Oranga Tamariki faces criticism for mishandling Tom Phillips child disappearance case
The inquiry, released after a media briefing by OT chief executive Amanda Malu, detailed missed opportunities to protect the three children of Tom Phillips. It followed earlier revelations of shortcomings in the agency's handling of the Mustafa Ali case. Police reports, sibling complaints and a family affidavit were not acted upon, and the agency did not engage with the Family Court on several concerns. Malu said she will focus on the findings as the agency reviews its practices.
A public inquiry into the Tom Phillips case has identified a series of procedural and communication failures by Oranga Tamariki, according to statements made by chief executive Amanda Malu. The report notes that police alerts, concerns raised by the children’s older sisters Anna and Jane, and an affidavit detailing abuse were not adequately investigated or presented to the Family Court. Earlier criticism of the agency’s handling of the Mustafa Ali case was also referenced.
Despite a police report describing unsafe living conditions and repeated calls from family members, OT did not take further action until the children disappeared a second time. Malu acknowledged the report’s findings and said she will pursue answers to the identified shortcomings. The agency has since implemented additional support and a dedicated regional team for the case from 2023 onward.
