Dr Ang Jury Appointed to Lead New Independent Children’s Monitor Board
Currently serving as Chief Executive of Women’s Refuge, Dr Jury has earned widespread respect for her tireless advocacy for victims of domestic and family violence.

- Country:
- New Zealand
In a landmark move to reinforce accountability and transparency in child welfare, the New Zealand Government has appointed Dr Ang Jury, ONZM as Chair of the newly established Board for the Independent Children’s Monitor—a major step forward in the country’s efforts to protect and support vulnerable children.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced the appointment, describing it as a critical milestone in the creation of a fully independent monitoring body that will oversee the Oranga Tamariki system.
“This marks a significant step for vulnerable children,” Minister Upston stated. “The legislative changes I have taken through Parliament this year have enabled this appointment, reflecting commitments in the National-ACT coalition agreement to create a truly independent monitoring and oversight agency for Oranga Tamariki.”
Dr Jury Brings Strong Social Advocacy Leadership
Currently serving as Chief Executive of Women’s Refuge, Dr Jury has earned widespread respect for her tireless advocacy for victims of domestic and family violence. She is expected to conclude her role at Women’s Refuge by the end of 2025 in preparation for her new responsibilities.
Appointed to a five-year term beginning 1 August 2025, Dr Jury brings more than two decades of experience in the social services sector, including extensive knowledge of the challenges facing vulnerable children and families. Her leadership will be crucial in shaping the newly independent board tasked with monitoring the country’s child protection services.
“Dr Jury is an outstanding appointee,” said Upston. “Her deep expertise in the wider social and Oranga Tamariki sectors, combined with a fierce commitment to the rights and wellbeing of children, make her uniquely qualified to lead this board.”
A New Era in Oversight and Accountability
The Independent Children’s Monitor (ICM) is one of three statutory agencies tasked with overseeing Oranga Tamariki—the government department responsible for child protection and youth justice. It operates alongside the Children’s Commissioner and the Ombudsman, forming a triad of independent watchdogs with complementary roles.
The establishment of a board for the ICM marks a critical evolution in the monitoring framework. Until now, oversight has been conducted largely through executive leadership. The creation of a board structure is intended to bolster the Monitor’s independence, governance rigour, and strategic direction.
The appointment follows legislative changes passed earlier in 2025 that formalise the Monitor’s independence and its expanded mandate to report transparently on the performance of the Oranga Tamariki system, including how it meets the needs of tamariki Māori and other priority groups.
Leadership Continuity Through the Transition
While Dr Jury will step into her new role as Chair from 1 August 2025, the Monitor’s current Chief Executive, Arran Jones, will remain in his post through 31 July 2026. This one-year transition period is designed to provide operational stability and institutional memory as the new board is established and begins to guide the Monitor’s long-term direction.
Additional board members will be announced in the coming months. Minister Upston confirmed that the recruitment process is underway, with a focus on securing a diverse and experienced team that reflects the communities the Monitor serves.
Government Commitment to Child Wellbeing
The appointment of Dr Jury and the creation of the new board are part of the Government’s broader commitment to improving outcomes for children in care. It responds to public and political demands for more robust, transparent, and culturally competent oversight of Oranga Tamariki.
Dr Jury’s leadership is expected to enhance trust in the system—particularly among iwi and community partners—many of whom have been critical of the agency’s historic failures and systemic shortcomings.
By ensuring that the Monitor operates at arm’s length from Oranga Tamariki, the Government aims to restore faith in child welfare services and create a system that listens to the voices of children, whānau, and frontline advocates.
A Long-Term Vision for Vulnerable Tamariki
Dr Jury’s appointment is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a statement of intent. With her at the helm, the Independent Children’s Monitor is poised to become a powerful force for accountability, transparency, and justice in New Zealand’s child welfare system.
As the board prepares to begin its work in August 2025, eyes across the nation will be watching to see how this strengthened oversight mechanism helps drive lasting change for the country’s most vulnerable tamariki.