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Oversight powers in the Oranga Tamariki system

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The Ombudsman is working with the Office of the Children’s Commissioner and the Independent Children’s Monitor to implement a new structure of oversight for the Oranga Tamariki system.

The Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 will come into effect on 1 May 2023 and the  Children and Young People's Commission Act 2022  will come into effect on 1 July 2023.

The separate roles in the Oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system are to:

  • Advocate for the interests, rights and wellbeing of children in the Oranga Tamariki system, and where needed, help mokopuna and their whānau navigate the system to resolve problems. This is the role of the Children and Young People’s Commission.
  • Monitor the performance of the system, including identifying areas for improvement. Monitoring reports will be used by others to advocate for system change. Monitoring spans compliance, quality of practice and outcomes. This is the role of the Independent Children’s Monitor.
  • Investigate and monitor serious and significant issues in the system, and handle complaints about Oranga Tamariki and its care or custody providers. This is the role of the Ombudsman.

Read more about the Ombudsman’s role with care or custody providers

Getting ready for change

The Ombudsman is committed to being in a stronger position to consider complaints, investigate and monitor serious and significant issues.

Read the factsheet below to see how the Ombudsman has prepared for this role. (Note these were updated after 1 July 2023)

Working together for better outcomes

The Ombudsman is independent of the Crown and ensures the obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi are met.

The Ombudsman works to preserve people’s rights, their dignity and mana. To achieve better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau, tikanga-informed arrangements must be in place. The Ombudsman will connect with Iwi, Hapū and Māori organisations involved in the Oranga Tamariki system.

The Chief Ombudsman has established Pūhara Mana Tangata a panel of eminent rangatira to support engagement with Māori.

For more information contact [email protected] call 0800 802 602.

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