Children's Commissioner honours legacy of Dame Karen Poutasi

To be attributed to Dr Claire Achmad, Children’s Commissioner:

“Dame Karen Poutasi made a significant contribution to bettering New Zealand for the children of our nation. I am shocked and saddened to hear of her death, and am extending my aroha to her family in their grief.

In my work as Children’s Commissioner I was fortunate to know Dame Karen, especially given her Joint Review into the Children’s Sector: Identification and response to suspected child abuse, the findings of which were published in November 2022 in her independent report, Ensuring strong and effective safety nets to prevent abuse of children.

Dame Karen’s findings, which were accepted in full by the Government last year, have been important in underpinning my advocacy for New Zealand to strengthen the safety nets in our systems and communities to prevent all forms of child maltreatment, so that all mokopuna – all children – can grow up safe and well. In my advocacy on this kaupapa, I have held close Dame Karen’s powerful statement in that report, where she implores: “I encourage everyone in Aotearoa to unite against appalling abuse of our tamariki. Child protection is everyone’s responsibility. We simply cannot afford to look away.”

I know that the Safety Nets report was but one piece of significant work among many in Dame Karen’s distinguished career of public service, including across health and education spaces. I am grateful for the times that I was able to discuss child protection and children’s rights with her. I will remember her to be a leader of courage and commitment to service, driven by values and who was always encouraging. She also spoke to me with great pride in her grandchildren.

My colleagues at Aroturuki Tamariki - Independent Children’s Monitor will soon publish their second report monitoring the children’s system’s implementation to-date of Dame Karen’s Safety Nets recommendations, which I will be paying close attention to. The legacy of Dame Karen’s work to strengthen New Zealand’s approaches and systems that keep mokopuna safe from harm will undoubtedly continue long into the future.”

ends

Editor’s notes

The Children’s Commissioner is the independent advocate for the rights, best interests, wellbeing and outcomes of children and young people under the age of 25 who are or have been in the system, as well as being the independent advocate for all of New Zealand’s children.

Media contact:

Melissa Wastney
029 909 2715