Oranga Tamariki (OT) has reversed its decision to eliminate six dedicated record-keeping jobs after facing backlash for its initial proposal under public sector cuts.
The initial plan threatened to scrap crucial roles responsible for managing decades of children’s records, a move criticised by staff and highlighted by state media.
Chief Executive Chappie Te Kani, despite previously being reprimanded by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care for poor record-keeping, has now amended the restructuring to retain a separate information management function. This decision ensures that OT continues to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities, preserving the vital records that connect survivors with their personal histories.
Te Kani confirmed to state media of the finalised restructuring, which involves 419 job cuts but retains the crucial records management roles, albeit with a smaller team than before.
The reversal came after staff expressed alarm on internal channels and public reporting brought attention to the issue. Te Kani stated the importance of maintaining quality access, protection, and preservation of information, and introduced a new position of lead advisor information management to oversee the records. This move aims to balance the ministry’s need to restructure while still upholding its core duties under the Public Records Act.
