The Children's Commissioner admits uplifting a child is complex and at times controversial

Judge Andrew Becroft is launching a review into Oranga Tamariki after reports of mothers being isolated and pressured to give up their newborn.

It's also sparking concerns about racial discrimination, with figures showing a rise in the number of maori newborns removed by the state.

Andrew Becroft says it's hard work but that doesn't mean we can't do better.

He says just because a child's at risk doesn't mean a child needs to be removed.