Figures released to RNZ reveal the number of head injuries suffered by Oranga Tamariki staff while at work had increased by 80 percent in the past five years. Oranga Tamariki said there were 157 work-related concussions between January 2021 and December 2025, suffered by 146 staff members. The association would be seeking assurance from Oranga Tamariki on what action would be taken, he said. Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimmons said concussions suffered by Oranga Tamariki staff were a symptom of youth residences under too much pressure. "Oranga Tamariki needs to look into all these factors and others to make sure that this aggression towards Oranga Tamariki workers stops."

Source: Otago Daily Times February 21, 2026 12:26 UTC