51918 (2025). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

51918 (2025). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: Further to 46857 (2025), did Oranga Tamariki monitor for evidence of methamphetamine use at Te Au rere a te Tonga youth justice facility between 1 January and 31 July 2025; if so, with what methods?

Hon Karen Chhour: Young people in secure residences are supervised by trained staff, supported by care teams and have their health needs individually supported by clinical professionals. All of these staff are expected to be able to identify any behaviours that might be of concern, such as substance misuse. Secure residences continue their efforts to prevent the entry of unauthorised items. In addition to internal oversight by senior leadership, secure residences are visited by external monitoring bodies including Mana Mokopuna - Children's Commissioner and Aroturuki Tamariki - Independent Children's Monitor, VOYCE Whakarongo Mai and professionals such as social workers and youth advocates. I reiterate my answer to WPQ 46857 (2025) that there has been no evidence of methamphetamine use at this residence during this time period. If anyone has any information to the contrary, I urge them report this to Oranga Tamariki or the Police, so that it can be investigated. The safety and wellbeing of the young people in these residences is paramount.