Media release: Oversight agencies welcome first step in weaving stronger safety nets for children
October 9 2025
The three agencies responsible for the oversight of oranga tamariki system are welcoming the Government’s decision to accept all the findings of the Poutasi report.
The Independent Children’s Monitor, the Children’s Commissioner and the Ombudsman will be seeking more details about the Government’s plan to implement the recommendations made by Dame Karen Poutasi in her December 2022 report following the death of Malachi Subecz.
Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad says the Government’s decision to accept the recommendations has been a long time coming but there’s now an opportunity to bring about systemic change.
“Today’s announcement is a step towards weaving stronger safety nets to prevent harm, so all children can experience their basic right to grow up safe, free from all forms of violence, abuse and neglect,” she says.
“Mandatory training for professionals working across the children’s system is something I’ve been advocating for since becoming Children’s Commissioner, including recently through the coronial inquest into the death of Malachi Subecz. I’ve also urged for there to be better support of children and young people with parents in prison, so it’s good to see that this will occur.
“The change to require people working across the children’s system to be trained in identifying and reporting child abuse is crucial – this alone has the potential to be hugely protective for children and young people. If implemented well, it will honour the memory of Malachi and the wishes of his for there to be action to prevent harm – including child homicide – from being a reality for more children. It is clear that the need for much stronger prevention efforts, and wider polices that support and strengthen families and whānau, remain urgent too.”
“I’m pleased to see the prioritising of child safety training before mandatory reporting is introduced – this is essential to avoiding the experience in Australia with agencies overwhelmed with reports. This is especially important given the current pressures our child protection system is under.”
Independent Children’s Monitor Chief Executive Arran Jones says today’s announcement is timely, as his team finalises its second review of the implementation of Dame Karen’s recommendations. The review will be published in early 2026.
“Our 2024 review found progress had been slow. It’s good to see decisions have now been made. Timely and effective implementation is needed to ensure children and young people are safer as a result. We will be monitoring to see if this has made a difference,” says Mr Jones.
“Poor information sharing is one of the issues continually raised in our monitoring visits and gets in the way of keeping children safe.
“Asking the Privacy Commissioner to assist in clarifying what information can be shared - and when - is a positive step. We hope it will give agencies confidence about the information they can share, and it helps reduce confusion and inconsistent practice. We hope to see non-government organisations included in this process.”
Chief Ombudsman John Allen says the government has agreed to put measures in place to make sure all the agencies involved in child protection work more closely together.
“Cross agency collaboration is critical to preventing children from falling through the gaps,” he says.
“I want to acknowledge that the continued efforts from these government agencies are encouraging steps. Now, I hope the agencies will implement the decisions urgently so the long-standing failures within the system are addressed.”
ends
Editor’s notes
The oversight of oranga tamariki system’s role is threefold, with a focus on the rights and wellbeing of children and young people known to Oranga Tamariki either through care and protection or youth justice.
The Independent Children’s Monitor checks that organisations supporting and working with children and young people known to Oranga Tamariki are meeting their needs, delivering services effectively, improving outcomes and complying with the Oranga Tamariki Act and the associated regulations.
The Children’s Commissioner is the independent advocate for the rights, best interests, wellbeing and outcomes of children and young people under the age of 25 who are or have been in the system, as well as being the independent advocate for all of New Zealand’s children.
The Ombudsman is the independent watchdog of Government, and receives complaints from children and young people (and their whānau and representatives) about decisions and actions affecting them in the system. The Ombudsman investigates concerns where needed.
Media contacts:
Melissa Wastney (for the Children’s Commissioner)
029 909 2715
Rachel Dahlberg (for Independent Children’s Monitor)
029 951 2114
Mark Torley (for the Ombudsman)
027 275 5733