Functions of the New Zealand Commissioner for Children
The functions of the Commissioner are laid out in section 411 of the Children, Young Persons and their Families Act 1989:
to investigate any decision or recommendation made, or any act done or omitted, under this Act in respect of any child or young person in that child’s or young person’s personal capacity;
to monitor and assess the policies and practices of the Department (of Social Welfare), and of any other person, body or organisation exercising or performing any function, duty or power conferred or imposed by or under this Act, in relation to the exercise or performance of any function, duty, or power conferred or imposed by or under this Act;
to encourage the development, within the Department, of policies and services designed to promote the welfare of children and young persons;
to undertake and promote research into any matter relating to the welfare of children and young persons;
to inquire generally into, and report on, any matter, including any enactment or law, or any practice or procedure, relating to the welfare of children and young persons;
to receive and invite representations from members of the public on any matter relating to the welfare of children and young persons;
to increase public awareness of matters relating to the welfare of children and young persons;
on the Commissioner’s own initiative or at the request of the Minister, to advise the Minister on any matter relating to the administration of this Act;
to keep under review, and make recommendations on, the working of this Act.