Source: Privacy Commissioner
17 Sept 2026, 16:00
The public inquiry into the disappearance of the Phillips children highlighted the failure of government departments to share vital information.
‘Privacy’ is often given as a reason why this sharing doesn’t happen.
But Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster confirmed today, “A child’s wellbeing and safety comes first.
“The law is clear for child welfare and protection agencies or individuals such as health practitioners or children’s workers; there is no legislative barrier to information sharing where there are wellbeing or safety concerns for a child.“
The Commissioner said he wanted to especially speak today to those working in the child welfare sectors.
“You all do complex and important work and I know that being clear on what you can share, when, and with whom can feel challenging.
“Especially if there is urgency or the needs of the child or young person are complex.
“But as a professional in this sector, you will not get into trouble for sharing information for wellbeing or safety purposes, unless you share in bad faith,” said the Privacy Commissioner.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has detailed guidance about how child welfare and protection agencies individuals such as health practitioners or children’s workers can share information legally while also maintaining the privacy of children and young people. Read detailed guidance on information sharing at www.whatcanishare.org.nz
“People working with children should know they can share information about risks to a child’s wellbeing or safety with other agencies or people who can help keep that child safe. The value of the Privacy Act is to help agencies keep that information safe, not to prevent agencies from sharing it when they need to.
“The Privacy Act does not stand in the way of protecting children from harm. A child’s safety and wellbeing come first,” said Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/17/privacy-act-does-not-stand-in-the-way-of-protecting-children-from-harm/