Podcasts about oranga tamariki

Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Andrew Williams, Guyon Espiner and Jenna Lynch. The discuss the harrowing inquiry into police and Oranga Tamariki's handling of the Tom Phillips case, two new political polls that make the major parties look more like minors, the latest pitches to bring supermarket prices down, and the historic opening of Auckland's City Rail Link.

A damning report into authorities handling of the Tom Phillips case has exposed a litany of failures and mistakes in the way the case was handled. Political Editor Jo Moir spoke to John Campbell about reaction to the inquiry.

The silent epidemic harming Kiwi kids - and the survivor determined to end it.For the first sixteen years of her life, Gloria Masters endured abuse most New Zealanders would refuse to believe happens here. She survived - and went on to become a teacher, a child psychotherapist and a communications trainer, dedicating her life to breaking the silence around child sexual abuse and giving parents the tools to protect their kids.In one of the most confronting and important conversations we've had on the show, Gloria shares how she found hope in the darkest place imaginable, why she chose to hand the shame back to where it belongs, and the practical signs every adult should learn to notice.⚠️ This episode contains discussion of child sexual abuse and suicide. Please take care listening.If anything in this episode raises something for you:Safe to Talk – Kōrero mai (sexual harm): call 0800 044 334 or text 4334, free and confidential, 24/7Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any timeWorried about a child? Oranga Tamariki: 0508 326 459In an emergency, call 111If you want to get in touch with Gloria and her Charity for support here: https://www.gloriamasters.com/Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform.Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Questions to Ministers LAURA McCLURE to the Minister for Children: What update can she provide on Oranga Tamariki's performance against her ministerial priorities? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Minister for Auckland: Does he agree with Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, "I can point to very recent examples showing that the National Party, as part of the Government, is failing to deliver for Auckland"; if not, why not? DAVID MacLEOD to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her answers to oral question No. 1 yesterday? LAN PHAM to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: Does he stand by his statement, "Of course, our standards of living, and the living standards of our children and their children, depend on a healthy environment"? RIMA NAKHLE to the Minister of Housing: Will the Government introduce a stamp duty? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Minister of Health: Is it correct that Health New Zealand's projected deficit for the 2026/27 financial year has deteriorated to $475 million, and what proportion, if any, of that deficit will be closed through cuts to front-line services? SAM UFFINDELL to the Minister of Revenue: Is the Government considering increasing the corporate tax rate? ORIINI KAIPARA to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What impact, if any, will the Government's use of AI to make benefit decisions have on whanau access to income support, and unemployment? Hon KIERAN McANULTY to the Minister of Housing: How many of the social houses funded in the 2024 and 2025 Budgets have been delivered? TAMATHA PAUL to the Minister of Housing: Does he stand by his reported statement that it doesn't sit comfortably with him that there is no guarantee of shelter for people on any given night; if not, why not? CUSHLA TANGAERE-MANUEL to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she stand by her statement that "in terms of unemployment, Maori are disproportionately affected"; if so, why? ARENA WILLIAMS to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: Does he stand by all his statements and actions?

David Seymour is out there fighting for the angry white guy, with this move to stop what he calls “race-based hiring requirements” in the public sector. I know about the angry white guy. Because I almost became one myself. Which I'll tell you about. But what the ACT leader is saying today, is that the decision whether-or-not to give someone a job in the public service should only be based on their skills, their experience and their suitability for the role. He says: “Public service jobs should go to the best person for the job, regardless of race.” Which is going to be music to the ears of people who think they've lost out on a job because they had the wrong colour skin. ACT is also making music for people already working in the public sector who get brassed-off when they turn up to a meeting and nothing happens until there's been a Māori Karakia blessing. David Seymour says government workers shouldn't be expected to take part in spiritual practices just because they work for the government. He says: “Taxpayers should not be required to fund staff time or other resources for employer-initiated spiritual activity, either.” What are we talking about here, though? 15 or 30 seconds for a Karakia? That's about it. Max. If David Seymour's so worried about this all happening on taxpayer time, what about all those government workers who hang around outside sucking on cigarettes and vapes when they should be working? In David Seymour's world, it's OK for workers to do that while they're clocked on. But they can't possibly ‘waste' 15-to-30 seconds doing a Karakia before a meeting. Because, generally, that's how long these take. I know, because I've been in public sector meetings it happens. Which brings me to the story of how I almost became one of the angry white guys that David Seymour is fighting for today. I was working at Oranga Tamariki a few years back when the late Wira Gardiner took over as chief executive. And, as he settled into the job, I could tell that there was change happening. That there were a lot more Māori joining the organisation. Even in non-frontline areas, where I was working. Initially, I started to feel like I was on the outer. Because of the colour of my skin. And, for a while there, I started to resent it a bit. But the more I thought about it and learnt about the organisation needing to get away from being the outfit that had done a very good job of separating families - particularly Māori families - it made sense. It made sense to have people working across the organisation who live and breathe Māori culture. And, once I realised that, I pulled back from the brink of becoming another angry white guy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Oranga Tamariki review into how police handled 40 child protection complaints has already triggered nine reports of suspected abuse or neglect. RNZ's national crime correspondent Sam Sherwood spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

