Multi-agency Hub: drive to keep children safe

Published: February 18, 2026

A new in-person multi-agency Hub is now up and running. The Hub’s focus is to ensure tamariki whose sole parent or sole carer is remanded in custody or imprisoned are safe, their needs met and their carers supported.

It’s anticipated the Hub will provide an additional safety net for around 2,000 children each year.

Led by Oranga Tamariki, representatives from NZ Police, Department of Corrections, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Education and Heath New Zealand, are around the table.

The multi-agency Hub can immediately focus on understanding the needs of tamariki by sharing relevant information to start an initial assessment within 48 hours. This determines what's happening for the child, including their immediate safety and what further information or action is needed.

Logo   Keeping children safe 1

Established as part of the response to the 2022 Dame Karen Poutasi Review into the death of Malachi Subecz, the Hub is a new way of working.

In its first week, the Hub has responded to 28 referrals.

Programme Director Tamariki and Whānau Services Paula Attrill says:

"The agencies in the Hub are committed to collaboratively delivering the right outcome for tamariki and their carers that come to their attention. 

Our shared purpose is to ensure children are safe and their carers supported. Everyone in the Hub wants to help make a difference to the children we support.

Those involved with this work are committed to ensuring we deliver on the intention of the late Dame Karen Poutasi’s work to address some of the system failures that led to Malachi’s tragic death.

In many cases, the right outcome for tamariki will be for them to stay with a whānau member or chosen carer.

Our job is to understand what’s happening for these tamariki and their carer, and make sure they’ll be safe with the right support in place while their sole parent or sole carer is remanded in custody or imprisoned.”

To support the establishment of the Hub, senior leaders from each of the agencies will meet regularly. They will look at what’s working and what more needs to be done to ensure the Hub fulfils the late Dame Karen Poutasi’s vision.