August 24, 2022
Oranga Tamariki Bill passes
Bills setting up a new oversight system for Oranga Tamariki and a Children and Young People’s Commission Bill have passed their Third Reading in Parliament.
Green Party spokesperson for children Jan Logie says the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki Bill was passed in the face of overwhelming opposition from nearly every community.
She says Labour has lost the trust and confidence of the sector, the experts, and the children and young people who need support.
But Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni says changes will strengthen monitoring, complaints processes and advocacy for children and young people.
She says after hearing submissions, the role of Chief Children’s Commissioner was retained, the independence of the monitor strengthened, and the review period reduced from five years to three.