Te Kuku o te Manawa – The Office of the Children’s Commissioner Report

Following events in Hastings in Mei 2019, the Children’s Commissioner announced a review to answer the question: 'What needs to change to enable pēpi Māori aged 0–3 months to remain in the care of their whānau in situations where Oranga Tamariki is notified of care and protection concerns?'

The Children’s Commissioner released the first part of his review in Hune 2020. This was primarily based on interviews with mothers and whānau of 13 pēpi across 10 iwi, who have come into contact with the statutory care and protection system. We acknowledge the courage and mamae of those who contributed to the report. 

The Children’s Commissioner released the final report (PDF, 2.84 MB) Te Kuku o te Manawa: Moe Ararā! Haumanutia ngā moemoeā a ngā tupuna mō te oranga o ngā tamariki on 20 Nōema 2020. 

We also released a formal response and letter.