Chief Ombudsman to conduct wide-ranging investigation into the removal of newborn babies
Source: Office of the Ombudsman
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Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier is conducting his own wide-ranging and independent investigation into the steps Oranga
Tamariki takes when newborn babies are removed.
Mr Boshier confirmed his investigation was underway when he appeared before Parliament’s Governance and Administration
Committee this afternoon.
"Cabinet announced in April that from July 1, I will have a greater degree of oversight over Oranga Tamariki which will
include reviewing complaints and conducting investigations. It is important for me to start looking at this issue
immediately."
Mr Boshier says there has been a great deal of public concern following an attempt by Oranga Tamariki to remove a week
old baby from its mother in Hawke’s Bay hospital last month.
"No one is more vulnerable than a newborn baby. I think the public needs assurance that the right policies and processes
are in place for their protection while at the same time safeguarding the rights of whānau.
"My investigation is focussed on what a good system should look like. As an Officer of Parliament, I have unique
investigative powers under the Ombudsmen Act to require all relevant information from Oranga Tamariki and others to get
to the heart of things and form an independent view."
Mr Boshier says he is pleased Oranga Tamariki is doing its own internal investigation into the Hawke’s Bay case and
notes the Children’s Commissioner is also launching a thematic review focussed on Māori newborns.
"My investigation will provide a broader overview aimed at identifying best practice. It is important my investigation
looks into the circumstances faced by all newborns and their whānau."
Mr Boshier says his powers also allow him to examine Oranga Tamariki’s interactions with other agencies, such as
district health boards, in the removal of newborn babies.
"There is often more than one agency involved, as well as court decisions and Police protocols that Oranga Tamariki
needs to take into account.
I want to find out whether these kind of interventions by Oranga Tamariki are being carried out in an appropriate way.
This is a key part of my job as New Zealand’s Ombudsman, to make sure there is trust and confidence in the system, and
to make recommendations where I see the need for improvement."
Mr Boshier says his investigation will not focus on the actions of individuals involved in the Hawke’s Bay case.
"I do not want to intervene in this particular case at this time because Oranga Tamariki is conducting its own review
and there are ongoing legal proceedings.
I will be seeking regular progress reports from Oranga Tamariki. I will also be asking the Children’s Commissioner for
updates on his review. It is part of my job to oversee the administrative practices of these and other agencies within
my jurisdiction and identify any areas where my intervention may be required."
Mr Boshier has assigned a team of investigators specialising in the review of agency practices and processes, and
notified Oranga Tamariki of his intention to investigate two weeks ago.
"My aim will be to complete my investigation by the end of the year, and I will then report back to Parliament.
"I intend publishing my findings and any recommendations I make. I want to give the public confidence that this issue
will be looked at fairly and robustly."
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