The Independent Children's Monitor says it's clear our child protection system is under immense stress. 

Its review shows carers killed 24 children between December 2021 and June 2025. 

It finds no improvement, despite recommendations in a review of the murder of five-year-old Malachi Subecz in 2021. 

Children's Monitor CEO Arran Jones told Mike Hosking that while there are deep-seated issues that go beyond what the agencies can respond to, there are certainly things that can be improved.  

He says the lack of progress up to this point is an issue of prioritisation, and it’s about making sure the problem is front of mine not only for Oranga Tamariki, but for all the agencies that have a role to play. 

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