Adoption in Aotearoa

The Ministry of Justice has released a discussion document on adoption laws in Aotearoa and are seeking feedback/submissions from the public .  Adoption can impact on our tribal member’s connection to their identity, and is an important kaupapa for us to be aware of. 

The discussion document here released as part public consultation which closes on the 31 August 2021. The Government will embark on a second round of engagement after working through submissions and developing a set of policy proposals for reform. 

Waikato-Tainui will be submitting some whakaaro on behalf of the organisation regarding potential impacts on the Tribal Registry and the Mokopuna Ora Team.  If you would like to share your whakaaro with Waikato-Tainui to be included in the tribal submission, we will be holding a Zoom Hui to discuss key issues on Thursday 19^th August 1 – 3pm.  Please reply to this email to RSVP for this meeting, and a link will be sent leading up to the meeting.

If any whaanau groups or marae would like to submit individual whakaaro on adoption in Aotearoa, they can do so in the below places:

• Share your views online at http://go.pardot.com/e/831923/policy-adoption-law-reform/4633y/203788478?h=jRdB6UJUR0O-hjWj77_ZE0McUcIW4Dg2kntaMroFSIA
• Write your submission and email to adoptionlaw@justice.govt.nz
• Post your submission to the Adoption Law Reform, Ministry of Justice, Freepost 113 PO Box 180, WELLINGTON 6140

If your marae is unavailable to attend the zoom hui on 19^th August but would like to be included in any further consultation regarding the adoption laws, please let us know by replying to this email.  This may include further opportunities to provide your whakaaro in surveys, waananga, etc on the second round of engagement.

 Tamaiti aakona ki te kainga, tuu ana ki te marae, tau ana!

The child that is nurtured by his/her own can stand with dignity