Bill to Repeal Section 7AA of Oranga Tamariki Act Passes First Reading in Parliament

Minister for Children Karen Chhour emphasized the intention to refocus Oranga Tamariki to be more child-centric, addressing the core responsibilities of protecting vulnerable children.

The Bill to repeal Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has passed its first reading in Parliament, signaling the Coalition Government's focus on prioritizing the care and safety of children in state care. Minister for Children Karen Chhour emphasized the intention to refocus Oranga Tamariki to be more child-centric, addressing the core responsibilities of protecting vulnerable children.

Minister Chhour stated, "For too long, the system that is responsible for protecting our most vulnerable young people has expanded its primary duties of care and protection to additional considerations that do little to further elevate safety, well-being, and stability. Removing Section 7AA from the Act reinforces the need to put the safety of the child first."

Section 7AA had imposed specific duties on the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki, which, according to Chhour, conflicted with the agency's primary purpose of supporting the well-being of at-risk children. She highlighted the necessity of treating children as precious taonga, criticizing the current system's inadequacies that lead to children being moved around without adequate care for their rights and needs.

The Bill will now be reviewed by the Social Services and Community Committee for further consideration.