Articles tagged with Children
Public Inquiry Announced into Disappearance of Phillips Children
2 weeks ago | 101 viewsAttorney-General Judith Collins announced a Public Inquiry into whether government agencies took all practicable steps to protect the Phillips children during their nearly four-year disappearance. The Inquiry, led by Justice Simon Moore KC, will be conducted privately to protect the children's welfare and will exclude findings on judicial decisions. A final report with recommendations is expected by 21 July 2026.
Tags: Judith Collins Phillips children Simon Moore Public Inquiry High Court Electoral Commission Auckland judicial decisions Terms of ReferenceCelebrate World Children's Day by Supporting and Becoming a Caregiver in NZ
3 weeks ago | 116 viewsOn World Children's Day, Minister Karen Chhour highlights the vital role of over 2000 caregivers in New Zealand who provide stability and care for children in need. The government and community share responsibility in supporting diverse caregivers through training, guidance, and improved resources to meet various care needs. Individuals who are patient and committed are encouraged to consider becoming caregivers to help children feel secure, nurtured, and able to thrive.
Tags: World Children's Day caregivers New Zealand Karen Chhour Oranga Tamariki child care respite care transitional care family home caregivers community obligationCelebrate World Children's Day: Support and Become a Caregiver in New Zealand
3 weeks ago | 114 viewsOn World Children's Day, Minister Karen Chhour highlights the vital role of over 2000 caregivers in New Zealand who provide stability and care to children in need. Caregiving is a community responsibility requiring diverse individuals who are patient, kind, and committed, with Oranga Tamariki offering training and ongoing support. The need spans from short-term respite to permanent homes, encouraging more people to consider becoming caregivers to help children thrive.
Tags: World Children's Day caregivers New Zealand Karen Chhour Oranga Tamariki child care respite care transitional care family home caregivers community supportRev. Murray Edridge and Hon Jo Goodhew Appointed to Independent Children’s Monitor Board
1 month ago | 155 viewsRev. Murray Edridge and Hon Jo Goodhew have been appointed to join Dr Ang Jury on the Independent Children’s Monitor Board, which oversees the Oranga Tamariki system along with the Children’s Commissioner and the Ombudsman. The appointments bring a wealth of expertise to ensure strong governance for monitoring child safety independently, as stated by Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. These appointments reflect legislative changes aimed at creating an independent oversight agency for Oranga Tamariki, marking a significant step in the government's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children.
Tags: Rev. Murray Edridge Hon Jo Goodhew Dr Ang Jury Louise Upston Oranga Tamariki system Children’s Commissioner Ombudsman Wellington City Missioner Presbyterian Support South CanterburyGovernment Boosts Support for High Needs Youth & Families with New Services
1 month ago | 200 viewsIncreased funding under the government has enabled Oranga Tamariki to provide more services to high support needs young people and their families, with an additional 59 placements across 11 community care providers. These services encompass everyday support, access to education, community inclusion, extracurricular activities, and family contact, benefiting the youth immensely. The funding of $99.784 million over four years has allowed for trauma-informed care, specialist disability support, and tools like visual timetables to help these individuals manage and avoid triggers, demonstrating the government's commitment to addressing the needs of these young people and their families.
Tags: services funding government young people families Minister for Children Karen Chhour Oranga Tamariki support needs disability community care providersNew Zealand Minister for Children Achieves Historic Reduction of Harm in State Care Residences
1 month ago | 199 viewsMinister for Children Karen Chhour announced a historic 14% reduction in harm within Youth Justice and Care and Protection residences in New Zealand, attributing the achievement to investments and practice changes. The focus on safety and well-being, including enhanced training, recruitment, and facility improvements, has been a priority for Oranga Tamariki under her leadership. These efforts align with the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care, reflecting a commitment to preventing harm and prioritizing the safety of children and young people in state care.
Tags: Minister for Children Karen Chhour harm reduction state care residences Youth Justice Care and Protection Oranga Tamariki safety improvements training initiatives Royal Commission of Inquiry children's system.Improving Protection in State Care: Responding to Abuse Legislation Amendment Bill Passes
1 month ago | 206 viewsThe Government has passed the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill to enhance protection for individuals in state care, aligning with recommendations from the Royal Commission. Changes in the legislation include eliminating strip searches of young people in secure residential care, clarifying time limits for placements, introducing new search powers in youth justice facilities, and preventing individuals with overseas convictions from working with children. The amendments also address record-keeping challenges for survivors and extend monitoring powers to improve practices, with a commitment to further progress in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Tags: Government Protection Legislation Abuse Care Erica Stanford Children Young People Adults SurvivorsGovernment Allocates $3M to Extend Active Me - Kia Tū Fund for Youth
2 months ago | 274 viewsThe Government is investing an additional $3 million to extend the Active Me - Kia Tū Hardship Fund for another year, aiming to support young New Zealanders facing financial challenges in accessing sports and recreation opportunities. The program, delivered by Variety – The Children’s Charity in partnership with Sport NZ, has already benefited over 10,000 children and their families by providing grants of up to $300 per child annually to enable participation in physical activities and remove financial barriers. Minister Mark Mitchell highlights the positive impact of the fund on children's well-being, social skills, and community safety, emphasizing the importance of exploring sustainable funding options and reducing costs for participants through ongoing research by Sport NZ.
