34057 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

34057 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: Is an Oranga Tamariki practice review being undertaken regarding the Korowai Manaaki incident, if any, whereby young people lined up on two sides and a young person walked through the two lines while he was hit?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am aware of an alleged incident that occurred at Korowai Manaaki in March 2026. This alleged incident was captured on CCTV footage. Any harm occurring in youth justice residences is unacceptable, and I expect Oranga Tamariki to take all appropriate steps to investigate any alleged incidents. I am advised that Oranga Tamariki is responding to this alleged incident through their incident management process. This includes wellbeing checks, recording of the alleged incident in forms including the daily log and as a Serious Event Notification, a review by senior leadership, a Report of Concern, enacting a safety plan and an employment process. Specialist training has been introduced to support staff in identifying behaviour from young people that could compromise professional boundaries and responding to it effectively. I am advised that there is not currently a practice review underway.