EDITORIAL: Now for me one of the biggest problems facing politics today isn't the just the economy, it's not just crime, it's not just health, it's not even just the cost of living, which are all hugely important. But it's one word: trust. Who do we trust in politics? Do we actually believe what politicians tell us anymore? Because if we don't, then don't we have a real problem? This latest story involving Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke has genuinely disappointed me. Not because she's from Te Pāti Māori. Not because she's young. Actually, because she represented something different. She arrived in Parliament as one of the new generation. Young, energetic, hugely popular on social media, someone many people thought could genuinely inspire young Māori to get involved in politics. Whether you agreed with her politics or not, there was a sense that she could become a powerful voice for her people, young people. That's why this matters. Stuff has now questioned a series of social media posts where Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke appeared to claim credit for work that ministers say she wasn't involved in. The latest involves extending free breast screening from age 69 to 74. The policy was promised before the 2023 election by then National health spokesperson Shane Reti, funded in the 2024 Budget and is now being rolled out. Yet Maipi-Clarke posted that she had been "supporting the minister" and described it as an announcement she'd been working on since last year. After questions were raised, the wording of that post has suddenly changed. And this one really stings for me. I've known a number of Māori women, people very close to me, who've battled breast cancer. So, when a young Māori wāhine appears to be claiming a significant role in something so important for her own people, if that claim isn't accurate, that's incredibly disappointing. For me breast cancer is too serious to become part of anyone's political image. But it's not just this. Last week another social media post was deleted after questions were raised about claims she'd spent 65 percent of her time advocating for young people in prisons and youth justice facilities. According to the article, the office of the Corrections Minister said she had visited one prison once since becoming an MP, while the Children's Minister said she had never visited, or even asked to visit, an Oranga Tamariki youth justice facility. Those are enormous differences between what people were led to believe, what we were told and what ministers say actually happened. Every politician likes to put their best foot forward. Every politician celebrates wins. But here's the line. If you supported a policy, say you supported it. If you campaigned for a policy, say you campaigned for it. If you delivered it, then by all means take the credit. But don't leave thousands of followers believing you've done work you may, or probably have not done. Social media is where many New Zealanders, me included now get their political information. Watch, study and keep in their minds. That means politicians have an even greater responsibility to get it right. Even greater responsibility to tell the damn truth. Because if we can't trust what our elected representatives are telling us online, then what exactly are we supposed to believe? Politics doesn't need more spin. It needs more honesty. And I think New Zealanders deserve exactly that. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oranga Tamariki took months to respond to an Education Review Office letter raising serious and immediate concerns about children at Gloriavale. Reporter Jean Edwards spoke to John Campbell.

A child safeguarding expert says it's unacceptable Oranga Tamariki social workers are missing critical meetings aimed at protecting at-risk children. Oranga Tamariki declined RNZ requests for an interview. Safeguarding Children CEO Willow Duffy spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A child safeguarding expert says it's unacceptable Oranga Tamariki social workers are missing critical meetings aimed at protecting at-risk children. Oranga Tamariki declined RNZ requests for an interview. Safeguarding Children CEO Willow Duffy spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Questions over Oranga Tamariki attendance at safety meetings; What drop in oil price will mean for jet fuel and airfares; More retirees giving up part of super for charity; What El Nino weather pattern could mean for New Zealand

