From Wellington:
The Minister for Children, Hon Kelvin Davis says he’s proud of the staff
that raised issues around the actions of their colleagues. He understands it would not have been easy for them to do.
The Minister is responding to kōrero from Oranga Tamariki CEO Chappie Te Kani, that an investigation is under way into two serious allegations involving staff acting inappropriately towards rangatahi in OT residences.
The Minister also praised the swift actions of Te Kani in removing the staff members, bring Police in immediately and co-opting the services of former Police Commissioner Mike Bush to take control of all Youth Justice, Care and Protection facilities. Former Chief Social Worker, Shannon Pakura will assist Bush in conducting a review of all residences including OT community based homes.
Minister Davis says he understands, Mike Bush will also investigate the handling of the accusations by the staff members, and how they were subsequently dealt with.
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi says Oranga Tamariki is rotten to the core and demands that it be devolved into the hands of whānau, hapu, Iwi.
