Oranga Tamariki, police failed 12-year-old - whānau member

Tears as whānau member tells inquest 12-year-old was failed

A whānau member of a 12-year-old New Plymouth girl - who died of a suspected suicide in 2017 - has told an inquest that the adults and agencies involved in the girl's life failed her.

There was barely a dry eye as the woman's words were read out by a lawyer while she watched proceedings via a video link at the New Plymouth District Court.

She said problems in the family were well known to social workers and police, but they didn't get the help they required.

Oranga Tamariki "had failed" them, she said.

"There were three children living in neglect and I struggle to understand how this was not recognised as requiring urgent action."