Children
Oranga Tamariki insists it has improved
Its chief social worker says vast advances have been made, while the minister responsible is not promising any more funding.
Nearly half of OT children not often seeing social workers
Nearly half of children in Oranga Tamariki care are not seeing a social worker as often as they should.
The Independent Children's Monitor has released another grim report into the agency tasked with… Audio
Second OT report 'heartbreaking' - Children's Minister
A report today from the Children and Young People's commission reveals almost 40 percent of chidren in OT's care aren't getting as many social worker visits as they should, and about a third of… Video, Audio
40% of kids in care not seeing social workers enough
Fundamental requirements for children in Oranga Tamariki's care aren't being met, a new report says.
Record number of children being harmed in Oranga Tamariki care: report
A new report shows more children than ever are being harmed in Oranga Tamariki care.
The agency's latest Safety in Care report shows more than 500 children were harmed in the year ending June 2023… Audio
Not enough being done to ensure safety of children returning from state care - watchdog
The Independent Children's Monitor says Oranga Tamariki is failing to do enough checks on children returning home from state care.
'Knocked unconscious to bleeding lips and noses': More children harmed in OT's care
Oranga Tamariki says it is "horrendous and absolutely unacceptable" that more children than ever are being harmed under their watch. Audio
Nearly 50 schools have students working to support family - charity
Charity KidsCan says demand for their school support is the biggest it's been in six years, with dozens of schools revealing its students are working to support their families. Audio
Significant measles outbreak almost certain to happen, public health expert says
"No expert I know says we're going to get through the next outbreak without seeing some tragic deaths of babies," says Otago University epidemiology professor Michael Baker.
Oranga Tamariki: Children may not receive all health checks
A new report has found Oranga Tamariki doesn't know whether the children in care are receiving annual health and dental check ups. The report by the Independent Children's Monitor found some are being… Audio
Children's rally at Parliament calls for ceasefire in Gaza
"All the kids in Palestine should be safe," says an eight-year-old who attended a picnic on Parliament's lawn along with other children, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Research highlights risks of Covid during pregnancy
Babies born to mothers who catch Covid during pregnancy face three times the risk of developing serious breathing problems.
That's the finding of new research done at the University of California in… Audio
Holidayzzzzz: Getting kids back into a good sleep routine
Getting a good night sleep can be tough on a sticky summer night. It can be even harder for young kids - and their parents! Audio
Holidayzzzzz: Getting kids back into a good sleep routine
Getting a good night sleep can be tough on a sticky summer night. It can be even harder for young kids - and their parents! - whose sleep schedules have been put out of whack by holiday adventures and… Audio
Keeping kids busy in the holidays
For parents in need of a fresh boost of ideas to keep the kids entertained and out from under your feet, Summer Times has called on Maria Foy for help. Audio
Ukraine-Russia war: Putin citizenship decree violates children's rights, Ukraine says
Ukraine has condemned a decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin making it possible to confer Russian citizenship on Ukrainian children moved to Russia.
Scouts gather for annual Jamboree
More than 4000 scouts have ventured to Mystery Creek south of Hamilton for the organisations annual jamboree. There's been a wide range of activites from drift bikes and cooking to celebrating the new… Audio
Bossy eldest, creative second: does birth order matter?
If you're the eldest child, the stereotype would have us believe you're responsible, conscientious and a bit bossy. Second born - more chilled out and creative and the youngest? Spoilt! But does birth… Audio
Timaru - home to the Southern Hemisphere's largest playground
On Sunday what is possibly the Southern Hemisphere's largest playground will be officially unveiled. And no it's not in Sydney or Melbourne and not even Auckland - - It will take pride of place in… Audio
What should I gift my child's teacher?
It's an end-of-the-year dilemma for many parents - how to say thank you to their child's teacher. As the school year grinds to an end, what gifts are appropriate for the person who's been guiding your… Audio