Oranga Tamariki failed to take the "bare minimum" action over safety concerns about Malachi Subecz who was later murdered by his carer.

That's the finding of the Chief Ombudsman's report into the death of the five-year-old Tauranga boy last November following repeated abuse by his caregiver Michaela Barriball.

"Oranga Tamariki's own law and policy puts the well-being of a child at the centre of decision-making that affects that child," Peter Boshier said this morning in releasing his report.

"Malachi's wider whānau raised concerns about his welfare at the hands of his carer.

"I can only describe Oranga Tamariki's response as a litany of failures," Boshier said.

Michaela Barriball was sentenced to a minimum 17 years in jail for the murder of five-year-old Tauranga boy Malachi Subecz in 2021. Photo / Andrew Warner

The five-year-old died in hospital of his injuries in November 2021.

Five months before his death his mother, who was imprisoned, had placed Malachi in the care of a friend, 27-year-old Barriball.

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She was convicted and jailed earlier this year for the murder and mistreatment of Malachi.

"The circumstances surrounding Malachi's death are extremely distressing. I launched an investigation after his cousin and uncle complained to me about the actions of Oranga Tamariki," Boshier said.

He said the cousin first made a report of concern about the boy's welfare to Oranga Tamariki in June 2021.

Issues were raised about actual and potential harm, including medical neglect and suspected physical abuse.

"A number of things are supposed to happen following a report of concern in cases where a child is at risk of harm or neglect and if it appears an investigation is necessary or desirable.

"If an investigation is begun, Oranga Tamariki is required to do an assessment followed by a safety and risk screen — the screen identifies whether immediate action is required to secure the safety of the child."

Malachi suffered repeated beatings at the hands of Barriball, including being held under bathwater, burnt in a shower and twice thrown against a wall by his hair.

In June Barriball was sentenced to a minimum of 17 years' imprisonment.

It comes one day after the Ministry of Education revoked the licence of the Tauranga daycare attended by Malachi.

Abbey's Place Childcare Centre staff noticed Malachi's injuries in the months leading up to this death and photographed them, but never alerted authorities.

More to come.

- Natalie Akoorie, Open Justice