Tags: Government Sport and Recreation Minister Hon Mark Mitchell Variety – The Children’s Charity Sport NZ New Zealanders financial hardship physical activity communities young peopleChristchurch Care Residence Upgraded for High Needs Children: Te Oranga Reopens with Therapeutic Focus
2 months ago | 289 viewsTe Oranga Care and Protection Residence in Christchurch is being upgraded and reopened to provide therapeutic, trauma-informed care for children with high and complex needs. Admissions were paused in 2021 due to staffing issues and underinvestment, but the residence will resume operations after undergoing significant infrastructure improvements. Minister Karen Chhour highlights the government's commitment to enhancing care for children, emphasizing the importance of professional standards and investments in facilities to ensure a safe and supportive environment for at-risk youth.
Tags: Christchurch Care and Protection Residence Te Oranga Minister for Children Karen Chhour vulnerable children Oranga Tamariki infrastructure upgrade therapeutic care professional standardsNew Zealand Government Enhances Child Protection System to Prioritize Safety and Wellbeing
2 months ago | 234 viewsThe Government has accepted all recommendations from the Dame Karen Poutasi Review to enhance the children's system and prioritize child safety. Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston emphasizes the need to improve systems to better protect children from harm and ensure every child in New Zealand feels safe. The Government will implement an integrated response overseen by Child and Youth Ministers, focusing on information sharing, supporting children with incarcerated parents, and developing a mandatory reporting regime to enhance child safety.
Tags: children system Government response Dame Karen Poutasi Louise Upston child safety New Zealand child abuse agenciesMinister Karen Chhour Reports Success in Youth Offending Reduction Efforts
2 months ago | 261 viewsMinister Karen Chhour notes a significant decrease in serious and persistent youth offending since June 2024, attributing the improvement to a tough yet fair approach and increased unity within communities and government. The reduction in youth offenders has led to safer communities, with lower rates of ram raids and repeat offending, as well as improved collaboration between Oranga Tamariki and Police. Investments from Budget 2025 aim to further reduce re-offending and enhance support for young serious offenders, prioritizing community safety and victim well-being.
Tags: Karen Chhour Minister for Children young people offenders community leaders New Zealanders Oranga Tamariki Police youth offending initiativesNew Zealand Takes Urgent Action to Suspend Unsafe International Adoptions
3 months ago | 332 viewsThe Government, led by Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee, is urgently suspending recognition of unsafe international adoptions to protect children and young people. The Adoption Amendment Bill has been introduced to immediately suspend New Zealand's recognition of risky overseas adoptions, citing inadequate safeguards in current laws. The temporary suspension, effective until a specified date or July 1, 2027, aims to prevent harm to children adopted into unsafe situations, with plans for a long-term solution and exemptions for countries with safe adoption practices.
Tags: Government international adoptions children young people Nicole McKee Adoption Amendment Bill unsafe overseas adoptions Joseph Auga Matamata Family Court Ministry of JusticeEmpowering Communities: Updates on Family Violence Prevention and Child Welfare Initiatives
3 months ago | 315 viewsThe Minister for Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence and Minister for Children acknowledges key individuals and organizations in the field. Updates are shared on Te Aorerekura, the Oranga Tamariki Action Plan, and efforts to address trauma and prevent violence. The government is focused on improving multi-agency responses, workforce capability, and effective commissioning and investment processes to better support vulnerable children and families. Collaboration, communication, and social investment are emphasized to enhance service delivery and support community well-being.
Tags: Minister for Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Minister for Children Marama Davidson Emma Powell Benesia Smith Claire Achmad Te Aorerekura Oranga Tamariki National Strategy on Family Violence and Sexual Violence Social Investment FundGovernment Invests $300 Million in School Infrastructure Upgrades
3 months ago | 384 viewsThe Government is investing approximately $300 million to repair and upgrade 33 schools with challenging property conditions, aiming to provide safe and improved learning environments for children. The initial $87 million investment will address urgent needs in seven schools, with construction set to begin within the next 12 months. Efforts include cost-saving measures, such as modular construction and standardized designs, to deliver efficient and quality solutions, with further tranches of funding planned for future projects.
Tags: Government school infrastructure investment Education Minister Erica Stanford classrooms refurbishment construction efficiency transparency childrenNew Social Investment Fund Targets At-Risk Children for Positive Change
3 months ago | 501 viewsThe Social Investment Fund, recently launched by Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis, targets children facing challenging family or schooling situations, such as those with incarcerated parents or who have been suspended from school early. Data-driven evidence supports the approach of intervening early to improve outcomes for these vulnerable groups, benefitting both individuals and society as a whole. With a budget of $190 million over four years, the Fund aims to invest in effective solutions, empower community organizations, and measure the impact of interventions transparently.
Tags: Social Investment Fund Nicola Willis children parents jail care system school data evidence outcomes