Te Tiratū, Te Taura Ora and Te Moana a Toi Iwi Māori Partnership Boards are calling for independent advocacy for whānau from the outset of serious incidents, following RNZ coverage of findings into the treatment of an 11-year-old autistic Māori child mistakenly identified as a 20-year-old and subjected to restraint and sedation at Waikato Hospital.
The child had been taken to hospital by Police after being found in the community, but was incorrectly identified as a missing adult mental health patient. Subsequent reports identified significant system failures across health and Police services, including breaches of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Health and Disability Code, Pae Ora and mental health legislation.
Speaking to RNZ, Te Tiratū Board member Dr Mataroria Lyndon described the findings as deeply concerning and said a more whānau-centred approach is urgently needed, including independent advocacy throughout serious incidents and investigations. The Boards also raised concern about delays in information sharing despite their statutory monitoring role under Pae Ora, and are calling for all recommendations to be fully implemented.