As a result of an inquest, Coroner Ian Telford has uncovered “pervasive deficits” in Oranga Tamariki’s social work before the death of 8-month-old Watene Kainga. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

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Coroner finds ‘pervasive deficits’ in Oranga Tamariki’s handling of Napier baby’s case

As a result of an inquest, Coroner Ian Telford has uncovered “pervasive deficits” in Oranga Tamariki’s social work before the death of 8-month-old Watene Kainga.

The baby died suddenly in December 2018 from SUDI (sudden unexpected death in infancy) while placed in an “unsafe sleep environment.”

1 November 2024

Australians distrust government and won’t accept lockdowns and vaccine mandates again, COVID inquiry finds

Australians are unlikely to accept again the harsh COVID restrictions imposed during the pandemic, a government-appointed inquiry reveals.

Columnist John Roskam argues that “bullies are always to be found where there are cowards,” suggesting a climate where fear ruled.

1 November 2024

Debate over foreshore and seabed rights divides iwi, lawyers, and Hobson’s Pledge

Parliament’s Justice Select Committee is hearing mixed reactions on proposed changes to the Marine and Coastal Area Act, which would make it harder for iwi to secure customary marine title.

Don Brash from Hobson’s Pledge argued the courts have “made a mockery” of Parliament’s intent by introducing “shared exclusivity.” This concept allows for multiple groups to simultaneously claim exclusivity in the same region and accommodate overlapping claims.

1 November 2024

Mike King under fire for calling alcohol a ‘solution’ to mental health struggles

Mental health advocate and I Am Hope founder Mike King has drawn sharp criticism after suggesting alcohol might be a “solution” for people struggling with mental health issues.

King, speaking on Newstalk ZB, rejected well-established links between alcohol, depression, and suicide, calling the evidence “a matter of opinion.”

1 November 2024

World Bank loses $41b in climate money amid calls for trillions to be paid to low and middle income countries

An Oxfam report has revealed that as much as $41b in World Bank climate finance from 2017 to 2023—nearly 40% of the Bank’s total climate funding—is unaccounted for.

It’s uncertain if the money even reached climate-related initiatives.

The Bank’s climate numbers show planned spending, not actual spending, said Kate Donald, Head of Oxfam International’s Washington, DC office.

1 November 2024

New Zealand to allow builders to self-certify under streamlined consent plan

The government is planning to streamline building consents, allowing qualified tradespeople like builders, plumbers, and drainlayers to self-certify their work on low-risk projects.

Building Minister Chris Penk explained, “We’re giving more trust to those with a strong track record, while ensuring accountability.”