The Children's Minister says the system needs to do better so more children aren't killed.

A damning investigation into the murder of five-year-old Malachi Subecz has identified five critical gaps in the system.

The Tauranga boy was murdered by his carer last November, after a history of abuse.

The review makes 14 recommendations - aimed at ensuring there are interlocking safety nets in place.

Children's Minister Kelvin Davis told Mike Hosking Oranga Tamariki had the first vital opportunity to intervene,  and when they missed that other agencies also failed.

He says the Government has accepted nine of the 14 recommendations and are looking at the other five.

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