Tragic Death of Baby Ru Sparks Calls for Accountability: Outrage Over Government’s Response
The Lower Hutt community is reeling from the devastating loss of Baby Ru, a toddler who tragically passed away on October 22. Baby Ru was taken to Hutt Hospital in Wellington after being found unresponsive, and a post-mortem revealed that he died as a result of blunt force trauma. The police have determined that the injuries were not accidental and may have been inflicted up to 12 hours before his passing.
The heartbreaking case has ignited a wave of outrage among Baby Ru’s whānau (extended family) who have voiced their concerns about the response from Oranga Tamariki, the government agency responsible for protecting children. Baby Ru’s uncle, Ngatanahira Reremoana, revealed that he had lodged a formal complaint with Oranga Tamariki in December 2022, expressing his worry about Baby Ru’s well-being. Reremoana, who had cared for Baby Ru along with other family members, had hoped to bring the child back to Taupō in order to provide a safer environment.
However, Reremoana’s complaint seemingly fell on deaf ears, as Oranga Tamariki was unable to verify whether it had been lodged due to privacy concerns. In response to the tragedy, Oranga Tamariki’s chief executive, Chappie Te Kani, expressed his deep sadness over Baby Ru’s death and assured the public that an intensive review is underway to assess the agency’s interactions and decisions regarding Baby Ru and his whānau. Te Kani emphasized that the ministry’s primary goal is to protect children and that the loss of a child is profoundly felt by all Oranga Tamariki staff.
While Baby Ru was not in the custody or care of Oranga Tamariki at the time of his death, his case does highlight the challenges faced by the agency in managing the wellbeing of tens of thousands of children in their system. Clarifying the agency’s involvement, Chief Social Worker Peter Whitcombe explained that an ID number is assigned to any child who becomes the subject of concern, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate direct involvement with the child’s life.
The tragic circumstances surrounding Baby Ru’s death have raised questions about the adequacy of support and interventions that he and his whānau received. The case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the need for accountability when it comes to protecting their welfare. The whānau who cared for Baby Ru during a significant portion of his life expressed their heartbreak over the loss, emphasizing his joyful nature and love for music and food.
As the investigation into Baby Ru’s death continues, the community is united in demanding justice. The grieving Reremoana family, deeply rooted in their faith and supported by their Ratana church community, will not rest until those responsible are held accountable. While the pain of this tragic event will forever be etched in their hearts, they are determined to bring about positive change and ensure that no other child suffers a similar fate.
In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, it is crucial that the Government and child protection agencies reflect on their processes and systems to ensure that every child’s safety is prioritized. The loss of Baby Ru serves as a somber reminder of the importance of effective intervention and support mechanisms to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
