Above: all of our local partner organisations, who are joining us in this collective call
Our work in Aotearoa New Zealand
A call to save section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act
All over the world, we have worked with organisations and governments to impact law changes and policy amendments to better support children in need. As a member of the Children’s Rights Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand (CRAANZ), Family For Every Child have played a key role in bringing organisations together. Collectively, we are fighting a proposed law change here, too.
Together with other child rights advocates, we are calling on the government to keep section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act.
What’s in this Act?
The Oranga Tamariki Act is a law that regulates the care and protection of children and young people. Its purpose is to “promote the well-being of children, young persons, and their families and family groups.”
This important piece of legislation helps recognise the importance of cultural connections and the rights of indigenous children to their identity, language and participation. We are concerned Section 7AA’s repeal will cause further harm to tamariki Māori.
So, what is in section 7AA?
Section 7AA is the section of the act that reflects a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a vision that ‘no tamaiti Māori will need state care’. It exists to create partnerships between Oranga Tamariki and Māori, so that more tamariki and rangatahi Māori can stay connected to their whakapapa and out of state care.
7AA requires Oranga Tamariki to report to the public on how they are working to improve outcomes for tamariki Māori and their whānau, hapu and iwi. 7AA also builds important relationships with iwi and Māori organisations who are best placed to respond to care and whānau needs in their communities.
Importantly, section 7AA responds to the overrepresentation of tamariki Māori in care – an area of huge ongoing concern. 7AA holds the Crown accountable. The section ensures that policies and practices work to reduce cultural disparities, and are culturally informed.
Why is this important?
“Complete removal of section 7AA does not address the underlying issues and risks undermining critical protections for Tamariki Māori.”
Quote from care-experienced rangatahi, provided by VOYCE-Whakarongo Mai
In our ideal Aotearoa, every child is safe, cared for and thriving within their whānau. Section 7AA is a crucial piece of the puzzle. By upholding the section’s principles, we are taking steps toward supporting the unique rights and needs of children in our care system. Section 7AA helps to recognise the importance of cultural connections and the rights of indigenous children to their identity, language and participation. It acknowledges the crucial role of whakapapa, culture, connection and identity in nurturing a child’s development.
Taking this section out of the act undermines the indigenous rights of tamariki Māori.
That’s why, together with 24 other children’s rights organisations, we are opposed to the repeal of this important section of the act. We believe it will cause further harm to tamariki Māori and their rights.
What are we doing about it?
“My early years with whānau were the best of my childhood. It was when I was ripped away from them that things took a turn, and I was abused by my caregiver who was a complete stranger.”
“…What happens if this causes more harm and injustice? We’re not talking 1 or 2 people in care. When rules and legislation are changed, many young people can get hurt or die.”
Quotes from care experienced rangatahi, provided by VOYCE-Whakarongo Mai
As part of CRAANZ, Family for Every Child brought together a network of child protection and rights experts to oppose the repeal. 7AA must stay. Together, we have:
1. Made a submission to the government as we urge to stop this law change from being passed.
We are doing everything we can to ensure that 7AA is kept, while advocating for the changes needed that will better protect tamariki and rangatahi.
What are our recommendations?
Our recommendations emphasise the importance of upholding and strengthening section 7AA. We want to ensure that the proposed changes are consistent with child and indigenous rights. We also believe that shifting the focus to address the practice issues undermining children’s wellbeing, investing in proven approaches that enhance outcomes for tamariki and their whānau, and continuing efforts to combat structural racism within the care system will more effectively address the Government’s concerns.
Join the call, join the community
Family For Every Child’s impactful work supports the lives of over 23,000 children annually. By joining our global network of changemakers together, we are continuing to foster meaningful change led from the ground up.
