford their rent and bills? Dr VANESSA WEENINK to the Acting Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (Grocery Sector): What recent reports has she seen on grocery competition? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement yesterday that "The Treasury got its forecasts before the election plain wrong"; if so, why should the public believe future Treasury forecasts? RIMA NAKHLE to the Minister of Justice: What actions has the Government taken to restore real consequences for crime? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister for Children: Does she stand by her statement regarding the release of the rates of reoffending by participants of the military-style academy pilot that "Oranga Tamariki is of the understanding that they follow my instructions that these young people's privacy is the most important thing, and making sure that we're taking care of the wellbeing and the safety of these young people comes first and foremost before anything else"; if so, did she direct Oranga Tamariki to withhold the rates of reoffending by participants of the military-style academy pilot? GREG FLEMING to the Minister for the Public Service: What recent reports has she seen from the Public Service Commission? TANGI UTIKERE to the Minister of Local Government: Does he agree with Standard & Poor's that their ratings downgrade of 18 councils and three council-controlled organisations "reflects factors including the quick passage and repeal of several key laws governing local councils, the cancellation of various Crown grant programs, an increase in unfunded mandates, and recent announcements about infrastructure financing options"; if not, why not? LAN PHAM to the Minister of Conservation: Does he agree with the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries' statement that "Locals have raised serious concerns about the decline of spiny rock lobster in the inner Hauraki Gulf, and this has been backed up by fishery-independent research. I share these concerns and ... I've decided to stop spiny rock lobster fishing in the inner Gulf"; if so, is he also committed to protections in the Hauraki Gulf? TIM COSTLEY to the Minister of Police: Does he agree with the statement by the member for Wellington Central that people "do not want to see police officers everywhere, and, for a lot of people, it makes them feel less safe"; if not, why not? Question to Member Hon Dr DUNCAN WEBB to the Chairperson of the Justice Committee: Will he report the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill to the House before all submissions have been processed and considered by members?

Oranga Tamariki's privacy standards are in the spotlight after a critical review. The report highlighted nine cases it described as a 'snapshot of issues'. They include a locked cabinet of client files being donated to charity, and social workers giving a mother's and child's address to a father accused of rape. In another, a mother suffered more abuse - after her file was shared with her child's father. Minister for Children Karen Chhour says that case was particularly tough reading. "That gives me grave concern - which is why I set an expectation for Oranga Tamariki around privacy and privacy breaches. These are unacceptable." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 24 March 2025, Children's Minister Karen Chhour says she's shocked by revelations of Oranga Tamariki's grievous privacy breaches, including informing a woman's former partner of her address - leading to her physical abuse. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop tells Ryan Bridge he's ready to rip up the RMA - but what's it going to be replaced with? Ryan has a bouquet for a Rotorua councilor .... and Local Government NZ argues councils never spend money on stupid vanity projects. Plus, former All White Ben Sigmund remembers the last time New Zealand qualified for the FIFA World Cup - and the party that followed. 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.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Tuesday 25th of March 2025, The Government's finally scrapping the Resource Management Act, Federated Farmers RMA Reform Spokesperson Mark Hooper tells Andrew Dickens what he thinks of the new plan. The All Whites won 3-0 to New Caledonia, Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport Host Jason Pine was on the sidelines at the game. Oranga Tamariki has still not fixed systems that led to privacy breaches Save the Children Child Rights Advocacy and Research Director, Jacqui Southey shares her concerns. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio keeps us up to date with the finishing touches on Australia's Federal Budget. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Save the Children says Oranga Tamariki needs to step up communication in the name of trust, so they can do their job. A newly released review has highlighted nine representative privacy breaches, with at least one leading to a mother being abused after her address was shared to her child's father. Save the Children Advocacy Director Jacqui Southey told Andrew Dickens if the public don't trust the agency, they'll struggle to receive the reports they need to work effectively. Southey says it cannot be underestimated how critical it is for them to step up and communicate how they're rectifying this and making the changes people want to see. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Grievous" privacy breaches have been revealed at Oranga Tamariki, including a staff member who took a screenshot of a mother's file and shared it with the child's father, leading to the mother suffering further physical abuse. Phil Pennington spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The number of reports of concern about at-risk children made to Oranga Tamariki jumped more than a third last year. Lauren Crimp has more.

