The Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 (Children and Young People’s Well-being Act 1989) aims to protect the wellbeing of children and their families. The Act concerns those who care for children and young people and have their care and interests in mind. The standard of care for children and young persons is separate from adults and institutions. Children and young persons are vulnerable and are afforded more protection than adults.
Punishment/discipline
Section 139A of the Education Act 1989 prohibits corporal punishment in registered schools and early childhood services. This law protects attendees of children’s programmes that are run by the centres.
Reporting of child abuse
There is no mandatory reporting of child abuse but the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 does state that no person who reports abuse shall be subject to any civil, criminal or disciplinary proceeding as a result of their reporting, or the way they report it, unless the information is disclosed in bad faith.
Parents/guardians
The parent/caregiver of any child enrolling in a programme needs to state who is allowed to pick up the child and whether the child is the subject of any parenting or protection orders. The parent should be notified immediately if an unauthorised person calls to see or collect a child.