35279 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

35279 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: How many staff vacancies, if any, are there at each of Oranga Tamariki's Korowai Manaaki, Whakatakapokai, Te Maioha o Prekarangi, Te Au rere a te Tonga, and Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo youth justice facilities; if any, what are the role titles and the length of the vacancy?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am advised by Oranga Tamariki vacancies are reported as ‘unfilled positions which includes positions under active recruitment, held for staff on secondment to other roles, and staff on extended leave without pay and that the total number of vacancies across Youth Justice residences as at 31 July 2026 is 71. I am further advised that 20 of these have been unfilled for less than a month, 37 have been unfilled for between one and three months, and 14 have been unfilled for four months or more. A further breakdown is provided below: Korowai Maanaki = 29 Whakatakapokai = 3 Te Au Rere a te Tonga = 9 Te Maioha o Parekarangi = 8 Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo = 22