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Is the Minister concerned that the Ministry of Health is effectively investigating Wakai Hospital Ward 10A itself, on a matter that the Ombudsman has said probably involves torture; if not, how can he be satisfied that the investigation is independent and seen to be independent? and 3 other questions

Answered 35266, 35268, 36007, 36009 (2026)
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Asked by

Ingrid Leary

Member for Taieri · Labour Party

Questions

  • 35266

    Recorded target Simeon Brown, Minister of Health

    Question published

    Is the Minister concerned that the Ministry of Health is effectively investigating Wakai Hospital Ward 10A itself, on a matter that the Ombudsman has said probably involves torture; if not, how can he be satisfied that the investigation is independent and seen to be independent?

    Original response/referral lodged:

  • 35268

    Recorded target Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health

    Question published

    Is the Minister concerned that the Ministry of Health is effectively investigating Wakai Hospital Ward 10A itself, on a matter that the Ombudsman has said probably involves torture; if not, how can he be satisfied that the investigation is independent and seen to be independent?

  • 36007

    Recorded target Simeon Brown, Minister of Health

    Question published

    Why is the Ministry of Health, rather than the independent NZ Police, investigating Wakari Hospital Ward 10A, given that the Ombudsman conducted his 2026 investigation into Wakari under the Crimes of Torture Act, given that the domestic law giving effect to the UN Convention Against Torture, triggering legal requirements to involve Police, and given that the Ombudsman has said what occurred at Wakari 10A was probably torture?

    Original response/referral lodged:

  • 36009

    Recorded target Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health

    Question published

    Why is the Ministry of Health, rather than the independent NZ Police, investigating Wakari Hospital Ward 10A, given that the Ombudsman conducted his 2026 investigation into Wakari under the Crimes of Torture Act, given that the domestic law giving effect to the UN Convention Against Torture, triggering legal requirements to involve Police, and given that the Ombudsman has said what occurred at Wakari 10A was probably torture?

    Original response/referral lodged:

Answered by

Hon Matt Doocey

Member for Waimakariri · National Party · Minister for Mental Health

Answer

No. The Inquiry has been commissioned under section 101(2) of the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act and has the same powers and authority to summon witnesses and receive evidence as a Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1908. The Inquiry will be led by a district inspector from a different part of the country. District inspectors are statutory officers who operate independently from the Ministry of Health.