52019 (2025). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

52019 (2025). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: Further to 45509 (2025), how, if at all, is the Child Protection Investigation Unit able to assess whether or not an instance of harm to a child in state care may have been associated with a breach of Section 7 of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 if the Unit reports directly to the Chief Executive?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am advised that the Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU) functions with operational independence. When the CPIU identifies that harm caused to children in state care is associated with a breach of section 7 of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, it reports this finding to the Chief Executive and may also make recommendations in relation to it. The CPIU documents its findings and recommendations. It monitors the implementation of the recommendations that are accepted by the Chief Executive and meets regularly with the Deputy Chief Executive’s responsible for the implementation. I am further advised that the CPIU also reports its findings and recommendations to staff, families and third parties involved in an investigation. It also informs oversight agencies, including the Office of the Ombudsman, Mana Mokopuna and Aroturuki Tamariki, ensuring transparency and accountability.