21 Sep 2023

Report finds Oranga Tamariki hired gang associates due to poor vetting proccess

From Checkpoint, 5:17 pm on 21 September 2023

Yet another report into Oranga Tamariki has revealed a litany of problems including allegations of bullying, harassment, sexual and physical assault.

The rapid review of Oranga Tamariki's secure youth facilities was ordered in June after claims of inappropriate sexual conduct by workers.

28 complaints have been refered to police, 3 staff have been charged and 22 workers have been removed from their jobs.

On top of that the review found; there's a "profound misalignment" between the high needs of tamariki and a largely unskilled and unregulated workforce.

In June former Police Commissioner Mike Bush was put in charge of Oranga Tamariki youth justice facilities and community homes.

He admits Oranga Tamariki had poor vetting processes; staff hired their friends & workers with gang connections, even though the agency's top job is to look after the children in its care.