PHOTO: NIC DUFFChildren with complex needs could fall through the cracks as long wait times for children referred to paediatricians cause issues in the classroom, a North Otago principal fears. Teachers and principals were already campaigning for more support in their classrooms because of the increasing complex needs they had with children, she said. Further, it was important for not just the referred child to be seen by a paediatrician — but all children in the classroom. "When children with complex needs are supported, that means that they’re not a distraction in the classroom for other children to be able to learn." They were down one senior medical officer at present and were actively recruiting to fill the empty position, he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 11, 2026 16:02 UTC