51909 (2025). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

51909 (2025). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: Further to 46853 (2025), how many, if any, secure care admissions were extended at Oranga Tamariki's Whakatakapokai youth justice 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, 2 secure care admissions were extended at Whakatakapokai residence, meaning that the admission lasted for longer than 3 consecutive days, as per the Oranga Tamariki Act (1989). I am further advised that both of these did not have prior authorisation from the court under section 376 of the Act for continued detention in secure care, however I am advised that in both cases the admissions lasted less than 10 minutes over the three consecutive days measure. 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.