46897 (2025). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

Written Question

Published date: 10 Oct 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	46897 (2025)
Question asked:	28 Sep 2025
Member asking:	Hon Willow-Jean Prime
Portfolio:	Minister for Children
Minister replying:	Hon Karen Chhour
Answer received:	06 Oct 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_46897_2025
Document guid:	bd9805a5-dd73-4a65-bebb-46f20db19a24

46897 (2025). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: Further to 44077 (2024) what work has been done since July 2024 at Oranga Tamariki's Whakatakapokai youth justice facility to address issues raised in recent reports?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am advised that significant work has been completed or is underway at Whakatakapokai since July 2024. This includes an improved recruitment process, training for staff and frontline leadership, a programme of re-decoration within the site and changes to programming. In addition, subject to legislative change where relevant, Budget 25 has allocated funding for infrastructure remediation, safety improvements and workforce professionalisation, which will allow for measures such as upgrades to electronic security and universal searches in residences.