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Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki v JA [2021] NZFC 3068

Published 11 November 2021

Guardianship directions — care and protection — vaccination — COVID-19 — measles — National Immunisation Schedule — Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, ss 14, 18B, 78, 101, 110 & 115 — Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki v JA [2018] NZFC 4705. This hearing was to determine several issues in relation to several children. At a previous hearing the children had been declared in need of care and protection and had been placed in the custody of the Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki (OT). The applicant/first respondent mother sought access to the children and opposed the guardianship directions sought by OT, but failed to attend the second day of hearings. The directions sought by OT were in relation to a Gateway assessment for the children, passports, overseas travel, haircuts and measles vaccinations. Subsequently additional directions in relation to ear-piercing and COVID-19 vaccinations were sought by OT. The respondent father consented to some of the guardianship directions in relation to the youngest child but opposed the directions for vaccinations. While acknowledging the respondent father's hesitancy with regards to vaccinations, the Judge noted that the Court was guided by expert advice. The children were to receive vaccinations in line with the National Immunisation Schedule, after being assessed by their medical practitioner. The Judge also made other directions in relation to those sought by OT. Judgment Date: 7 April 2021. * * * Note: names have been changed to comply with legal requirements. * * *