Podcasts about oranga tamariki

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.

On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 9th of September 2025 - as the dust settles we discussed the police response to Tom Phillips going bush with his kids and how the case was handled. Then we took the media conference live for the latest update from the Police Commissioner, Police Minister and Oranga Tamariki. And then, a deep dive into the lost art of reading. Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. 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.

Since entering Parliament 10 years ago, Mārama Davidson has become a co-leader, been appointed a Minister, and has helped the Greens reach its largest-ever caucus. She’s always been a staunch advocate for children, so it comes as no surprise that last week, the Green Party launched an open letter calling on the Minister of Children to adopt seven promises to children in state care, so “no more tamariki fall into harm”. One of those promises is to make it a requirement that Oranga Tamariki give rangatahi leaving care the support they need to find suitable accommodation. Marama Davidson joins us to discuss what more we need to do to make sure every child growing up in this country has a fighting chance. Later, we’ll speak to 19 year old, Ihorangi Reweti-Peters about his experience in the care system, and the challenges he faced. 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 DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

I want to talk about kids being bashed by their families. We've had a really bad run of it - I don't know if you've realized - in the last few weeks. As far as I can see, just in the last 8 weeks, we've had the toddler in the suitcase, and we've had the baby in the bin in Auckland. We've also had a 2-month-old go to hospital with serious injuries that happened today, we've had a 3-month-old taken to hospital in Wellington in June, and we've had a 6-month-old critically injured at a Foxton Beach house in July. And we've hardly talked about this. I mean, we've talked about the toddler in the suitcase yesterday, world media talked about it too because it is so bizarre, it's hard to ignore. We also talked about the baby in the bin, that got about a day's worth of coverage, again, because that was pretty out there - putting a baby in a bin. But everything else, almost no coverage. Now, do you know why that is? I mean, part of it is obviously that this is now not unusual anymore. We just bash our babies all the time in this country apparently - but also because you're not actually allowed to talk about it. I don't know if you realize this, but the moment that Oranga Tamariki, which is the new CYFS, uplifts a kid, the Family Court orders basically automatic blanket suppression on it. Which means the police can't say anything, it means OT itself can't say anything, it means the media can't say anything. So the news coverage just basically dies. We get: "baby's gone to hospital," and that's the end of it. No more coverage. It's actually only when the child dies that we can talk about it in detail because there is now no young person to protect anymore. Now, isn't that the opposite of what we want? I mean, I think this is doing our kids a disservice. I understand why we did this in the first place, why we put these suppression orders in - the idea was to protect the privacy of these young people. But what it is also doing is protecting the privacy of the thugs in their families who put them in hospital or in the suitcase or in the bin. And what it also means is that no one then talks about what's going on. We're not horrified by the detail because there is no detail, so we don't talk about it, including politicians - and they should be the ones pitching solutions. At the rate that we're bashing our kids, this should be an election issue every single election - but it's not because we hardly talk about it because of the rules. So surely the rules should change. LISTEN ABOVESee 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.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 29 July 2025, 36,000 nurses are set to go on strike tomorrow. Health NZ's Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard tells Heather the impact on elective surgeries is huge as thousands will have their operations delayed. NZ business legend Sir Michael Hill has passed away. Chair of Michael Hill, Rob Fyfe, tells Heather about the huge legacy he leaves behind, and why setting goals was the most important lesson from Sir Michael's success story. A High Court judge has ordered Oranga Tamariki to pay $108,000 to a former foster family. This is the case of Moana where OT tried to remove the girl because she is Māori and the foster parents are Pakeha. Plus, the Huddle debates whether medication should always be checked by two pharmacists before it's dispensed after the tragic death of a baby. 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 being ordered to pay more than $100,000 after trying to remove a Māori child from her Pākehā foster parents. The agency didn't think they could meet her cultural needs. Family Court Judge Peter Callinicos slammed Oranga Tamariki for putting ideology ahead of a child's best interests. Children's Minister Karen Chhour says the case highlights why she fought to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. "This just shows what this means in practice - and it's absolutely devastating for everybody involved." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, former Green MP Gareth Hughes and lawyer and political commentator Liam Hehir joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Oranga Tamariki won't publish the reoffending rates of future youth bootcamp participants. Shouldn't we know those rates to know whether the camps are working? Scientists have warned campylobacter is on the rise, and want warning labels on chicken. What do we make of this? With all the discussion on rates caps, do we also need to think about a cap for tax rise too? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pressure's on Oranga Tamariki - as it announces it won't release more details around bootcamp reoffending. The Ministry for Children initially confirmed teens in the pilot military-style academy programme had offended again. It's since said releasing information could've been harmful to those involved. Green MP Tamatha Paul says the agency is shifting the goalposts. "That is one of the measures of success for the pilot, so I think it's really important that we do know." Paul claims Oranga Tamariki doesn't want to publish the data because the programme's been a failure. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 17 July 2025, shocker price hike. Food prices have gone up by 4.6 percent. Economist Brad Olsen says the cost of some food groups including mince makes for grim shopping. Scientists are warning of the huge rise of people getting hospitalised for campylobacter. But Food Safety's Vincent Arbuckle says the researchers are scaremongering and people are well aware of the dangers of raw chicken. Green MP Tamatha Paul makes her debut on Drive, saying Oranga Tamariki is refusing to publish reoffending rates for boot camp participants to hide its failure. Plus, with all the talk about rates caps - the Huddle debates whether we should also have a cap for tax rises. 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.

