6 Oct 2022

Children's Minister admits Oranga Tamariki failed Malachi Subecz

From Midday Report, 12:15 pm on 6 October 2022

The Minister for Children admits his agency failed 5 year old Malachi Subecz who was murdered by his carer – but is not yet taking any action, instead awaiting an internal investgation.

Yesterday the Chief Ombudsman released a scathing report into the agency, saying it failed to take the bare minimum action when concerns were raised about the safety of Malachi, who was murdered almost a year ago by Michaela Barriball.

Peter Boshier said the death was preventable had the agency done their job and described it as a litany of failures.

Oranga Tamariki has accepted all the recommendations but is also ruling out further action until an internal review is completed.

Māni Dunlop spoke to the Minister, Kelvin Davis.