Oranga Tamariki: 80% Rise in Staff Concussions Sparks Safety Concerns

Oranga Tamariki Faces Rising Staff Concussions, Sparking Safety Concerns

A surge in work-related concussions among staff at Oranga Tamariki, New Zealand’s Ministry for Children, is raising serious concerns about workplace safety. Figures released to RNZ show an 80% increase in diagnosed concussions over the past five years, with 157 incidents reported between January 2021 and December 2025, affecting 146 staff members. The increase is prompting calls for urgent action from social worker associations and unions, who point to systemic pressures within the organization as contributing factors.

The Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW) has expressed deep concern over the trend. “We stand alongside our members, the complexity and risk in their mahi are increasing, and safety must be treated as non‑negotiable,” said Nathan Chong Nee, chief executive of ANZASW. Chong Nee, a registered social worker himself, emphasized the inherent risks associated with the role, stating, “Keeping tamariki and whānau safe starts with keeping the people who serve them safe.” The association intends to seek assurances from Oranga Tamariki regarding concrete steps to protect its workforce.

The Public Service Association (PSA) attributes the rise in concussions to pressures within youth residences, citing issues such as inadequate facilities, unsafe staffing levels, frequent double shifts, and persistent roster gaps. “The facilities are not fit for purpose, we have an unsafe staffing mix, double shifts are too common, and there are roster gaps. There’s a whole range of issues contributing to this and Oranga Tamariki needs to get to the bottom of what’s going on and stop it,” explained Fleur Fitzsimmons, national secretary of the PSA. Fitzsimmons further asserted that the situation represents “aggression towards Oranga Tamariki workers” and requires immediate attention.

Oranga Tamariki acknowledges the seriousness of the situation, stating that any injury sustained by staff is taken “extremely seriously.” Nicholas Pole, Deputy Chief Executive of People, Culture and Enabling Services, affirmed the organization’s commitment to staff wellbeing, stating that staff “deserve to come to work every day and know they were safe.” The organization is currently reviewing all concussion incidents to better understand the causes of the increase.

While Oranga Tamariki declined to disclose the specific locations of the incidents, citing privacy concerns, the organization notes that it has increased its vigilance in recording and monitoring all staff injuries, which may contribute to the higher reported numbers. A program of work is underway to strengthen the prevention, identification, and support of head injuries in the workplace. This includes improvements to reporting processes, guidance for leaders and staff, and enhanced support services for those who experience a concussion.

Youth Justice Residences have been identified as areas of particularly high risk due to the complex and dynamic nature of the work conducted there. Oranga Tamariki has also engaged a third-party health and injury-management provider to proactively contact staff who report head injuries, regardless of whether an ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) claim is filed. This provider assesses individual needs and facilitates referrals to specialist concussion services and wellbeing support when necessary.

The rise in concussions at Oranga Tamariki comes amid broader scrutiny of the organization’s operations. In late 2025, the agency reported a significant increase in Reports of Concern (ROCs), up 44% with a 17% increase in individual children with ROCs, according to the Oranga Tamariki Annual Report 2024/25. While not directly linked to the concussion increase, this suggests a growing level of complexity and risk within the child welfare system.

The PSA recently secured a victory regarding working from home arrangements at ACC, demonstrating the union’s ability to advocate for worker wellbeing. However, the immediate focus remains on addressing the safety concerns at Oranga Tamariki. The organization is encouraging staff to report any safety concerns to their managers and the Health and Safety team to ensure they have the resources needed to perform their roles safely.

The situation highlights the challenges faced by frontline social workers and the need for sustained investment in both staff safety and the resources required to effectively support vulnerable children and families. The ANZASW and PSA are expected to continue pressing Oranga Tamariki for comprehensive action to address the root causes of the rising concussion rates and ensure a safe working environment for all staff.