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New Zealand's child welfare system fails vulnerable youth, with rising abuse cases and systemic neglect, especially among Māori, despite ongoing reforms.
A 2025 report by New Zealand’s Independent Children’s Monitor reveals that Oranga Tamariki continues to fail children and young people in state care, with compliance with National Care Standards remaining low six years after their implementation.
Over 5,600 tamariki and rangatahi are in care, many experiencing frequent caregiver changes, inadequate social worker visits, and prolonged stays in motels and hotels—often without proper supervision.
Abuse or neglect was confirmed in 530 cases, a rise from 507 the prior year, with one in 10 children harmed and Māori youth disproportionately affected.
Mental health challenges, poor educational outcomes, and limited support for independence at age 18 persist.
Despite a new action plan, systemic issues remain, prompting calls for reform and a shift to community-led, iwi and whānau-driven care models.
El sistema de bienestar infantil de Nueva Zelanda falla a los jóvenes vulnerables, con un aumento de casos de abuso y negligencia sistémica, especialmente entre los maoríes, a pesar de las reformas en curso.