Questions to Ministers MIKE BUTTERICK to the Minister of Finance: What are the Government's priorities for Budget 2025? Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? SAM UFFINDELL to the Minister of Health: What recent announcements has he made on improving access to timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement that she is looking at "changes to strengthen transparency and fiscal responsibility"; if so, is she confident that the fiscal risks in Budget 2024 are manageable? KATIE NIMON to the Minister of Education: What steps have been taken to improve the delivery of school property for students across the country? KAHURANGI CARTER to the Minister for Children: What changes, if any, does she intend to make in response to the Aroturuki Tamariki Independent Children's Monitor's Experience of Care in Aotearoa 2023/24 report that found that Oranga Tamariki social workers are under significant pressure? HANA-RAWHITI MAIPI-CLARKE to the Minister of Education: Is she confident that her actions will improve education achievement for all rangatahi? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his statement, "my focus is and always will be on improving patient outcomes. Patients will be my number one priority", and what is the role of health workers in achieving those outcomes for patients? CAMERON BREWER to the Minister of Police: What recent announcements has he made about Police's work to tackle gangs? MARK CAMERON to the Associate Minister of Justice: How are firearms prohibition orders intended to make New Zealand safer? Hon Dr DUNCAN WEBB to the Minister of Justice: Does he stand by his statements and actions in respect of extended powers of arrest and detention for ordinary citizens?

This two-episode podcast examines the importance of effective, proactive multi-agency collaboration in adolescent forensic mental health settings. In this discussion, Dr James Gardiner and Dr Enys Delmage cover common presentations and highlight best practices across various environments, including inpatient services, community-based care and in-reach programs to youth justice residences (secure units operated by Oranga Tamariki, where some children remanded by the Youth or High Courts may be placed). This series introduces key topics that will be explored in greater detail at the upcoming RANZCP Section of Child and Adolescent Forensic Psychiatry Conference held in March 2025, Wellington. This podcast will be valuable for professionals working in adolescent forensic settings or those involved with children in the justice system.   Dr James Gardiner is a forensic psychiatrist working at Tū Māia, formerly known as Regional Youth Forensic Services in Auckland.  Most of his work involves delivering in-reach mental health care to the two youth justice residences in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.  James has worked as an in-reach psychiatrist in various correctional settings for around 20 years, with the last 10 years working with young people. Dr Enys Delmage is an adolescent forensic psychiatrist working at Ngā Taiohi, a secure inpatient service for young people in Porirua, Wellington. With a specific interest in the interface between mental health and the law in relation to young people, his research primarily explores the international landscape of the minimum age of criminal responsibility. References: UN Office on Drugs and Crime's International Homicide Statistics database World Bank International Crime Rates and Statistics 2000-2025 dataTopic suggestion:If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we'd love to hear from you.Please contact us by email at: psychmatters.feedback@ranzcp.orgDisclaimer:This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP's Your Health In Mind Website.

Once again a report has found the state agency meant to protect our children is failing to meet minimum standards of care for tamariki and rangatahi. 507 children and young people were abused or neglected while in the care of Oranga Tamariki over the past year according to a report by the Independent Childrens Monitor. That's up on the year before. A shortage of approved non-whanau care givers also means a growing number of children are being parked up in motels under the care of social workers until placements can be found. 176 tamariki under Oranga Tamariki's care spent a total of 2648 nights in motels. Chief Executive of Aroturuki Tamariki Arran Jones spoke to Lisa Owen.

A child protection advocate says an increase in abuse and neglect in care cases comes as no surprise. A report by the Independent Children's Monitor has found the number of young people being abused in state care has increased, and children aren't receiving the minimum standards of care required. Child Matters Chief Executive Jane Searle told Mike Hosking things need to change. She says the report shows Oranga Tamariki is still not doing what it was designed to do. Searle says changes need to start with the huge workload of social workers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's warnings significant change is needed, as Oranga Tamariki continues to fall short. The Independent Children's Monitor's fourth annual report to July - shows the Ministry still isn't meeting National Care Standards, formed in 2019. It's not facilitating enough social worker visits and more children are being abused or neglected under its watch. Monitor head Arran Jones says state care still needs an overhaul to reduce incidents. "Kids that are coming into youth justice residences are more likely to be care experienced - and what we're saying is, unless you're actually doing right by these kids who are coming from broken homes, who've suffered abuse and neglect themselves - unless you're doing the right thing to care for them, what you'll see is negative outcomes." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s well known that New Zealand has a huge problem with keeping our children safe, fed, and housed. Reports over the years show how low New Zealand ranks for child wellbeing outcomes compared to other developed countries. Government stats show 23.5% of children born in 1998 had been the subject of a report of concern to Oranga Tamariki by the age of 17. That’s more than one in five kids. One Police study into 63 young people involved in ram-raids in 2022, showed 95% of them were linked to at least one family harm event, before first coming to police attention as a suspect or offender. And that’s before we even get into our high rate of homicide involving children. Under this Government, the duty of looking after our tamariki falls on Minister for Children and for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence – Karen Chhour. One of her big priorities so far this term has been reforming Oranaga Tamariki, and overseeing the reintroduction of bootcamps as one way of reforming young offenders. She joins us today on The Front Page to discuss her portfolios and how the Government is planning to help our children. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Children's Minister says saving Barnados' helpline for under-12s was a mutual decision reached with the Prime Minister. The 0800 What's Up support line and multiple other services were at risk of closure after the Government directed Oranga Tamariki to find savings last year. Now, Minister Karen Chhour has pressed pause on Oranga Tamariki reviewing such contracts. She says she didn't act because Chris Luxon became involved - but because the agency contacted her with concerns. "I'm glad they reached out, that's what I've been asking agencies to do over the last year - if you have a concern about something, reach out to me and I'll look into it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oranga Tamariki's cuts to early intervention services in the community has advocates worried that more kids will end up in care. Political reporter Lillian Hanly has more.

