Report released 7 November 2019

In early May 2019, the attempted removal of a baby from [redacted] mother's care in Hastings by Oranga Tamariki attracted significant public scrutiny and criticism. In response to these events, the Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki commissioned a Practice Review from the Chief Social Worker / Deputy Chief Executive, Professional Practice, to examine the actions of Oranga Tamariki in relation to the baby, [redacted] parents and whanau prior to, and immediately following, the birth of the new baby.

The review has been undertaken with the oversight of the Chief Executive of Ngati Kahungunu, a representative of the Office of the Children's Commissioner and an independent person agreed with Ngati Kahungunu, Shayne Walker. The oversight group has been involved in all aspects of the review including the methodology, analysis, findings and recommendations.

This review has sought to understand what occurred, to identify what can be learned from both a local and national perspective, and to promote restorative actions. The focus has been on the quality of engagement, assessment and planning, practices for working with tamariki and whanau Maori, inter-agency working and the processes undertaken. (From the Executive summary). This report has been redacted by the publisher.

"The review of Oranga Tamariki practice around the planned uplift of a Hastings baby in May shows significant failings by the Ministry and that the planned and funded changes to shift from a child crisis service to a proper care and protection service need to be accelerated" Children’s Minister Tracey Martin said.

Follow the links for media releases from Oranga Tamariki and the Minister for Children, Tracey Martin. Record #6455