The Children's Minister says she's disappointed unionised Maori staff at Oranga Tamariki are given special leave for cultural events

Maori staff at the agency are entitled to the leave to attend cultural performances, land court hearings or hapu meetings.

The list isn't exhaustive - and events where leave is allowed is best understood by employees themselves.

Karen Chhour says the clause is in the collective agreement - and the Government's powerless to change it until it comes up for renegotiation.