Calls for better inter-agency coordination ramps up amid inquest into 12yo's death

Calls continue for better coordination between Oranga Tamariki and Police as an inquest begins into the death of a 12-year-old girl. 

The New Plymouth girl, who cannot be named, died by suspected suicide in 2017. 

Two years later, Dana Bernadette Taylor was sent to prison for the physical and psychological abuse of the girl and two other children – their connection is not public. 

The coroner's heard from a social worker who believes Oranga Tamariki assessed her home as safe and was unaware of violence. 

Children's Commissioner Jane Searle told Kerre Woodham although each case is individual, the answer is for the organisations to work closer together. 

She says they need a system which can be relied on to then act on information, which requires better training. 

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