What independent reviews, evaluations, or inquiries, if any, have been commissioned by any department or entity for which the Minister is responsible since 27 November 2023, listed by department or entity, the name or subject of the review, the reviewer or organisation appointed, the date commissioned, and the total cost or estimated cost?

Answer

I am advised there are several layers of oversight and monitoring for Oranga Tamariki, designed to ensure compliance with legislative obligations, and to ensure services to tamariki and rangatahi are delivered effectively. External oversight is provided by Mana Mokopuna (The Children’s Commissioner), the Office of the Ombudsman (the Ombudsman), and Aroturuki Tamariki/Independent Children's Monitor (the Monitor). The roles of the monitoring agencies are set out in the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022, which came into effect on 1 May 2023, and the Children and Young People’s Commission Act, which came into effect from 1 July 2023. I am further advised that in addition to the regular reviews, evaluations and inquiries of the oversight agencies, Oranga Tamariki has commissioned one review since 27 November 2023. This was an Independent Assurance Assessment commissioned by Oranga Tamariki with the support of the Public Service Commission on 4 March 2025. The reviewers were David Smol, Belinda Clarke and Alta Kilsby. The total cost was $139,950.