Commissioner for Children: James Whakaruru

Media Communication

Roger McClay
Commissioner for Children 10 April 2000

The extensive enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of James Whakaruru is nearing completion.

The investigation by the Office of the Commissioner for Children has transpired to be one of the most extensive ever conducted by the office.

For that reason I am keen that procedures are followed whereby full consultation with Government departments and agencies is carried out before the final report is released publicly on 13th June.

Government agencies will receive our current draft this week and will have ample opportunity to check data and advise of factual and other errors.

I am also briefing the Minister of Social Services this week so that he can share information with ministerial colleagues whose departments and ministries have been included in our investigation.

I regret the length of time the whole report process is taking. However, I feel obliged to do justice to this issue. Little James’ life has been lost, but his death needs to allow us the opportunity to do justice to him and learn from society’s mistakes.

ENDS

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