There's fears broadening citizen's arrest powers could endanger young people. The Government has proposed allowing the arrests at all times of day - and wants to clarify when reasonable force can be applied. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said it could allow children to be restrained until police arrive. Chief Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad says citizen's arrests won't prevent stealing and could lead to violence. "A number of agencies that have given advice to the Government on this - police, justice, Oranga Tamariki, Crown Law, among others - they've highlighted this risk." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

The Minister for Children's $41 million workforce investment is expected to train and retain youth care staff. Karen Chhour says her new funding follows a 2023 Oranga Tamariki review, which found many workers weren't equipped to deal with the high needs of some kids in care. The boost will qualify more staff, recruit capable workers to vacant positions, and establish clinical roles in each residence. Child Matters CEO Jane Searle told Ryan Bridge dealing with high-risk kids takes a level of expertise. She says they were having staff who didn't have that level of training and struggled, causing high turnover. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 3rd of July 2025, the government's ready to start negotiating with councils on regional city deals, Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley shares her thoughts. Minister for children Karen Chhour yesterday announced more money for Oranga Tamariki staff's professionalism training, Child Matters CEO Jane Searle tells Ryan Bridge how big of a difference it will make. The Government's voted against setting up an independent costings agency former finance minister and Taxpayer's union chair Ruth Richardson tells Ryan what the outcome means. Plus US Correspondent Mitch McCann has the latest on the Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking trial from outside the court room. 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.

New research paints a stark picture of the consequences of Oranga Tamariki's system not helping young Māori enough. An Independent Children's Monitor report shows tamariki and rangatahi Māori are over-represented - and being let down. They make up two-thirds of those in care and more than three-quarters in youth justice custody. Monitor Chief Executive Arran Jones says young Māori adults involved in the system as children are nine times more likely to have lived in emergency housing. "This report makes the case for that investment approach - putting the right people in place at the earliest time." LISTEN ABOVESee 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.

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.

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.

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.

Questions to Ministers Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Minister for Women: Does she stand by her answer to oral question No. 4 yesterday, in relation to the Equal Pay Amendment Bill, that "I always advocate for women, and I have been consulted on and advised on this legislation from the outset"; if so, on what date was she first consulted regarding the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety's Cabinet paper reviewing pay equity policy settings? SUZE REDMAYNE to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the Government's fiscal position? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: When did she first consider the pay equity changes for inclusion in Budget 2025, and what modelling did she receive, if any, on the number of workers likely to be affected by the Equal Pay Amendment Bill? KAHURANGI CARTER to the Minister for Children: E tautoko ana ia i ana korero me ana mahi katoa? Does she stand by all of her statements and actions? LAURA McCLURE to the Minister for Children: What recent announcements has she made regarding key performance indicators for Oranga Tamariki? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister of Education: Does she stand by all of her answers to oral question No. 11 on 6 May 2025? GRANT McCALLUM to the Minister of Education: What recent announcements has she made? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she stand by her statement, "our priority is building a strong economy to reduce the cost of living, support more people into work and lift incomes for women to help them and their families out of hardship"; if so, how does the Equal Pay Amendment Bill contribute to lifting the incomes of women? SAM UFFINDELL to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality: What recent announcements has she made to boost New Zealand as an international travel destination? LAN PHAM to the Minister for the Environment: Does she consider that she has been a strong advocate for environmental protection in the Government's decisions? RYAN HAMILTON to the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage: What updates can he provide on New Zealand Music Month? Hon JAN TINETTI to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: Does she stand by her statement that "women should be paid for their work"; if so, does she consider that the Equal Pay Amendment Bill will make it harder for hundreds of thousands of women to be paid fairly for their work?

Questions to Ministers NANCY LU to the Minister of Finance: What are the Government's fiscal intentions and objectives? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? DAN BIDOIS to the Minister of Transport: What announcements has he made regarding rapid transit in Auckland? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Minister for Women: Does she agree with the statement on the Ministry for Women website that "The majority (80%) of the gender pay gap is driven by harder to measure factors like conscious and unconscious bias and differences in choices and behaviours"; if so, how has this shaped her advocacy? CARL BATES to the Minister of Justice: How is the Government progressing with its plan to restore law and order? 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? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she agree with Associate Finance Minister David Seymour that "I actually think that Brooke van Velden has saved the taxpayer billions. She's saved the Budget for the Government"; if so, what are the savings from the changes to pay equity? Dr VANESSA WEENINK to the Minister for Mental Health: What recent announcement has he made about supporting Women's Refuge through the Mental Health and Addiction Innovation Fund? 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? Hon JAN TINETTI to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: Does she agree with Thomas Coughlan of the New Zealand Herald, who said about her changes to pay equity legislation that "It is deeply wrong that Parliament can take away that work in a matter of hours"; if not, why not? MARIAMENO KAPA-KINGI to the Minister for Children: Does she stand by her statement that "increased reporting also shows that people feel like they can report their concerns to Oranga Tamariki or other government agencies and that these reports are being captured and actioned"? TANYA UNKOVICH to the Minister for Regional Development: What reports has he seen on regional development in Northland?

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.

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?

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.

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.

"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?

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.

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.

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.