Today Minister Erica Stanford announced as part of the $774 million investment to improve the current redress system for survivors of abuse in state care, changes would be made that will endeavour to "prevent, identify, and respond to abuse in the future".

Within this package, $71.5 million has been earmarked specifically for "building a capable and safe care workforce for children and vulnerable adults."

Safeguarding Children Chief Executive Willow Duffy says this funding represents an opportunity – but only if it is deployed it to address the fundamental systemic failures that continue to put vulnerable New Zealanders at risk.

“As we consider this $71.5 million investment in building a safe and capable workforce there are some key questions we must ask. Who is included in this workforce? Does it include teachers, doctors, nurses? These occupations all have a role to play in keeping our children safe.

Duffy says that every New Zealander deserves to know exactly how this funding will create care environments where abuse becomes truly exceptional rather than predictable.

“Until we build a workforce where safeguarding isn't just a compliance exercise but a fundamental professional value, we'll continue seeing preventable harm to those most dependent on our protection.

“The $71.5 million must deliver transformational change in how we select, train, support, and hold accountable those entrusted with our most vulnerable citizens. We need more than just incremental improvements.”

Duffy says the $71.5 million allocation could be transformative if it delivers:

• A nationwide credentialing system similar to Australia's Blue Card—providing consistent vetting standards across all care settings
• Specific codes of conduct that prioritise the prevention of abuse
• Mandatory, comprehensive safeguarding training for all care providers and their leadership
• Clear consequences for organisations that fail to maintain safeguarding standards
• Structural supports that elevate care work as a valued, professional career path.

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