Oranga Tamariki social workers are failing to consistently attend multi-agency meetings designed to protect at-risk children. Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A report on Oranga Tamariki has concluded the agency's letting down Māori children. The Independent Children's Monitor's found 65 percent of Māori who grew up in care, have children who follow the same path. It also shows 95 percent of Māori youth offenders had been the subject of reports of welfare concerns to OT. Monitor chief executive Arran Jones says Māori fare worse in the system under nearly every key metric - and this can have long-term implications for their futures. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Tuesday, 9 June, 2026, we ask Energy Minister Simeon Brown who'll pay for a billion-dollar liquefied natural gas import terminal now he's dropping the levy. We talk to Independent Children's Monitor chief executive Arran Jones about how Oranga Tamariki is letting down Maori children. Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully celebrates 17 years in New Zealand skies with a promise they'll keep flying more routes. And on The Huddle, Brigitte Morten and Gareth Hughes on whether they've cut their alcohol consumption - like many New Zealanders. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Secretary for Children and Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki, Amanda Malu is taking on the task of working out how to best improve services.

A service that works with vulnerable children and their whanau is calling on Oranga Tamariki and the Government to declare it an essential service in the event of fuel rationing. With the Prime Minister and Shane Jones hinting in recent days that more details will be released around that soon, The Family Start Collective is concerned they've been fobbed off. They say rising fuel costs are forcing providers to scale back critical in-home support, especially as they can travel up to 500 kilometres a week to support remote communities. Jaye Wainui is from KiriKiriroa Family Service Trust, which is part of that Collective and spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Questions to Ministers 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 of his Government's statements and actions? GRANT McCALLUM to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? SUZE REDMAYNE to the Minister for Trade and Investment: What recent announcements has he made regarding the free trade agreement with India? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she agree with the Prime Minister's statement that we are seeing "falling food prices, a sustained drop in inflation, and early indications that interest rates could soon begin to fall"; if so, what was the increase in food prices for the year to March 2026? Dr CARLOS CHEUNG to the Minister for Auckland: What recent announcement has he made about progressing a city deal with Auckland? LAURA McCLURE to the Minister for Children: How many Oranga Tamariki front-line sites has she visited since becoming Minister? TAMATHA PAUL to the Minister of Housing: Does he agree with the reported findings of The Urban Advisory's second annual housing survey that New Zealanders are dissatisfied with the quality and insecurity of the rental homes available to them; if so, is he doing anything to improve the quality and security of rental housing? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS to the Associate Minister for Energy: What advice, if any, has he seen on the impact of Kuwait declaring force majeure on shipments of oil and refined petroleum on New Zealand's future fuel supply? RAWIRI WAITITI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? Dr VANESSA WEENINK to the Minister for Veterans: How will this Anzac Day be different to previous years? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she stand by her statement of 3 December 2025 that "I accept that there will be households who are finding it tough right now"; if so, why?

