51902 (2025). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

51902 (2025). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: Further to 46850 (2025), how many, if any, secure care admissions were extended at Oranga Tamariki's Epuni care and protection facility between 1 July and 31 December 2024, and, if any, were all in full compliance with the law?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am advised that between 1 July and 31 December 2024, 4 secure care admissions were extended at Epuni residence, meaning that the admission lasted for longer than 3 consecutive days, as per the Oranga Tamariki Act (1989). I am further advised that 4 of these did not have prior authorisation from the court under section 376 of the Act for continued detention in secure. Reasons why there might not have been authorisation for a retention beyond 3 consecutive days include where this time limit was reached due to a re-admission to secure care on the same day. Every extension should have authorisation and I am informed that Oranga Tamariki is aware of these instances and individual residences have provided refresher training where needed to ensure that this happens going forward. Please note that this is operational data and subject to change.