Today on the show... Stand Tū Māia is the charity that effectively emerged out of the old children’s health camps in NZ - they were set up in 1919 for undernourished children. They do vital work taking in 4000 of the country’s most vulnerable and at risk kids and work intensively with them. They've been doing it for decades and their results are without question. Yet just 6 months into a 64 million dollar, three year contract with Oranga Tamariki, they got the news they were being reviewed then suddenly due to 'financial constraints' the service would be cut at the end of this month. Chopped by a Government that promised frontline services would be safe. We will hear from Stand Tū Māia's CEO, Dr. Fiona Inkpen. Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief.html Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast

An advocate for young homeless people said it's clear Oranga Tamariki needs more funding to care for teenagers and children. The call comes as Oranga Tamariki data shows the number of kids and teens kept in police cells overnight is sky-rocketing. The organisation said there is pressure on its facilities. The Green Party's justice spokesperson said the situation is so bad - that she knows even police are concerned about it. Finn Blackwell reports.

A nationwide charity, Stand Tū Māia, now has an axe hanging over its funding from Oranga Tamariki. It says Oranga Tamariki tried to cancel the $63m contract it had, to deliver services to vulnerable young people, only one year into what was supposed to be a three year contract.

Questions to Ministers Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all the Government's statements and actions? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister of Finance: When will the next Budget Policy Statement be released? TANGI UTIKERE to the Minister for Rail: Does he stand by his statement regarding the new Cook Strait ferries that "It will be, and can be, rail-enabled"; if so, is he confident that he can deliver them for less than the $551 million that was under contract with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard? DAVID MacLEOD to the Minister of Justice: What actions is the Government taking to make stalking an illegal and jailable offence? HUHANA LYNDON to the Minister for Maori Development: What measures, if any, has the Government taken to ensure the financial sustainability of Whakaata Maori, and have these measures been adequate? HANA-RAWHITI MAIPI-CLARKE to the Minister of Police: Does he accept the findings of the New Zealand Police in their Understanding Policing Delivery report that Maori men are stopped, tasered, and prosecuted by the Police at disproportionately higher rates than any other group as a result of structural racism? Dr HAMISH CAMPBELL to the Minister of Agriculture: What reports has he seen on export revenue forecasts for the primary sector? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister for Children: To what extent does she accept responsibility for the outcomes of Oranga Tamariki's actions in relation to community provider funding cuts and military-style academies? TANYA UNKOVICH to the Prime Minister: What update can he provide on the coalition Government's progress? CAMILLA BELICH to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: Does she stand by her statement that the Government is "delivering for all workers"; if so, how is reintroducing pay deductions for partial strikes delivering for workers? RIMA NAKHLE to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What steps has the Government recently taken to enhance competition and boost economic productivity? TAMATHA PAUL to the Minister for Children: What changes, if any, will she consider making to ensure that tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa are safe?

The Prime Minister says the argument for stopping bootcamps is ridiculous. Police found two bootcamp teens who'd absconded when they responded to an alleged carjacking in Hamilton over the weekend. One evaded Oranga Tamariki staff at the tangi of another participant who'd died in a crash and fled. Christopher Luxon told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's a defeatist and negative mindset to throw the towel in now. He says they're trying to change the life of even one of the 10 teens, one where they don't go down a path of gang life, violence, jail time, and welfare dependency. Luxon's given his assurance new Cook Strait ferries will be cheaper than previous plans. The Government's expected to announce the future of Interislander's fleet this week, a year after cancelling the previous government's project, citing cost blowouts. Luxon told du Plessis-Allan that despite confirming it wouldn't be $3 billion, he can't give any detail on the looming announcement. He says like a number of initiatives under the last Government, the previous ferry project started at one billion but ballooned to $3.2 billion. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two of the nine teenagers taking part in the coalition's boot camp programme are missing. The group of ten - now in the community phase of the programme - dropped to nine last week, after one participant died in a car crash. Oranga Tamariki has confirmed two have since gone missing - one due to staff losing him at the tangi. Political reporter Anneke Smith has more.