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Dave Rennie has been confirmed as the new head coach of the All Blacks. What do we think of this? Do we think this was the right choice? US and Israeli forces have killed close to 800 people in Iran, struck about 2000 Iranian targets and destroyed 17 ships. Israel's also killed dozens in Lebanon, going head-to-head with Hezbollah, forcing thousands to flee their homes. Are we concerned by this development? The Children's Commissioner says Oranga Tamariki needs to heed a critical report on the agency, after new research confirmed there's been little progress on National Care Standards. Do we think this is fair? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Independent Children's Monitor says Oranga Tamariki still isn't measuring up to national care standards. The percent of young people in OT care suffering abuse has increased from 8 percent to 10 percent in the year to July last year. The report says a third of those in care aren't seeing social workers enough and only 11 percent had been given an assessment of their life skills. Independent Children's Monitor CEO Arran Jones says it's important to ensure that children in state care are properly looked after - and this data isn't good reading. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Independent Children's Monitor says it's clear our child protection system is under immense stress. Its review shows carers killed 24 children between December 2021 and June 2025. It finds no improvement, despite recommendations in a review of the murder of five-year-old Malachi Subecz in 2021. Children's Monitor CEO Arran Jones told Mike Hosking that while there are deep-seated issues that go beyond what the agencies can respond to, there are certainly things that can be improved. He says the lack of progress up to this point is an issue of prioritisation, and it's about making sure the problem is front of mine not only for Oranga Tamariki, but for all the agencies that have a role to play. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday the 13th of February, is there a water tax in the RMA bill? Chris Bishop responds to some angry farmers. Karen Chhour answers questions about why there is Maori leave entitlements at Oranga Tamariki and whether it is more widespread than one Government department. Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson on concert reviews, adult kids back at the house and Kiwis bed times. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. LNG: 7/10 An example of the times. A decent idea to help solve a genuine issue and yet too many miss the point and bitch about tax vs levy vs fee. Greg Foran: 7/10 Back where he belongs. There is a book there. What he thought it might be and what it was, is several chapters worth. OT and cultural leave: 2/10 When you promise something as this Government did, especially around emotive issues like this, you've got to deliver. The fact this is real and still exists speaks to the angst around the race issues this country battles with. The Covid review: 8/10 I don't care if it's political. It's good its political. We all need a reminder of the damage and pain that results from incompetence and arrogance. Super Bowl: 8/10 The second most watched TV event ever, only behind the most watched TV event ever, which was also the Super Bowl. Spot the sport going places. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is seeking an explanation from Oranga Tamariki. This follows confirmation of the existence of a clause which allows for 'discretionary paid cultural leave', which is self-defined and not subject to managerial scrutiny. Children's Minister Karen Chhour said that the clause was added prior to her becoming minister in 2023, and although she can't get rid of the contract, she intends to make her feelings known. "I can't scrap signed contracts, but what I can do is make my concerns about this known." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dive into the controversial cultural leave entitlements for Māori staff at Oranga Tamariki. Minister Karen Chhour joins us to explain why she finds the PSA contract disappointing and how she is campaigning for equality from within the system. Plus, Duncan tackles the Green Party proposal to grant whales legal personhood, calling it a constitutional experiment that could cause a logistical nightmare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's podcast, more on the whistleblower who came forward from Oranga Tamariki, with claims of race-based cultural leave that isn't available to other staff. Duncan digs into why this government hasn't scrapped these entitlements yet, and reveals Minister Karen Chhour's "please explain" that has been issued to her own ministry. We also look at the "ethnic rankings" still being used in our health system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tell you what—I'm not feeling terribly hopeful about the situation for vulnerable kids in this country after reading the coroner's recommendations following the death of Malachi Subecz. You'll remember the case of Malachi. I'm not going to go through the details again; sufficient to say it happened about four and a half, nearly five years ago, and it fired up public anger because of the number of times his wider family tried to warn authorities that something was going to happen—and yet he was not protected. One of the recommendations the coroner has made today in her report is that Oranga Tamariki—OT, formerly CYFS—run a public awareness campaign to help people identify possible signs of abuse and understand how to take action. To be fair to her, that idea isn't new. It came from an earlier review. She's simply pointing out that it still hasn't happened, and is reiterating that the campaign should go ahead. But really? Is that what we need in this country—a public campaign to tell us what child abuse looks like? I think we all know what child abuse looks like. I struggle to believe that there are people who do not know that breaking a child's bone is abuse. So isn't this just the kind of thing well-meaning people suggest to make themselves feel like they're doing something, when really it changes nothing—because maybe there's very little you actually can do? The problem in Malachi's case wasn't that people didn't know what child abuse looked like. People did see the abuse. They absolutely recognised it as abuse. And they went to OT and said, “Hey, Malachi is being abused. Here's the proof.” By my count, they did that about five times—if not more. And OT didn't stop it. That is the problem. And it's the problem in so many of these tragic cases. When a child dies, we often discover afterwards that OT already knew the family—and yet the child ended up dead anyway. The problem isn't that you and I don't know what child abuse looks like. We do. The problem is that the agency responsible for stopping it apparently doesn't know what child abuse looks like—or at least doesn't act when it sees it. Never mind a public campaign. Fix that fundamental problem at Oranga Tamariki, and you might actually save a lot of lives. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode starts with a whistleblower from inside Oranga Tamariki who says a newly negotiated collective agreement has crossed a serious line. Duncan reveals a clause agreed between Oranga Tamariki and the Public Service Association that grants Māori staff discretionary paid cultural leave, with obligations self-defined and not open to challenge by managers. No equivalent entitlement exists for non-Māori staff. The whistleblower says they were too afraid to raise concerns internally, worried it could damage their career. Duncan breaks down why he believes this is a race-based workplace entitlement that undermines trust, fuels resentment, and stretches the Treaty well beyond its intent. He also shares polling that points to a knife-edge election and responds to listener questions about Stuart Nash, cancellation, and forgiveness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A youth advocate says Oranga Tamariki's evaluation of the boot camp pilot tells us nothing we didn't know. It's revealed six of the nine youth participants re-offended after being released - but less seriously than a cohort not included. Kickback co-founder Aaron Hendry says these young people have experienced significant harm, including neglect, poverty and homelessness. "It's about addressing the housing insecurity, it's about addressing the poverty, it's about actually supporting whanau as a community, to heal - and about support ensuring they have the right support and care around them to be safe." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister for Children Karen Chhour joins Q+A to talk about the reduction in youth crime rates, along with the complex picture of harm emerging for children in Oranga Tamariki care. She admits to misspeaking in a previous interview about the nature of harm being suffered by children outside OT residences, after previously appearing to downplay the severity of some of those incidents. And with an estimated half of all children in state care affected by Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Minister Chhour talks about the new FASD action plan. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

