Media statement: Honouring Dame Karen Poutasi | 3 January 2026
To be attributed to Aroturuki | Independent Children's Monitor Chief Executive Arran Jones:
"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Karen Poutasi. Our thoughts are with her .
Dame Karen had a long and distinguished career in the public service, and more recently, in authoring her independent report published in December 2022, Ensuring strong and effective safety nets to prevent abuse of children.
She was determined to ensure that her report resulted in the improvement of New Zealand’s child protection system. In so doing, asked that we monitor the implementation of her recommendations for change. It was through this that we had the privilege to meet with her.
Dame Karen's care, kindness and determination for the State to serve our children better was always at the forefront.
We are committed to carrying her work forward. In late February we will be publishing our second report on the implementation of her recommendations.
ENDS
Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children’s Monitor checks that organisations supporting and working with tamariki, and their whānau, are meeting their needs, delivering services effectively, and improving outcomes. We monitor compliance with the Oranga Tamariki Act and the associated regulations, including the National Care Standards. We also look at how the wider system (such as early intervention) is supporting tamariki and rangatahi under the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act. Aroturuki Tamariki works closely with its partners in the oversight system, Mokopuna – Children and Young People’s Commission, and the Office of the Ombudsman.
Media contact: Rachel Dahlberg, 029 951 2114