Care facility to stay open

A decision to close a Christchurch child protection facility that came under fire in a whistleblower video has been reversed, with investigations finding no evidence children were unsafe.

A snap closure of Te Oranga was announced by former Oranga Tamariki chief executive Sir Wira Gardiner in late June after the publication of a Newsroom video allegedly showing youth workers using ‘‘excessive force’’ on a teenager.

Children’s Minister Kelvin Davis ordered an investigation into the restraint of children at care facilities.

Gardiner stepped down from his role with the organisation on October 1 after taking a month of sick leave.

Oranga Tamariki acting chief executive Chappie Te Kani said yesterday Gardiner’s decision ‘‘was made in the context of the information available at that time’’.

Subsequent investigations and reviews, both internal and external, were almost complete, Te Kani said.

‘‘The investigations and reviews do not support the view that the tamariki and rangatahi at Te Oranga are unsafe, or that there is a widespread culture of abuse.

‘‘But, I do not accept that these facilities are the right environment for our tamariki and rangatahi.’’

Te Kani said Te Oranga would stay open but operate with a new ‘‘model of care’’, which was being developed.

‘‘As a result of these initiatives, I am rescinding the decision to close Te Oranga while the new model is being developed.’’

He said ‘‘while the physical environment is an important component of any residential care option, this needs to be accompanied by a comprehensive new model of care for our tamariki and rangatahi with the highest needs’’.

The new model aimed to ‘‘ensure the care that we provide to tamariki is at the highest standard, which tamariki, rangatahi, their wha¯ nau and the wider community can trust’’.

Oranga Tamariki’s goal was for tamariki and rangatahi to live with wha¯ nau, hapu¯ , iwi or their family group. ‘‘To achieve this, tamariki may receive therapeutic intervention in a specialist setting, for the shortest possible time.’’