A disproportionate number of children in state care face harm when returned home. Oranga Tamariki's annual report shows an overall increase in abuse or neglect in state care, with 530 children experiencing harm in the year ending March. That's 23 up on the previous year. Independent children's monitor, Arran Jones, says about half of children return in an unplanned way. "You've got voices of parents there saying - I just wasn't ready for my young person to come home, I've got drug and alcohol issues, I've got mental health issues I haven't been able to address, I'm not ready to have them home." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Gloriavale leaver is recalling the confronting impact of child discipline practices used in the sect. Police have issued two formal warnings to the community after investigating allegations parents would cover the noses and mouths of crying children. A Herald investigation has revealed officers conducted more than 100 interviews. Virginia Courage says in one instance, a little boy was brought to her unconscious. "He wasn't breathing, and his father just threw him at me. I don't even know if he said anything, I just went into get-this-kid-breathing mode." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 16 October 2025, senior political correspondent Barry Soper and former Finance Minister Ruth Richardson share their memories of the late Jim Bolger. Police and Oranga Tamariki have been secretly investigating Gloriavale for serious allegations of mistreatment of children. Gloriavale leaver Virginia Courage tells Heather what she witnessed while living in the community. Broadcaster Sean Plunket speaks to Heather after the Broadcasting Standards Authority defended its decision to go after online content. The Health Minister has accused senior doctors for crossing a moral line with their ongoing strikes. Plus, the Huddle debates whether we should be worried about our new Chinese built Interislander ferries because the shipyard has been linked to the Chinese military. 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.

Ministers from both sides of the divide are praising the Police for their handling of the Tom Phillips situation. The four-year manhunt for Phillips ended early on Monday, when he was shot and killed by Police after he shot at an officer in rural Waikato. The children were safely recovered and are in the care of Oranga Tamariki. Former Police Minister Ginny Andersen says authorities have been doing their best, during the four-year search for Phillips. She told Mike Hosking the area is very remote and a difficult part of the country to navigate, so she thinks the police did everything they could. Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Hosking the police have been outstanding, and the huge relief is having the children in a safe situation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oranga Tamariki says circumstances are unprecedented, as they care for fugitive Tom Phillips' three children. The four-year manhunt for the Marokopa father ended in the early hours of yesterday, when he was shot dead by police in Waikato. Children's Minister Karen Chhour says Tom Phillips' children are Oranga Tamariki's main focus - as they remain in the agency's care. "As an organisation, Oranga Tamariki has been working on a plan since the day they disappeared. That plan may have to change, depending on the circumstances of the young people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police are still searching for the remaining children of fugitive Tom Phillips, who died this morning after a shootout with police. Phillips was killed and a constable was left with critical head injuries after being shot. One of Phillips' three children was with him at the time and is now in the custody of Oranga Tamariki and police. Reporter Natalie Akoorie spoke to Lisa Owen from Piopio. 

Tom Phillips' children are in the care of Oranga Tamariki after nearly four years on the run with their fugitive father. Child psychologist Dr Sarah Watson spoke to Corin Dann.

Tired but happy - a group of at-risk teens have returned from a three-day expedition in Canterbury's outdoors. The trip took thirteen 12-15-year-olds referred by Oranga Tamariki and police hiking, cycling and swimming to build their confidence and outdoors skills. Anna Sargent reports.

A coroner has found Oranga Tamariki and the police failed in their duty to protect a 10-month-old baby, murdered by his father who was high on methamphetamine. Timothy Brown has more.

After providing help and support to women for almost four decades, Auckland's North Shore Women's Centre will close its doors in November due to funding shortfalls. And it's far from alone 236 service providers have been affected since a sweeping programme of cuts was implemented last year. Oranga Tamariki says the reductions have saved tens of millions of dollars. But at what cost? Jimmy Ellingham reports.

