Podcasts about oranga tamariki

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.

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.

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

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?

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

The brutal death of that poor wee boy Malachi is a disgrace. It's heartbreaking to think an adult could be so cruel to young child. Malachi was beaten, starved, thrown against walls... you name it. Basically torture. Now we have these debates popping up about it. Should the Minister front for interviews? Karen Chhour, herself a product of the foster care system, was criticised yesterday for attending a pre-planned lunch event to eat some lamb on Parliament's lawn. She should have, according to the RNZ story, presumably been inside answering questions about why more wasn't being done about this boy's murder, which you might recall was back in 2021. Kelvin Davis, you may also recall, came in for a hammering from the media when was Minister. So, I think we should all be really clear, neither Karen nor Kelvin nor any politicians are responsible for the deaths of babies. The fact there is no culprit for the death of Baby Ru in the Hutt is, you could say, the fault of the Police. But ultimately, as with all these cases, fault ultimately lies with those who do the killing, and those who do the covering up. You know, the family who won't speak to Police. The partner who won't do in their other half. They're the real culprits here. Yes, there are things we can learn. Things we can do. Things we change. We can change the name of the agency. We can add a red-flag system. We can appoint a Children's Commissioner. But ultimately none of it does much good, does it? We average around 10 or 11 kids killed by homicide ever year. Ask OT, or CYFs before them, and they'll tell reports of abuse seem to be trending down, but they have a new thing called reports of concern which are going up. We actually don't know if it's getting better or worse because of there's a data lag - I know, incredible. But you'd have to say, on the whole, the picture's not rosy, and no amount of stalking MPs around Parliament is going to fix it. Any fix, surely, has to happen inside the home.See 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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.