Calls to turn around removals of Maori children from whanau

A review by the Children's Commissioner's shows persistent inequities in the removal of Maori children into state custody.

Oranga Tamariki's Hoani Lambert says they have to deal with what's driving the number of children being taken.

He says he agrees with the Commissioner, but says there are many contributing factors.

He says Maori are two and a half times more likely than non-Maori to be hospitalised because of assault, and they're almost twice more likely to report adults being violent.