Questions to Ministers HANA-RAWHITI MAIPI-CLARKE to the Minister of Education: What Maori education providers has she consulted with, if any, regarding the impact her proposed education changes will have on Maori learners across Aotearoa? NANCY LU to the Minister of Finance: What reports has she seen on New Zealand's fiscal policy and tax settings? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? 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 of his Government's statements and actions? GRANT McCALLUM to the Minister of Immigration: What recent announcements has she made about supporting businesses to access seasonal workers? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS to the Minister for Energy: Does he agree with the chief executive officer of Consumer NZ and the managing director of Simplicity, in the Protecting industry, jobs and household budgets as the gas runs out report, that accelerating heat pump adoption will reduce reliance on gas, protect jobs, improve public health, and lower energy costs for New Zealand families and businesses? LAURA McCLURE to the Minister for Children: What recent announcements has she made about improving the experiences of Oranga Tamariki caregivers? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she stand by her statement about unemployment that "I'm really confident our approach is working"; if so, why is unemployment worse than this time last year, with 16,000 more people unemployed? 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? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister of Conservation: What recent announcements has he made about the Conservation Act 1987? Hon PEENI HENARE to the Associate Minister of Housing: Does he agree with Hon Chris Bishop that homelessness has "potentially ticked up a little bit, up a little bit more in the last couple of years"? GREG FLEMING to the Minister for Mental Health: What recent reports has he seen on growth in the mental health workforce?

An Oranga Tamariki Youth Justice senior leader's keen to see youth offender boot camps continue beyond the pilot. The 12-month military-style camp trial with 10 of New Zealand's most serious young offenders has wrapped. Eight completed the programme, seven re-offended requiring them to return to camp, and one passed away in a road accident. Oranga Tamariki Deputy CEO Ian Chapman says this was the last stop shop before a life in corrections. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 8 August 2025, the Israeli security cabinet has approved plans to take full control of Gaza. Israeli journalist Haggai Matar tells Heather this specifically means the IDF wants to take control of Gaza City but it's unclear where civilians are supposed to go. Oranga Tamariki is celebrating the end of the bootcamps pilot as a success. OT's Iain Chapman tells Heather for some kids the process has been totally life changing. Labour's Willow-Jean Prime is under fire for declining information or briefings on the Government's big changes to education - was she just being lazy? Otago University Professor Angela Ballantyne tells Heather how GPs are embracing AI - and what the pitfalls are that patients should be aware of. Plus, the Sports Huddle gets fired up on the issue of Richie Mo'unga and whether it's time to ditch NZ Rugby's eligibility rules. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 27-year-old woman has appeared in court charged with ill-treating a toddler who was found inside a suitcase, stowed under a bus. Oranga Tamariki said the case is "distressing", while locals in Kaiwaka, where the toddler was discovered, have been left shocked. Kim Baker Wilson reports.

A watchful eye is on the $41 million allocated to upskill staff working in youth care homes. Minister for Children Karen Chhour has announced the boost, which aims to improve support to kids in care. It follows a review of Oranga Tamariki in 2023 that found parts of the workforce relatively unskilled. Chief Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad told Mike Hosking she'll be watching how the money's used to ensure good outcomes for young people. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oranga Tamariki is facing complaints from the New Zealand Security Association over its new contract to safeguard children's homes. Phil Pennington spoke to Corin Dann.

Oranga Tamariki has cut spending on services to met budget targets without properly assessing what the fall out would be for vulnerable children and their families, including more tamariki in care, increased wait lists and distress. That is some of the finding of an Auditor General's investigation into how the Ministry manages and awards contracts for services for whanau in need. Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Auditor General has issued a scathing assessment of Oranga Tamariki's procurement and contracting practices last year. Auditor-General John Ryan spoke to Corin Dann.

A group representing 250 social service providers says Oranga Tamariki lost sight of the children and whānau it is there to serve. Te Pai Ora chief executive Belinda Himiona spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

In today's episode, the Auditor General has issued a scathing assessment of Oranga Tamariki's procurement and contracting practices last year, after a day of uncertainty, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says he's sending a team to Istanbul for peace talks with a Russian delegation, the next America's Cup will be hosted by the Italian city of Naples. America's Cup Defender Team New Zealand chief executive, Grant Dalton, made the announcement on Thursday night, the Black Ferns will face off against defending Pacific Four champions Canada this Saturday, we have our weekly Political Panel and Kerry-Anne Walsh brings us the latest from Australia.

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.