The Children’s Rights Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand is standing firm against the proposed repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. This proposed change poses a serious threat to the rights and well-being of children in care, especially tamariki Māori, and undermines New Zealand's long-standing commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as indigenous children’s rights.

In our oral submission to the Social Services and Community Committee, led by Steering Committee members Liselle Finlay (Family for Every Child) and Sonja Cooper (Cooper Legal) we highlighted the significant harm that could come from this repeal, emphasising how Section 7AA safeguards the cultural identity and well-being of tamariki Māori. The oral submission underscores the need for the Government to uphold its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Children’s Convention, both of which are vital in protecting the rights of children in state care. We also emphasised that Section 7AA also applies to youth in conflict with the law - removing it means losing a key statutory tool relied on by the youth courts to hold Oranga Tamariki to account, to better ensure that the pipeline to prison is stopped. 

The Whanaketia report from the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care highlights the significant harm experienced by tamariki Māori due to the failure to act as a Ti Tīriti partner. It reminds us of the cost of ignoring and overlooking critical rights, and the need to do everything in our power to ensure the care system is safe for every child.

Watch the full recording here (time 54.54). 

CRAANZ also developed a joint submission, supported by 24 children’s rights organisations, which provides robust evidence showing why Section 7AA’s repeal would be a step backward. Instead of repeal, the Alliance advocates for strengthening Section 7AA, addressing practice issues, and increasing investment in tamariki and their whānau. Read more here.