Two young people taking part in the government's trial boot camp programme are on the run, one of them taking off while at the tangi of another participant who died in a car crash. Despite this, Oranga Tamariki is vowing to push ahead with the controversial programme, which is now in its nine-month "commummunity phase." Chief Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad visited the "military style" youth offender boot camps early on in the programme and has been following the programme's progress. She spoke to Susana Lei'ataua.

Oranga Tamariki's new chief social worker is defending criticisms the ministry does not take record-keeping seriously. Investigative reporter Anusha Bradley spoke to Corin Dann.

Watchdogs say they don't know if the use of restraint and seclusion on children in Oranga Tamariki facilities is justified, because the Children's Ministry is not recording enough data about their use. Investigative reporter Anusha Bradley has more.

An Oranga Tamariki social worker is facing censure and supervision nine years after removing a child from her grandmother based on a string of unchecked lies filed with the Family Court. Investigative reporter Anusha Bradley spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Heads should roll, churches should pay up or lose their charitable status, and Oranga Tamariki should be dismantled - that's what survivors are calling for after Tuesday's national apology for abuse in care. Timothy Brown has more.

A lower North Island free counselling service is facing an uncertain future after one of its government contracts was drastically reduced this year. The Marton Counselling Centre's annual budget's taken a $30,000 hit this year during Oranga Tamariki funding cuts. The centre's now fighting for survival, leaving its manager furious about its plight, especially when compared to Mike King's Gumboot Friday progamme, which received a multi-million dollar government boost. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

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.

13 young people at a youth justice facility in South Auckland spent over 15 hours on the roof of the building, after escaping from their units last night. It's not the first time Korowai Manaaki in Wiri has been in the spotlight - with a similar incident happening in July last year. An internal review found that staffing shortages was a factor. A report by the Young People's Commission released in June found that staff were also smuggling in contraband and roughing up children. Meanwhile, Oranga Tamariki and the children's minister say they're pleased with how staff had handled today's situation. Reporter Lucy Xia has more.

The Children's Commissioner is calling for action from Oranga Tamariki after a group of teens spent the night on the roof of an Auckland youth facility. Chief Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss

On today's episode, The Speaker of the House is investigating how an email complaining about Andrew Bayly's behaviour was received and later disappeared from a Labour MP's inbox. A Wellington City Councillor hopes a crown observer will help the council get through hard decisions. Darleen Tana has been officially ejected from parliament, making the Greens the first party to use the waka-jumping provision. The Children's Commissioner is calling for action from Oranga Tamariki after a group of teens spent the night on the roof of an Auckland youth facility. Rugby Sevens and hockey are among the casualties in a scaled-back programme for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Seven youths have spent the night on the roof of a building at an Auckland Youth Justice Facility. Oranga Tamariki says that 13 young people originally gained access to the roof of its Korowai Manaaki residence yesterday evening. Our reporter Maia Ingoe was live at the scene, she spoke with Corin Dann. 

Seven youths in Wiri South Auckland spent the night on the roof of a building of a youth justice facility. Oranga Tamariki says that 13 young people originally gained access to the roof of its Korowai Manaaki residence yesterday evening. Our reporter Maia Ingoe was there.

Questions to Ministers Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? RYAN HAMILTON to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she agree with the statement of National finance spokesperson Nicola Willis that "National will stop the waste and restore discipline to government spending, while protecting all frontline services"; if so, why? DARLEEN TANA to the Minister of Conservation: What does he say in response to the co-chair of the Hauraki Gulf Forum's description of his Government's decision to allow commercial fishing within new marine protected areas as being "bewildering" and "catastrophic"? ANDY FOSTER to the Minister of Customs: What details can she provide about recent drug seizures at the border? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Associate Minister of Health: Does she stand by her statement in relation to heated tobacco products that "I wasn't aware that ... the products that were on the market were not going to be compliant with the 1st of October changes"; if so, why? TIM COSTLEY to the Minister for Infrastructure: What announcements has he made regarding the Fast-track Approvals Bill? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister for Children: Does she stand by her statement, "If funding has been withdrawn from a provider, it's because they are either under-delivering the services that children and young people need, or other providers are better placed to deliver those services, or it's just not core business"; if so, is she concerned that the Auditor-General has opened an inquiry into Oranga Tamariki's procurement and contract management practices? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister of Health: What recent announcements has he made about increasing childhood vaccination rates? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN to the Minister of Conservation: Does he stand by his statement that his Government is committed to "restoring the health and mauri of the Hauraki Gulf/Tikapa Moana" and that this will "enhance the area for generations to come"; if so, why is he proposing to allow commercial fishing in high protection areas?

Oranga Tamariki's decision to cut funding to social service providers is being investigated by the Auditor-General.