5388 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

Written Question

Published date: 05 Mar 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	5388 (2026)
Question asked:	18 Feb 2026
Member asking:	Hon Willow-Jean Prime
Portfolio:	Minister for Children
Minister replying:	Hon Karen Chhour
Answer received:	26 Feb 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_05388_2026
Document guid:	c3218279-4776-404b-88ae-83f0878d9308

5388 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: What is the number of children overdue for Oranga Tamariki allocation to a social worker, if any, as of 31 December 2025 or most recent data available?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am advised by Oranga Tamariki that as of 31 January 2026, there were 1495 children and young people overdue for allocation to a social worker. I am further advised that Oranga Tamariki have measures in place to monitor cases that are yet to be allocated, including triaging unallocated cases for urgency, monitoring unallocated queues, and reaching out to notifiers (those who make a report of concern) to seek updates when needed.